Withers LLP

Withers, a leading international law firm dedicated to advising people, their families and their businesses, have relocated their London office to 20 Old Bailey. KKS was appointed to lead the firm into the successful adoption of activity-based working; create a high performance workplace to attract, engage and retain the best talent, one where staff and visitors feel welcomed; and to promote the firm’s brand, culture and values.

The move provided Withers with an opportunity to implement an alternative, agile way of working. Employees have migrated from a predominantly fixed cellular office environment to an open-plan solution providing variety and a choice of work settings, supported by mobile technology. An intense change management programme ran in parallel to the design programme.

KKS lead Withers through the major workplace change management process – moving from cellular offices into an open-plan environment requires a considerable shift in employee attitude. The challenging change process and fast programme lead to an innovative design solution.

The large, contiguous floorplates have been interlinked via a connecting stair aiding communication and visibility. Wellbeing has been fused into the composition of the design by providing freedom of movement, communication and healthy eating.

Thank you to the project team:

Project Manager: Buro Four
Quantity Surveyor: Heasmans
Architect: Buckley Gray Yeoman
M&E engineer: SVM Consulting Engineers
Structural Engineer: Arup
Contractor: ISG
IT/AV: Mix