Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will (PBP+W) has completed the design of a striking new office for leading insurance and reinsurance company, Allied World, in 20 Fenchurch Street, London, the first fit-out to complete in the building. Following sustained growth, Allied World required a larger office to relocate its UK headquarters, subsequently appointing PBP+W to lead on interior architecture, space planning and furniture advisory services for the new 30,000 sq. ft. workplace. An important part of the brief was to maintain interaction between the staff across two office levels with collaboration in mind. A staff café located around a stair link connects the two offices, allowing for chance meetings and communication among employees, with an emphasis on promoting a collegial atmosphere and more fluidity for agile working throughout the design of the office floors. Key features include an open plan workspace with a mix of high back and soft seating, and loose meeting tables. There is also a combination of meeting areas, with informal breakout areas and traditional meeting rooms for employees to come together and interact. In every area – from client dedicated zones, meeting rooms to the employee stair link – the Allied World identity has been woven into the design through colorways of materials in furniture, signage and flooring. Upon entry, visitors are faced with a branding wall that captures images from cities around the world which Allied World operates, showing the remarkable growth of the company and providing a striking entrance point for visitors. Visiting clients also benefit from a ‘business lounge’ which demonstrates the company’s commitment to servicing clients with a dedicated multi-function space that combines technology with high level customer service including coffee bars, lounge, a meeting suite and reception, all with magnificent views across London. William Poole-Wilson, Principal at Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will, said: “The overall design is complementary of Allied World’s brand, and provides employees with a more collaborative environment in which to work and welcome clients. The nature of the fast track project required close liaison on all aspects of space planning and design in order to meet the occupation date, and we’re pleased that the end result not only reflects the original brief but reinforces the atmosphere and culture within Allied World.”
