When it was looking for a new office space, international law firm Taylor Wessing, chose Edward Pavilion, a Grade I Listed building and a UNESCO World Heritage site on Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, as its new home in this vibrant and flourishing city. The 13,000 sq.ft space’s introvert nature on the top floor within Edward Pavilion made it a surprising choice for the home of a leading international law firm.

ADT Workplace was selected as the contractor to carry out the CAT B works, partnering closely with the project management team at Hollis and designer, Kin.

The vision

Taylor Wessing was looking to create a high class working environment of the same quality and effect as its existing London office. The approach to the design was to subtly intertwine the company’s key values and principles in such a way that they became part of the very fabric of the space, ultimately creating an interior that felt inherently Taylor Wessing and completely unique to the company.

The transformation

With varying work spaces, including formal desks, meetings booths, casual meeting areas and spaces for quiet work, the new office provides a flexible and agile working environment for the Taylor Wessing team, who can choose to work in the best way for them. In addition, break out areas have provided an environment which is much more conducive to collaboration, with enough space for all the staff to come together in a productive yet more relaxed setting.

The use of rich textures throughout, such as the oak chevron floor and soft lines of the hanging textiles, all set against the backdrop of industrial brick and steel, create an engaging and distinctive interior space. Taylor Wessing is a sponsor of the National Portrait Gallery ‘Photographic Portrait’ awards and ‘Hold Still’ exhibition so artwork from both was integrated into the design. It was utilised as wayfinding features throughout the space, providing an added dimension to the office and creating a truly unique offering for the client.

Not only does the space meet Taylor Wessing’s operational requirements but cleverly makes use of the building’s original features to create a unique office with the ‘wow’ factor. With an impressive and first-class overall finish, the inspiring space delivers a lasting impression on all who visit.

In addition, Taylor Wessing was targeting an ‘excellent’ rated BREEAM sustainability accreditation, which was a late decision in the design process. This meant that elements such as HVAC, acoustics etc. needed to be amended to achieve the performance criteria required.

Commenting, ADT Workplace co-founder, David Clemetson said: “Delivering this project to the high standards required, on the top floor of a Grade I Listed warehouse during a pandemic, with other fit-outs being undertaken at the same time elsewhere within the building, was definitely a challenge for all involved. But by working in true partnership, the project partners were able to deliver, all whilst keeping the project on programme and budget.

“Moving from a co-working space in the city centre to this purpose built and intelligently designed environment is something that will not only deliver real business benefits for Taylor Wessing but also improve employee wellbeing. It is definitely a workplace to be proud of.”