An Architecture Studio in London Captures the Vibrancy of the City

Workplace specialists Area, noted for creating personalized spaces throughout Europe, applied this expertise to the design of their new London office, which captures the magic of the city and boasts a range of diverse rooms and furnishings.

Located in the Bridge House building, next to Borough Market and steps to the London Bridge tube station, the 4,000-square-foot office brings the vibrancy of the city, and convenience, to Area’s employees. “We wanted an amenity-rich space, with a choice of spaces that support all of our activities,” says James Geekie, group design director at Area.

Modern office space with a glass-walled meeting room. Two people are sitting inside. The area features plants, soft lighting, and contemporary furniture.

There is a clear demarcation between the work zone and entrance. As visitors step inside of the workplace, they are surrounded by sophisticated dark hues in the front section, and treated to glimpses of the lively office as everyone moves about during the day. This simple division allows guests and clients to enjoy their experience without disrupting the staff, perfectly balancing transparency and privacy.

Modern meeting room with glass walls, a round table, four chairs, and digital screens on walls.

Person sitting in a modern, glass-walled office room with a mounted screen and tablet. Room has two pink chairs, a patterned carpet, and overhead lighting.

Modern office space with people working at desks and tending to plants. Large windows and a partition separate areas.

Modern office space with glass partitions, workstations, and green plants. Carpeted floor and ceiling lights add to the contemporary design.

With desk space for 40, the architects can work at tables with various heights, look at fabric samples, or review plans in plenty of natural light. Individuals can also complete tasks in focus rooms. These quieter spots are complete with acoustic felt panels which help to reduce noise. Placed on ledges and on the floor of the office, potted plants provide welcome touches of nature and fresh pops of green color – which complement the firm’s own signature verdant hue.

A person gives a presentation on a wall-mounted screen to two seated individuals in a modern office space with large windows and a textured carpet.

Two people sit at a modern office table with documents. The room has large windows, plants, and ceiling lights.

Five people are socializing in a modern kitchen area with a central island, tiled floor, yellow seating, and decorative plants and lights.

The kitchen, surprisingly, is the central hub of Area’s workspace. Situated at the back of the building next to a fire escape in the original plan, it inadvertently obstructed collaboration among colleagues. By transforming this particular sector, it is now a place that fosters interaction, where people can naturally gather to share meals or conversation. The designers chose what they describe as a mature color palette for most of the areas, but they played with bolder shades and texture in the galley. Glazed ceramic tiles in indigo adorn the walls, while fluted pieces in a rich terracotta tint surround the island’s base, adding dimension.

A man and woman sit at a small table in a modern, stylish office break area with green tiles, a long counter, and barstools.

Modern open office space with people working and relaxing. Includes seating area, workstations, large windows, and geometric patterned flooring.

Office setting with four people working at desks. Two are in discussion, while two others are focused on their computers. The room features large windows and plants.

Four people sit on high stools at a desk by a window, working on laptops in a modern office space.

Two people standing in an office, examining color swatches. The office has large windows, plants, and a patterned carpet.

A small, modern study nook with red walls, a chair, desk, and wall-mounted lamp.

Every meeting room has a distinct look and color scheme, like the boardroom, which is utilized for key meetings. Highlighted in muted purple and gray, the interior is conducive to key decision-making sessions. The lounge room, meanwhile, is reminiscent of a hospitality setting. Decorated with a tropical motif wallpaper and furnished with soft seating, it’s a mini oasis.

Four people at a conference table reviewing documents in a modern meeting room with a screen displaying colorful graphics.

A person walks through a modern office hallway with gray tiles and a large digital display on the wall.

Area’s London space is more than a typical architecture studio, it reflects their ethos. “We’ve built a space that meets our business needs, but it has also emphasized our culture and unique energy. Our people want to be here,” Geekie adds.

Modern office interior with a large screen displaying an open workspace. A sign on the wall reads "area skuth 360." A hallway leads to a room with decorative plants and artwork.