103 Colmore Row: smaller but smarter
When Withers and Rogers selected one of Birmingham’s most iconic commercial buildings as their new home, we knew we had to create a space that lived up to its address. As an existing client, we knew what they were looking for: a flexible, welcoming workplace that encourages collaboration whilst supporting confidential legal work.
Having recently completed a successful fit out in their Bristol office which is already enhancing the way they work and collaborate, they approached us for something similar but different; a smaller, smarter space that works harder for their people.
Overseeing the city
Food with a view
Withers & Rogers already had a strong sense of what worked for their people, but kickstarting the process by touring a few of our existing projects helped them to get a true feel of what was possible.
Their Bristol office had shown the impact a well-designed breakout area could have on collaboration, team culture and the everyday experience of coming to work; themes we were set on replicating within the Birmingham design.
With less space to play with, positioning the kitchen and breakout area at the far end of the office was key to both creating a welcoming entrance and managing noise levels across the rest of the floor. In this area, the floor to ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light as well as making the most of fantastic views across the city; an impressive place to host clients, and the perfect spot to eat lunch.
Privacy versus collaboration
A delicate balancing act
Whilst collaboration and open space was a huge consideration for this office, private space to deal with confidential information and practices is still paramount to daily operations. By siphoning off a small section of floorplan, we were able to create a soundproof hearing room with ample space for two, without encroaching too much onto the core office floor.
Sitting at a distance from the primary collaboration area and marking the start of a quiet working zone, this room is designed to support sensitive legal work, high level exams, and virtual court hearings. Wall panelling, lighting, and layout were carefully considered here, resulting in a calm and comfortable focus area with great acoustics.
Smaller but smarter
A flexible footprint
The finished workspace maximises a small floor plan, fulfilling Withers & Rogers needs for their employees today whilst future proofing for tomorrow, with adaptable furniture and open space making change easy.
The floor plan helps people shift naturally between connection and concentration, passing through the collaboration areas and meeting rooms to reach the main office floor; meaning there’s a working zone to suit everyone.
Most importantly, the space has been transformed from an office to a destination, giving people a workplace that feels inviting and worth making the journey.
It’s such a pleasure to work with a client where there’s genuine trust on both sides. We’ve built a strong relationship over the years, and their confidence in us meant they were happy to let us adapt and change things as we went, making the whole process seamless.
Mirna AodeshMid-Weight Designer, Interaction
Design Features
Brand continuity, individual identity
A soft, calm palette of blues, greys and warm neutrals reflect the brand palette while creating a professional atmosphere that feels welcoming and calm. Locally sourced artwork adds a regional layer to the space, with the colourful iconography reflected in the views across the city.
A space that’s unmistakeably Withers and Rogers, with an identity of its own.
Unsure how to maximise your space for hybrid working?
If you’re looking to optimise a smaller workspace to align with hybrid working but don’t know where to start, we can help. Our office size assessment tool gives you a fast sense-check in just a few minutes, so you can quickly work out if your space is oversized, undersized, or simply misconfigured.
Case Studies
Explore our other smaller projects
Or learn more about office design and fit-outs tailored to Law Firms and Professional Services here.
