An investment management company goes wide-open in their brand new space.
When Ruffer LLP, a London-based investment management company, hired Woodhouse Workspace to refurbish its expanding offices, the company asked for a collaborative space. Woodhouse responded with demolition — stripping out existing ceilings, floorings, and partitioning — and replacing them with bright white walls, lots of glass, walnut doors, bright textiles, fine-tuned acoustics, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.
But the best part of the new offices? Sophisticated kitchenettes — which the Brits call teapoints — complete with bespoke booths and benches that lead out to a remastered terrace.
What is the address of the project?
80 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5JL
Who was the interior architect/designer?
Jason Batour of Woodhouse Workspace
When was the project completed?
August 2016
What is the total square footage?
35,000 square feet
What is the square footage per person?
About 130 square feet per person
How many total employees are there and what’s the daily population?
270
What is the location’s proximity to public transportation and other amenities?
Located steps from shops, restaurants, and cafes, Ruffer is also just a five-minute walk to Victoria train and bus station.
Which furniture brands/dealers were used?
Connection, Orangebox, and Frovi, among others.
Please touch upon any notable products, how they were used, and if they solved a specific problem.
We utilized the “Away from the Desk” range by Orangebox within some of the meeting rooms. They have an excellent table with an upholstered panel at one end holding a 32-inch screen, which is a very good collaboration tool.
Is there a mobile work or work-from-home policy or are most of the employees there all day every day?
They’re mostly office-based, as there is a lot of team collaboration and strict confidentiality rules due to the nature of the service they provide.
What percentage of the space is unassigned?
All the desking is assigned, however, there is a large number of meeting rooms and collaboration spaces, as well as a large breakout/teapoint space adjoining a roof terrace with outdoor furniture.
How is the company’s brand reflected in the space?
There isn’t much by way of direct company branding throughout the space, however, the look and feel is all in keeping with their brand values.
What is the most unique feature about the new space?
For the firm, the most unique part of the project is the teapoint/breakout space, which opens onto the roof terrace. This is a luxury that they love and use heavily.
If the company moved out of a previous space, what was the hardest aspect of change for people?
The hardest part of the project was aligning the aspirations of the leaders with what fits with the culture and demographics of the team.