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Freeths

Freeths’ move to a new Milton Keynes office was all about creating a space that put people first. To make that vision a reality, the firm partnered with Claremont, building on the success of our previous Oxford fit-out. Together, we set out to design an environment that reflects Freeths’ ambitions for the future while keeping its team at the heart of the process.
Sector Legal
Size (sq ft) 7,300
Location Milton Keynes
Design and Build Furniture Technology M&E

The vision

When Freeths chose to relocate its Milton Keynes office, the firm entrusted Claremont to bring its vision to life. Having already delivered a successful fit-out for Freeths’ Oxford office, we were excited to build on that partnership and create a space that reflected Freeths’ ambitions for the future. The move aimed to keep its people at the heart of the firm, so creating a space that reflected this was central to the brief.

The design

The inspiration for the design was to combine brand identity and local iconography, creating a space that felt like a Freeths office, whilst still giving it its own unique touches. Local identity was worked subtly into the design, including the surrounding green spaces, the infamous grid system road layout, as well as local landmarks and history. Design elements from the Oxford office were also incorporated and developed further to create synergy across the firm’s 13-strong office portfolio.

One of the main aims of the project was to ensure that the space was equipped to encourage collaboration, support hybrid working and provide a welcoming environment. We achieved this by creating a flexible design that utilises the space in a way that best suits colleagues’ needs. Central to the office is a large breakout social space that gives the team a place to get away from their desks, catch up with colleagues, or hold informal meetings as well as doubling up as a larger area for quarterly briefings. The space also boasts a bespoke feature wall made up of moss sections, acoustic panelling and shelving, for the team to personalise.

The main office has been carefully planned to support hybrid working for Freeths’ 55-strong Milton Keynes team, with 40 workstations ensuring efficient use of space. Across the floor, we introduced a variety of internal meeting rooms, including a flexible, divisible space that can open up to accommodate 20 people, alongside soundproofed phone pods and booths for focused work or private calls. To enhance comfort and convenience, the design also features a welcoming kitchen area and two tea stations, creating a workplace that balances collaboration, concentration, and community.

As the UK’s largest B Corp law firm, sustainability was central to the project, with office furniture made from recycled materials and old furniture disposed of and diverted away from landfill.

Whilst emphasis was placed on employees, consideration to creating the visitor experience was also at the forefront of the brief. From the moment they arrive, visitors are greeted by a secure, welcoming entrance and a thoughtfully designed meeting suite, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease throughout their visit.

Paramount to Freeths’ brief was inclusivity and accessibility. We incorporated features such as an accessible-height tea station and thoughtfully designed furniture booths to ensure comfort for all. A dedicated wellbeing room, complete with a sink, fridge, and privacy blind, offers a quiet retreat when needed. To further enhance the experience, we applied sensory mapping throughout the floorplan, striking a balance between dynamic, collaborative zones and focused workspaces, giving employees choice and variety in how and where they work.

The end result

The final space hits the brief to a tee, and is the perfect space to encourage colleagues into the office as well as accommodating future growth and enhancing Freeths’ ability to attract the best legal talent.

The company’s new office reflects the way they want to work; it is a space designed to support its people and clients as it continues to grow and evolve throughout the region.

Explore Freeths’ Oxford office!

Destination Office

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