Shoosmiths
Following a merger with Edinburgh-based Archibald Campbell and Harley (ACH), leading legal firm Shoosmiths has opened its doors for the first time in Scotland’s capital city. The move to a new office at Saltire Court allows the former ACH team to embrace Shoosmiths’ culture and values and prepare for future expansion.
Sector
Legal
Location
Edinburgh
Size
11,500 sq ft
Scope
Interior Design
Fit-out
Furniture
Audio Visual
How we added Value
Shoosmiths’ acquisition of ACH prompted the team to move from its former home in an old Georgian building, where the teams were split across three floors, to Saltire Court, an open
plan office with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.
Claremont’s brief was to create an office environment which would bring Shoosmiths’ brand, values and culture to life for the new team and create ample space for growth. In particular an impressive client space was requested which befit the location and Shoosmiths’ first Scottish operation and an open plan environment which would bring the team together to support communication and openness. The new office also needed to help ACH Shoosmiths attract and retain the best staff.
Claremont’s planning principle of ‘placement and location’ created an office environment with multifunctional spaces that support the fixed working areas. ACH Shoosmiths’ team can now flex and grow as required in their new office environment and can collaborate easily in inspiring spaces that support the firm’s client-focused values.
Saltire Court was designed around Edinburgh’s castle terrace with the curve of the castle wall as inspiration. With this in mind Claremont carried the architectural curve through into ACH Shoosmiths’ new office design to create pockets of informal meeting space, meeting rooms and the delineation of departments. The office also includes a colourful staff kitchen where partners and staff can come together to spend breaks and hold informal meetings.
Glass partitions create an open and transparent working environment. Materials such as sandstone and oak help to make a connection with the exterior of the building, whilst historic images of Edinburgh dress the office interior and create a clear sense of place. Claremont incorporated Shoosmiths’ new distinctive brand and colour scheme throughout the office space and client suite in the form of partitioning, furniture, fabrics and manifestations.
Departmental storage is adjacent to each team with the bulk storage at the core walls. The client suite contains a variety of meeting rooms, which can also be used as a lecture theatre for up to 60 people.
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