CLIENT
Edelman
DESIGN
Gensler
LOCATION
London, UK
COMPLETED
2023
Edelman, a leading global PR consultancy, set out to redefine its approach to work, placing collaboration, creativity and community at the centre of its new London home. Relocating to Francis House, a historic 1902 warehouse in Victoria, offered the perfect backdrop for this shift, providing generous space for innovation and change.
Working alongside Gensler, we were appointed to specify furniture that would bring this diverse, village-like environment to life, ensuring every setting supported Edelman’s evolving ways of working.
Inspired by London’s energetic diversity, Edelman set out to create a village-like environment that emphasised community, flexibility and connection. To support this vision, Gensler designed 24 distinct space typologies throughout Francis House, from open-plan areas and mezzanine retreats to informal nooks and lounges that accommodate a wide range of work styles and preferences.
The building's exposed pillars and double-height windows flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm yet energetic atmosphere. To complement this interplay of old and new, the furniture strategy embraced bold, vibrant choices, combining refurbished vintage pieces, contemporary designs and reused items from Edelman’s previous offices.
We worked closely with Gensler to curate products, materials and colours that defined the character of each typology while maintaining a cohesive design vision. This included bespoke coloured workstations and contrasting fabrics to distinguish high- and low-energy spaces.
We organised showroom tours and workshops to identify the right products for each setting and coordinated detailed reviews with the design team to finalise finishes and fabrics. Retaining and refurbishing existing furniture, alongside vintage finds, supported both character and value, accounting for 25% of the overall specification.
Our team audited Edelman’s existing assets, identified reuse opportunities and managed refurbishment, cleaning and relocation to site.
Custom rugs, developed in collaboration with Totzke and Gensler, enhance the workplace experience while contributing to social impact. Totzke allocates 10% of profits to an action programme aimed at abolishing child labour in the hand-knotted carpet industry in India. The programme provides education up to secondary school level, midday meals and healthcare facilities for all children.
In addition to supplying loose and systems furniture, our in-house stylist curated accessories and artwork to bring further personality to the space. The final layer includes vintage pieces, unique design-led objects, books and games, all contributing to a workplace that reflects Edelman’s culture, values and sense of community.
Custom rugs were designed for the space in collaboration with Totzke, who allocate 10% of profits to Project Mala, an initiative providing education, meals and healthcare for children in India and helping to combat child labour in the hand-knotted carpet industry.
