By collaborating with British artisans, the London-based studio has made a six-storey barrister chambers in the heart of the city feel like home
When Twenty Essex Barrister Chambers – a leading commercial set of chambers located moments from the Strand in the heart of London – decided to extend its existing premises across six floors, the ambitious brief was for a welcoming space that would celebrate the history of the surrounding area.
Interior designer Pernille Lind, who is known for elegant interiors that draw inspiration from Scandinavia and Asia, was the ideal fit for the project. Embracing the rich history of the area, she created a sophisticated interior that celebrates British craftsmanship with a sumptuous palette of natural materials and tones. “We always prioritise working with local makers and artisans, as this approach provides a contextual integrity and authenticity to the project,” explains Lind. “Central to our design ethos was to instil a sense of comfort – akin to that found in a home.”
Each of the six floors has been designed with a distinct purpose. Social spaces – such as a café, event space and break-out areas – are arranged over the basement and lower- ground floors, while the barristers’ workspaces are on the upper floors. The ground floor is strategically designated as the main reception area, and the first floor is dedicated to seminar spaces and an outdoor terrace with a wine bar and dining.
The seminar rooms can also be opened up to the outdoor area to allow for larger gatherings in the summer months. Finely crafted wood plays a key role throughout the scheme, working to make the expansive space feel warm and intimate – think classic herringbone floors, walnut conference tables and playful pippy oak cabinetry with fluted detailing. Natural textiles, such as linen, cotton and mohair, complement the timber and evoke home comforts. “We really wanted to restore the space to its former glory and grandeur,” says Lind. “The versatility and cost of wood made it a practical choice, while also contributing warmth and a crafted feel to the environment.”
This handmade approach, however, posed some challenges too – namely how to seamlessly integrate the technology and functionality necessary for a leading barristers’ chambers into the crafted fit-out. The answer lay in close collaboration with local makers and artisans, including Benchmark, Trees Lounge, George Smith, Sinclair Till, NOVOCASTRIAN, Rough Living, Lind + Almond, and Fiona McDonald. These makers were able to design and skilfully execute conference tables with integrated AV and telecommunications, hearing room tables, bespoke clerks’ desks, and joinery housing screens.
In doing so, the line between craft and technology dissolves, offering both employees and clients a softer, more welcoming experience – an essential consideration in the often high- stress legal environment. Adding to the residential appeal of the space, lighting has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of each specific area. While places for focused work feature highly functional task lighting, the break-out and social spaces are illuminated by more ambient lights to create a more casual, cosy atmosphere.
“The design brief was clear: our client wanted to emulate the comforts of home, creating an inviting environment in the workplace,” says Lind. “This appreciation from those who now use and enjoy the space daily is so gratifying – the overarching sentiment is that the spaces are both interesting and calming.”
Images by Joachim Wichmann
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