Leading built environment consultancy, Arcadis is known for its people-first culture and has recently been named number one in the Best Big Companies in London list. With an ongoing commitment to embracing remote, flexible working, Arcadis is dedicated to enabling employees to make choices that support work-life balance.

Hunters was briefed to specify, procure and install the furniture at the new Arcadis headquarters at 80 Fenchurch Street (80Fen). Our previous work with Arcadis on projects they were managing meant they understood the value of the Hunters process and, although they’d appointed a D&B contractor, they wanted to engage a furniture specialist. With a goal of attracting the best talent and an ambitious apprenticeship programme, Arcadis wanted a future-proof space that was inviting for the next generation.

During the first lockdown, as plans were put in place for the move from King Cross to 80Fen, Arcadis quickly realised it required a working space that supported agile working. The furniture package was reengineered to accommodate the need for meeting, breakout and collaboration areas. In an area where there was originally space for 60 desks, Hunters was tasked with transforming it into a business lounge with multifunctional areas. We achieved this by using high and low benches, phone booths, and two to four person booths – all with AV technology built in.

We partnered with Senator on desks, meeting tables and chairs; the Kin range of elegantly strong mono-shell seating featured heavily, as well as the Pailo oak-legged meeting table system. We also sourced from Frovi, Ocee and Orangebox. The retro, modular furniture selected uses a natural, understated colour palette of rust, beige, grey, sage green and pale blue.

Multiple lockdowns posed a real challenge during this project, but our team were able to schedule showroom visits and select fabric though face-to-face meetings when possible. And the result is a beautiful, collaborative space for current and future employees. The scandi-inspired break-out spaces are lightened with oak wood for a calming, natural feel. And the client lounge can be reconfigured to allow for a townhall setting.

This was a superb project, working with a fantastic team; Arcadis embraced our ideas, were forward-thinking and willing to select funkier pieces of furniture. Working with a client that specialises in project management meant it was important we met meticulous standards, and once again, the result was a smooth project programme with a stunning outcome.