Project Info
Project Name: Norton Folgate Office Interiors
Location: London, United Kingdom
Architects: Universal Design Studio
Lead Designers: Jason Holley, Hannah Carter Owers
Client: British Land
A human-centered lounge, defined by warm oak and soft natural light
Tucked between Shoreditch and the City of London, the Norton Folgate development stands as a quiet testament to the dialogue between old and new. Universal Design Studio has reimagined the interiors of the office spaces within this historic district, crafting environments that pay respect to the site’s industrial legacy while responding to the evolving expectations of the modern workplace.
Refined oak joinery meets raw industrial brick, creating a dialogue between old and new
The architects approached the project with a deep understanding of London’s layered urban fabric. Instead of imposing a singular design identity, they allowed the history of Norton Folgate to inform every decision. Exposed brick walls, textured plaster, and darkened steel create an atmosphere that feels rooted in the area’s past, while refined timber details and generous natural light introduce warmth and openness.
Exposed industrial services create a layered dialogue with soft, sheer curtains
Each floor is designed to support a sense of fluid collaboration. Spaces are divided not by rigid walls but by shifts in material and light. Meeting rooms, communal zones, and workstations are linked through a visual rhythm of oak joinery and steel frames, creating a language of transparency and movement. The interiors feel both structured and adaptive, allowing users to shape the environment according to their needs.
Vibrant, high-gloss surfaces define a distinct, tactile work zone
Sustainability lies at the heart of the design. Many of the original materials were retained and restored, reducing waste and preserving the building’s authenticity. The architects worked with British Land to ensure that every intervention contributed to long-term flexibility and responsible resource use. The result is a series of workspaces that feel timeless, rather than trend-driven—an architecture built for endurance and quiet evolution.
Universal Design Studio’s attention to tactility is evident in every detail. The meeting rooms are enclosed by glass screens that subtly diffuse daylight, offering privacy without isolation. Exposed ceilings reveal the structure’s rhythm and allow air to circulate freely. Furniture and fixtures are crafted from sustainable materials, emphasizing durability and craftsmanship over excess.
Modern furniture contrasts with the preserved brick fireplace, celebrating historical authenticity
Beyond its physical qualities, the project redefines the emotional experience of work. The interiors are not simply backdrops for productivity; they are spaces that nurture a sense of belonging. By grounding the design in authenticity and craft, the architects have created an environment that invites both focus and connection. The warmth of natural materials and the interplay of light encourage occupants to slow down, observe, and engage with their surroundings.
Warm, natural timber defines a communal dining zone, fostering collaboration
Norton Folgate’s character has always been one of reinvention. Once a hub for artisans and merchants, it now becomes a landscape of creative industry. Universal Design Studio’s design honors that spirit of transformation. The architecture does not erase what came before; it listens to it, adapts it, and extends its narrative into the future.
At dusk, the light filtering through the restored windows reveals the subtle texture of the walls, the soft gleam of steel, and the calm presence of oak. It is a portrait of London’s contemporary spirit—resilient, layered, and deeply human.
A serene, tactile lounge frames the building's historic London context
Through the Norton Folgate project, Universal Design Studio proves that modern workplaces can be both functional and poetic. They have shaped not only an interior but an experience: one that celebrates history, invites collaboration, and reminds us that even within the city’s restless motion, architecture can still offer stillness and depth.
PHOTO CREDIT: Felix Speller
Save this story. A free account keeps your reading list and the 07:00 email in one place.
CREATE FREE ACCOUNT →SIGN IN
