Virgin HQ

Location: Fitzrovia, London

Sector: Office / Commercial

Year: 2024

Size: 24,000 sqft

Client: Virgin Group

Hello London! Hello, new HQ! A design that speaks to wellbeing, inclusivity, and flexibility

Whitfield Studios, steeped in music history, has been transformed into Virgin Group’s vibrant new London headquarters by White Red Architects. This four-storey space blends Virgin’s innovative culture with the legacy of legendary artists like the Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Amy Winehouse.

The design preserves the character of the studio’s clay tile ceilings and brickwork, adding curving motifs inspired by vinyl records to honour its musical roots. Each floor is tailored to specific work styles, with social spaces for collaboration, serene areas for focus, and accessible features like height-adjustable desks and contrasting finishes.

Sustainability was at the core of the renovation, achieving an EPC A rating with sustainable energy, natural materials, and thoughtful reuse of furniture. The inclusion of outdoor spaces, skylights, and air-purifying plants creates a harmonious connection to nature.

Drawing inspiration from the site’s history, materials and colours were chosen that reflect the original design intent. Fluted timber panels were used throughout to create a cohesive design language. The new roof terrace offers a contemporary outdoor space that complements the building’s historical context.

Whitfield Studios is now a dynamic workplace that celebrates Virgin’s identity while honouring its storied past, fostering creativity, inclusivity, and wellbeing for its 400 team members.

Amnesty International

Location: Shoreditch, London

Sector: Office / Commercial

Year: 2024

Size: 68,000 sqft

Client: Amnesty International UK

Respecting the Past, Designing the Future

The feasibility study for Amnesty International’s headquarters, located in the heart of Shoreditch, explored redevelopment opportunities within a vibrant cultural and historical context. The existing site, a former furniture factory, is situated in the South Shoreditch Conservation Area and has been earmarked for potential refurbishment and extension.

Three concepts were developed: an office-centric option and two hotel configurations. The office proposal envisioned a ground-plus-six-storey structure with rooftop amenities, blending heritage preservation with modern, adaptable workspaces. Key design elements included open layouts, rooftop terraces, and a focus on daylight and connectivity.

Our approach was sensitive to the site’s historic and urban context, preserving positive heritage aspects while introducing sustainable materials and enhanced massing. The project prioritised inclusivity and future adaptability, supporting Amnesty’s mission to create a dynamic and welcoming headquarters.

Film House

Sector: Office / Commercial

Year: 2024

Size: 95,800 sqft

Client: Hines

How can you create a sanctuary for calm, among Soho’s vibrant energy.

Film House is a landmark building in the heart of London’s Soho. Working closely with various stakeholders will yield commercial space of the highest quality, in keeping with the building’s vibrant setting.

Having undergone prior reconfiguration and extension, our design merges the historical charm of the surrounding neighbourhood with the integration of a new ‘London Street’ connecting the Wardour Street entrance with the end-of-trip facilities accessed via Sheraton Street.

The design focus became about the use of natural materials, neutral colours and incorporation of biophilic design principles to create a sense of wellness.This is particularly evident in the new reception and shared amenity, crafted for the enjoyment of building users on the rooftop.

Drawing the street into the building and moving away from generic and expansive floorplates, Film House regains its social character.

“The Garage” Rathbone Street

Location: Fitzrovia, London

Sector: Office / Commercial

Year: 2023

Size: 25,700 sqft

Client: Stevens Properties Ltd

7-9 Rathbone Street was an anonymous old warehouse in Fitzrovia dating back to the 1920s. The entire building was in need of refurbishment providing opportunities to create new roof terraces and improve the building’s image.

During the design process, an old photograph emerged which showed the original building as a garage. The words ‘J.A. Stephens’ over the door revealed a personal connection between the client and his great-grandfather. From this moment on, the project became about reestablishing this lost identity.

Historical features were reinstated, including the original ‘MAGNETOS’ sign and the ornate archway above the doorway. Historical photographs and adverts were used in the stairwell and office floors to remind people of the building’s past.

Fabric ducts made from recycled plastic provided an innovative and sustainable solution for the building’s services. This choice reduced embodied carbon while maintaining a high-quality, machine washable finish.

To connect the largest floorplate to the roof terrace above, a pop-up was built with hanging plants to draw the eye and invite people to explore.

“The Garage” is now back in Fitzrovia.

Embracing the Calm of August

Insights from Our Shoreditch Studio written by Dicky As we reach the end of August, I’m reminded of the distinctive calm that this month brings —an almost ‘calm’ before the storm.  Being in the office means it’s a perfect time to reflect on our workspace in Shoreditch, how it inspires our work, aligns with our […]