Creating a warm welcome: law firm office design redefined
Legal practice Paris Smith approached us to create inviting, contemporary offices with a home-from-home feel. They wanted to encourage collaboration while providing a warm welcome for visiting clients.
Client
Paris Smith
Sector
Commercial Office
Size
21,000 sq ft
Service
Design & Build
Duration
28 Weeks
Location
Southampton
With their Southampton offices in need of an update, Paris Smith asked AXIS House for law firm office design that would meet the functional needs of a busy solicitors’ firm, while providing inviting spaces to foster staff collaboration and welcoming meeting rooms for clients.
The team asked us to bring a ‘little bit of home’ to the new design to encourage staff to come into the office more often. AXIS House was chosen for this project because of our sector expertise as well as our willingness to lean into Paris Smith’s distinct company culture.
"It was incredible watching people’s faces as they walked into the new offices for the first time. Everyone said: ‘Wow’! Prior to the refit, our solicitors would find other venues for their meetings because they didn’t want to hold them here. But now everyone loves the new space. The design flows beautifully and AXIS House has delivered exactly what we were looking for. If I had to give AXIS House a score out of 10, I’d give them a 12!"
Paris Smith prides itself on a reliable, ‘family feel’ that engenders client loyalty. AXIS House proved to be the perfect design and fit-out partner – experienced, trusted and empathetic.
Our task was to create warm and welcoming workspaces incorporating open-plan desking, confidential meeting rooms and sociable breakout areas. With wellbeing in mind, we maximised natural light by positioning glass-walled meeting rooms in the middle of the floors, while placing open-plan desking areas closer to the windows.
To meet Paris Smith’s sustainability goals, our WELL accredited designers selected FSC-certified or reclaimed timber, energy-efficient lighting, and non-VOC paints and finishes. We addressed the needs of hybrid working by installing storage lockers, flexible desking and digital booking systems for meeting rooms.
The kitchen areas at Paris Smith’s new four-storey offices were specifically designed with collaboration in mind. These sociable spaces feature dark wood cabinets, café-style seating and soft furnishings.
Huddle spaces such as poseur tables, high-backed booths and small meeting rooms were also introduced to help integrate teams and encourage effective collaboration.
Comforting textures inspired by nature such as wool effect upholstery, rattan light fittings and greenery help to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and bring the outside in.
Natural light has been maximised wherever possible, and – although the colour palette is predominantly grey and white – pops of warmth have been added in tonal shades of moss green and aubergine.
We transformed Paris Smith’s offices, creating a series of bright and inviting spaces optimised for wellbeing, collaboration and professionalism.
Homely textures add warmth and character to the design, resulting in a series of inspiring spaces that are a joy to spend time in – for both staff and clients alike.
Paris Smith’s offices are now the perfect fit for their ethos and working practices. Want to align your workspace with your unique company culture? Get in touch.
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