Details
In the post-pandemic reality of 2023, returning to the office required a total remodelling of workspace standards. For Bird & Bird — a world leader in intellectual property, IT, and cloud computing law — we aimed to create an environment employees would anticipate more than an Italian vacation. Spanning three floors in Warsaw's Central Point building, this new headquarters shatters the monotonous layout typical of law firms. By blending bold colours, expansive panoramic views, and a strict "less waste" philosophy, we crafted a space that perfectly reflects a team of serious professionals with wildness in their hearts.
2200
Square meters of area
3
Floors
14
Months of work
1
Rewriting the return to the office
As labour standards shift globally, an EY report highlights that 72% of surveyed brands working remotely are returning to the office or will do so in the near future. Consequently, more than half of employers recognise the absolute necessity of reorganising workspaces to make daily work realistically satisfying. This was our second time partnering with Bird & Bird. Having designed their previous headquarters, we already had a deep understanding of their organisational specifics and employee needs. The goal for this new chapter was clear: break the spatial monotony so characteristic of law firms and design an environment that directly addresses the modern reluctance to return to the office.
Meticulous strategy
Before drafting any answers, we asked hundreds of questions. Through intensive workshops, we defined the core assumptions needed to develop a detailed working environment strategy. The final decision placed the new headquarters in the Central Point building, requiring an aesthetic theme spectacular enough to match the high-level skyline views of Poland's capital.
2
A bold visual identity
The new space was designed to ooze Bird & Bird's unique personality right down to the HEX codes. It had to be surprising, out of the ordinary, and cause an accelerated heartbeat — mirroring the dynamic way these IT lawyers work.
We combined office minimalism with strong colours that reflect the youth and energy of the team. The base palette of whites, greys, and graphites is dramatically contrasted with deep navy blues and wine reds. The space is further enlivened by earthy colour accents, broken pinks, and spiced up with warming wood. This synergistic collaboration of traditional professionalism with a fresh, vibrant look forms the visual core of the office.
3
The customer experience
The customer area is the first touchpoint for B&B guests, designed to draw the eye, hold attention, and allow for intuitive navigation. Burgundy-sheathed ceilings subtly point the way to the business lounge, which shares priority access to the stunning 70-meter-high panoramic views. Elegant mirrors were strategically placed on the walls to modernise and optically enlarge the space.
The social heart - panoramic cafeteria
We poured a huge amount of substantive sensitivity into the central networking area, dividing it into two distinct zones to foster both spontaneous interactions and planned integrations. The primary zone is a breathtaking kitchen and dining area. Defined by deep olive green tiles that serve as its main colour palette, this space is filled with comfortable sofas and communal tables that encourage daily interactions. Elevating the experience is the full-wall panorama of Warsaw; situated 70 meters above the ground, the wrap-around windows offer a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the city centre while the team dines and collaborates.
The social heart - relaxation and play
The second half of this social heart is dedicated to pure relaxation and team bonding. Here, employees can disconnect and recharge, supported by playful swings, incredibly soft sofas, foosball tables, and speedball.
Efficiency and focus
Because efficiency is the result of many factors, the individual workspaces were designed with uncompromising ergonomics. Lawyers are equipped with ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable desks. To guarantee the acoustic comfort necessary for drafting complex court documents, the work zones are heavily supported by specialised acoustic wall panels.
4
Sustainability
Guided by our core principle of serving the good of both humanity and the planet, sustainability was a "must-have" rather than an afterthought. We ensured that furniture from the previous Bird & Bird office was given a second life in the new space, a masterful coordination effort managed alongside Zero Waste Design.
A living ecosystem
Greenery plays a starring role in the office's design, perfectly complementing the deep olive tones of the cafeteria and the earthy accents throughout the office. We integrated plant life not just as decoration, but as a functional wellness tool. Plant buds on the ground, walls, and ceilings filter the air, creating a living ecosystem. Designed in collaboration with Florabo, this extensive greenery actively improves air quality and brings a wild, calming touch of nature into the high-rise environment.
5
Scope and execution
It took 14 months of a meticulous process to deliver a project that surprised the industry. From understanding employee needs to executing the finish-out, the process was handled with complete transparency thanks to the Open Book formula managed by Savills. Every element came together to create a cohesive business card that represents class to the four corners of the world.
Scope
Design
Team
Board
Bogusz Parzyszek
CEO I Founder
Dominika Zielińska
Former Managing Partner, Workplace
Design
Ewa Jędras
Architect
Aleksandra Czarnecka
Senior Architect
Paweł Deroń
3D Artist & Visualisation
Katarzyna Gajewska-Kulma
Strategy Manager & Researcher
Aleksandra Piotrowicz
Architect
Weronika Pariaszewska
Architect
Client
Bird & Bird
Suppliers & partners
Damian Bieniek
Spacebranding & wayfinding
Adam Grzesik
Photos
