D&AD required a design for their new offices and event space in Cheshire St, E2. The starting point was an 8000sqft empty concrete shell spread over two floors with high ceilings and generous proportions. The site took the lower ground and basement of a restored Victorian building that claims a long strip of the street.

On entering at street level, visitors land on a short walkway with a solid plywood balustrade. A large drop beyond the balustrades edge encourages a pause to appreciate views across the main staircase void to the lower ground reception and office area. Once descended down a short stair to this level, it is apparent that the solid balustrade is just the tip of a vast wall that wraps around the staircase to the space below. A large void connects the two levels with vistas between them and to allow abundant light into the basement. Furniture designer Carl Clerkin joined Brinkworth to collaborate on this particular project and developed freestanding furniture elements for the office, adding some delightful details and discreet humour.

In the basement, the event space has a kitchen area, flexible bleacher seating to create a casual auditorium feel, and a large boardroom at the back with sliding glass walls that can open up to unite the whole floor.