Located within one of the North West’s largest office campuses, Building 8 at Exchange Quay is part of a 435,000ft² site that accommodates more than 4,000 employees. The project reimagined a long-disused entrance vestibule – transforming it into an active and welcoming ground floor hub designed to support modern working life.

Rather than making a bold architectural statement, the scheme focused on creating a purposeful, people-centred amenity space. Clear functional zoning was introduced to accommodate informal meetings, quiet working, and relaxed coffee breaks, contributing to a better daily rhythm and experience for tenants. By increasing choice and usability, the space actively supports occupier wellbeing while enhancing the commercial appeal of the building.

Designed during the first UK lockdown in 2020, the concept was shaped by an early understanding of the post-pandemic workplace and the shift towards more flexible, conscious working behaviours. The result is a pragmatic and forward-thinking environment that enables businesses to operate effectively while empowering individuals to take ownership of their workday.

Working in close dialogue with the building’s architecture, key interior moves celebrated the distinctive geometry of the space while introducing warmth, tactility and texture. Intelligent spatial planning and carefully considered materials ensured the design felt intuitive, flexible, and grounded in everyday use.

At Building 8, good design supports real working lives, creating spaces that respond to people’s needs, encourage interaction, and provide a calm, purposeful setting for work, focus and connection.