Equistone is a leading European private equity firm, with its Manchester office located at 55 King Street in the heart of the city’s business district. With the space deemed in need of significant upgrades to maintain its professional performance, Jasper Sanders + Partners were tasked with reimagining both the client experience and the everyday workspace for the three partners and their administrative executive. The brief called for a thoughtful reorganisation of space, introducing a clear arrival sequence and formal meeting suite that would embody the firm’s core values and present a strong first impression to visiting clients.

Beyond the reception and meeting areas, the workplace was carefully restructured to support a range of activities. Informal meeting zones and places for quiet, focused work were blended into the layout, alongside a new tea point featuring a ‘stand and work’ station to promote movement and flexibility. An open meeting space was designed to encourage interaction between partners and visitors, while still allowing individuals to work independently when required. This considered variety of settings has brought a new sense of balance and order to the office, creating an enjoyable environment that supports both collaboration and concentration.

The completed design is a confident reflection of Equistone’s corporate identity – professional, people-focused, and timeless. A palette of real materials and strong, honest forms established a classic aesthetic that feels both refined and enduring. Through the reordering and organising of space, JS+P have delivered a workplace that is not only more productive and efficient but one that feels genuinely welcoming and conducive to business.