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Turning relocation into opportunity
When McDermott relocated to a new 30,000 sq ft office in London, their ambition was to create a future-ready workplace that reflected their evolving culture, supported flexible ways of working, and strengthened connections across the business. Partnering with CBRE through their turnkey model, we transformed an empty shell into a regional headquarters designed for growth and collaboration.
“This was a chance to design a workplace that reflects McDermott’s evolving culture while giving their people the flexibility and connection they need every day,” shares Danielle La Porte, Lead Designer.
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Flexibility through contrast
One of the defining features of the new office is a multi-functional breakout area with foldable walls. By day, it serves as a relaxed social hub. With a quick transformation, it opens into a town hall space, supporting everything from team briefings to large-scale events.
The open-plan workspace is designed with a clean grey palette, creating a calm, neutral backdrop for focused work. In contrast, the breakout zone introduces oak finishes that bring warmth and energy, clearly distinguishing social and collaborative spaces from concentrated work areas.
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Brand identity, built in
Brand presence was an important part of McDermott’s brief. Their identity runs through the space in subtle but meaningful ways, with graphics and wayfinding guiding people through the office.
“Branding in this project was never about being loud. It was about weaving McDermott’s identity into the journey through the office, so it feels familiar and personal without overwhelming the design,” says Danielle.
A quiet room adds another layer to the experience, giving employees a restorative retreat away from the energy of the open plan and underlining McDermott’s commitment to wellbeing.
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Balancing reuse with renewal
Resource-conscious design was a priority for McDermott. By reusing a significant portion of their existing furniture, we extended its lifecycle, reduced waste, and freed up budget to invest in new design elements.
The result is a workplace that balances pragmatism with transformation, combining what was already in place with new settings that enable modern, flexible ways of working.
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Safety aligned with culture
McDermott’s strong QHSES culture also shaped our approach. We share their commitment to shared responsibility, clear communication and proactive risk management, and these principles guided both design and delivery.
Thoughtfully planned layouts, clear circulation routes and adaptable spaces support safe day-to-day use of the workplace, while wellbeing-led features including the quiet room and flexible breakout areas reflect our mutual belief that safety includes both physical and mental health.
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A platform for the future
McDermott’s London workplace is a flexible, brand-led headquarters that brings teams together. By blending adaptability, inclusive workspaces, and thoughtful design, it inspires people every day while giving the business the agility to evolve with the future of work.
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Inspired by what you see?
Get in touch to discuss your next project
020 7553 9500
info@oktra.co.uk
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