Sustainable Office Design for PRI London | Oktra Case Study
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  • Purpose-Led Workspace for PRI: Designing for People and Planet

    London EC2 / Financial / 12,000 sq ft / 13 weeks

  • Designing for people and the planet

    Our partnership with the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) began in 2019, when we delivered their first London workspace in Aldgate. Five years on, with their team growing and their mission sharper than ever, PRI returned to us with a new challenge: to design a space that truly embodied their values. They weren’t just looking for extra space—they wanted a workplace that would champion inclusivity, support wellbeing, and minimise environmental impact. Designed with both people and planet in mind, the result is a purpose-led environment that’s future-ready, proudly SKA Gold certified, and built to make a meaningful difference.

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  • Oktra delivered a high-quality project from start to finish, by understanding our brief and translating it into a well-designed, efficient space that reflects who we are. Their execution of the fit out and furnishing was carried out with great attention to detail. The end result is a workplace that genuinely supports how we work today and into the future.

    Principles for Responsible Investment

    Orient Tzintoli, Head of Facilities

  • Shaped by insight, built for positive impact

    Over two immersive weeks, we stepped into PRI’s world. We spoke with department heads, employee network groups, and team members from across the organisation to understand how they worked, what they needed, and how their former space was falling short.

    These conversations uncovered more than operational requirements; they revealed the preferences, challenges, and aspirations of the people behind PRI. Those insights informed every aspect of the design—from spatial zoning and lighting control to the placement of teapoints and the inclusion of dedicated wellbeing areas.

    “We wanted the space to feel intuitive and deeply connected to PRI’s purpose,” says Emma Page, Lead Designer. “The time we spent listening to their people allowed us to design a workplace that reflects who they are and how they want to work.”

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  • A workplace shaped by its people

    From the very beginning, PRI made it clear that their new workspace had to prioritise the wellbeing of their people. Our takeaways from the workplace consultancy became the foundation for a workplace designed not only to enable productivity but also to nurture comfort, autonomy, and inclusion.

    Wellness was thoughtfully embedded throughout the space, from a fully accessible retreat room to dimmable quiet zones designed to support neurodivergent individuals. Sit-stand desks throughout the office promote physical comfort, while calming finishes and adjustable lighting allow everyone to tailor their environment to suit their needs and preferences.

     

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  • The floorplate is divided into clearly defined zones that support different workstyles, whether it’s quiet reflection in the library, deep focus at open-plan desks, or informal collaboration around the teapoint. High ceilings and expansive glazing flood the space with natural light, while perimeter desk placement ensures visual connection to the outdoors, subtle but powerful features that contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing.

    We designed with the belief that every individual should feel comfortable, valued, and supported at work. Every spatial, sensory and social element was considered to foster a culture where people can thrive, stay connected and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

  • Guided by circular principles

    Sustainability guided every decision from the outset. With a focus on designing with a lighter footprint, we prioritised reuse wherever possible, retaining much of PRI’s original fit out, including desks, chairs, and loose furniture, while exposing the shell and core to limit the need for new materials. The result is a low-carbon workspace that feels fresh and contemporary without compromising on environmental responsibility.

    Throughout the space, materials tell a story of thoughtful, circular design: boardroom chairs made from ocean plastics and marine waste, coffee tables constructed from recycled fridge interiors, and teapoint worktops crafted from timber offcuts and hand-finished in Birmingham. Even the carpet tiles and timber flooring were selected for their ability to be disassembled and reused, ensuring longevity and minimal waste.

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  • Sustainability rooted in values

    Our sustainable principles extended beyond reuse to include materials and processes that reflect PRI’s core values. Across high-traffic and wellbeing zones, we specified Marmoleum flooring, a plastic-free product made from 97% renewable materials and produced under rigorous sustainability standards. Reclaimed wood from felled British trees was used for worktops, bringing craftsmanship and local character into the workspace.

    Every element was chosen with long-term impact in mind. From flexible wellbeing spaces to low-impact materials, the design balances employee needs with a commitment to our planet. It’s a responsible, future-ready environment where sustainability, inclusivity, and functionality work in harmony — an authentic expression of PRI’s mission and a strong foundation for their continued growth.

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  • Bringing brand and culture to life

    Subtle yet striking, PRI’s brand is present across the space in confident, considered ways. Their logo is etched into reception joinery, while glazed meeting rooms feature bespoke manifestation and natural scape-inspired graphics that speak to PRI’s global mission.

    “Every detail was designed to reflect who PRI are, not just what they do but what they stand for,” says Emma Page, Lead Designer.

    This workplace goes beyond supporting day-to-day productivity; it creates space for big conversations, meaningful work, and a solid sense of community rooted in shared purpose. Designed with PRI’s people and values at its core, it stands as a statement of who they are and the direction they’re heading.

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