Softwire had outgrown their existing workspace and needed an environment that could properly support a growing team, hybrid working patterns, and the way their culture was evolving. The brief was not simply about adding desks but about creating a space that felt energising, welcoming, and reflective of who they were becoming as a company. Based at Highgate Studios, the 20,000 sq ft refurbishment needed to balance creativity and deep focus, while also giving visiting clients an immediate sense of trust, professionalism, and warmth. Softwire wanted an office that felt like a genuine home base rather than a generic tech workplace.
Softwire had outgrown their existing workspace and needed an environment that could properly support a growing team, hybrid working patterns, and the way their culture was evolving. The brief was not simply about adding desks but about creating a space that felt energising, welcoming, and reflective of who they were becoming as a company. Based at Highgate Studios, the 20,000 sq ft refurbishment needed to balance creativity and deep focus, while also giving visiting clients an immediate sense of trust, professionalism, and warmth. Softwire wanted an office that felt like a genuine home base rather than a generic tech workplace.
When AW Spaces became involved, the challenges were clear. The existing space was a large open shell with exposed structure, visible services, and an industrial character that felt raw rather than refined. Time was a major constraint, budget was tight, and there was a strong desire to reuse as much of the existing fabric as possible. At the same time, the space needed to work much harder. It had to support collaboration, quiet focus, client meetings, and informal connection, all without losing clarity or becoming chaotic.
When AW Spaces became involved, the challenges were clear. The existing space was a large open shell with exposed structure, visible services, and an industrial character that felt raw rather than refined. Time was a major constraint, budget was tight, and there was a strong desire to reuse as much of the existing fabric as possible. At the same time, the space needed to work much harder. It had to support collaboration, quiet focus, client meetings, and informal connection, all without losing clarity or becoming chaotic.
The design concept centred on creating a space that felt both inviting and energising, using warmth, colour, and natural references to soften the industrial shell. Colour zoning became a key tool, helping different areas feel distinct while still part of a coherent whole. Materials and finishes were chosen to influence behaviour, not just appearance, supporting creativity in collaborative zones and calm concentration in quieter areas. Accessibility and neurodiversity were considered throughout, ensuring the space worked for a wide range of working styles and needs.
The design concept centred on creating a space that felt both inviting and energising, using warmth, colour, and natural references to soften the industrial shell. Colour zoning became a key tool, helping different areas feel distinct while still part of a coherent whole. Materials and finishes were chosen to influence behaviour, not just appearance, supporting creativity in collaborative zones and calm concentration in quieter areas. Accessibility and neurodiversity were considered throughout, ensuring the space worked for a wide range of working styles and needs.
Delivery required close collaboration and decisive problem solving. With a strict programme and budget, the team focused on intelligent reuse, working with the existing structure rather than fighting it. Open ceilings, exposed services, and minimal interventions were balanced with carefully placed partitions, acoustic solutions, and moments of detail that elevated the space without unnecessary cost. The result was a transformation that felt deliberate and considered rather than rushed, despite the pressures on time.
Today, the finished space enables Softwire to operate as a connected, modern workplace. A variety of settings support different working styles, from hot desking and quiet zones to meeting rooms, phone booths, and informal collaboration areas. Dedicated dome and workshop spaces encourage knowledge sharing and innovation, while breakout areas and refreshment points promote wellbeing and everyday interaction. The office now clearly communicates who Softwire are, both to their team and to the clients who walk through the door, creating a space that supports culture, productivity, and future growth.
AW Spaces | Design & Build | London
Level 3, 1 Old St, London EC1V 9HL
020 3988 0057 | hello@awspaces.co.uk
AW Spaces | Design & Build | London
Level 3, 1 Old St, London EC1V 9HL
020 3988 0057 | hello@awspaces.co.uk
AW Spaces | Design & Build | London
Level 3, 1 Old St, London EC1V 9HL
020 3988 0057 | hello@awspaces.co.uk