Modern office lounge with an industrial aesthetic featuring exposed brick walls and visible ductwork on a black ceiling. The space includes curved modular sofas in muted purple tones, paired with round black side tables. Two green lounge chairs with wire bases add contrast. The flooring is light terrazzo, and large potted plants provide greenery throughout. In the background, there are café-style tables and chairs, complemented by a vibrant abstract wall mural. Natural light filters through large windows, enhancing the open and collaborative atmosphere. Contemporary office breakout area with an industrial design featuring exposed brick walls, visible steel beams and ductwork. The space includes curved wooden booths with tan leather seating arranged under large arched black metal frames, complemented by round tables. A central island with a terrazzo countertop and ribbed dark base adds texture, while a second island with a light wood finish integrates greenery. Overhead, acoustic panels in soft beige tones contrast with the raw ceiling structure. Natural light streams through wide windows with roller blinds, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Modern meeting room with an industrial design featuring exposed ductwork and brick walls. A large circular conference table with a central opening dominates the space, surrounded by tan leather swivel chairs. Above the table, a striking ceiling installation of angled acoustic panels radiates outward from a black circular frame, paired with a contemporary chandelier. The flooring is patterned carpet in neutral tones, and the walls include glass partitions with purple graphic designs and a black feature wall with technical illustrations. The overall look combines bold geometry with functional acoustic elements. Open-plan office with an industrial aesthetic featuring exposed timber beams, visible ductwork and suspended linear lighting. The space is divided into workstations with purple upholstered panels and black ergonomic chairs. Rows of black planter cabinets with lush greenery create natural partitions. The flooring is soft grey carpet, and the walls are painted in a deep purple tone with the text “Atom bank” visible in the background. Large round paper lanterns hang from the ceiling, adding a warm contrast to the raw structural elements. The overall design blends natural textures with vibrant colour for a collaborative workspace. Office breakout space with an industrial design featuring exposed brick walls, steel beams and visible ductwork. The area includes curved wooden booths with tan leather seating arranged under black metal arches, paired with round tables. Two large islands dominate the centre: one with a terrazzo countertop and ribbed dark base, the other in light wood with integrated greenery. Overhead, acoustic panels in soft beige tones contrast with the raw ceiling structure. Natural light streams through wide windows with roller blinds, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
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Home Case studies Atom bank

Where history meets innovation

Atom bank’s move to the Grade II listed Pattern Shop marks a major step in its growth. The new workspace brings together the character of a historic building with the needs of a modern digital bank, creating a home built for collaboration, talent and the future of work.

Project partners

  • RA Real Estate

Key features

  • Listed building transformation
  • Staff engagement at every stage
  • Flexible work and social spaces
  • Designed for future growth

Atom bank, the UK's first app based bank, wanted a dynamic, flexible hybrid workspace that would support their growing team, as well as attract and retain new talent. Once home to Robert Stephenson’s steam locomotive works in the 1800s, The Pattern Shop is a landmark piece of industrial history. Working in a listed structure of this scale needed care, understanding and close coordination with heritage bodies.

Laying the tracks for growth

We delivered a full Cat B refurbishment and fit out over four levels. Representatives from the bank were engaged at every step, including at the design stage, to ensure that the space would work for Atom’s growing 600 person workforce.

The design uses existing architecture in the most sympathetic way. Original features were retained wherever possible and new finishes were chosen to sit comfortably within the fabric of the building, with cast iron columns and exposed beams highlighted across the space. Subtle details pay tribute to the building’s past, including acoustic rafts inspired by train tracks and a striking tunnel entrance opening into the event space.

The ground floor now serves as a flexible reception, events and project space, complete with large LED screens for brand stories and business updates, as well as a barista style café. The upper floors include open plan work areas and meeting rooms with a strong focus on collaboration and room for teams to grow.

Full steam ahead

The finished office gives Atom a home that reflects both its future ambitions and roots in the North East, with a wide range of spaces for different types of work along with areas for events, social gatherings and project activity. The design supports hybrid working and gives teams the flexibility they need as the business continues to grow.

  • Newcastle
  • 20,000 sq ft
  • 19 weeks
  • Grade II listed building
  • Design & build

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