Contemporary office lounge and reception area featuring curved grey sofas arranged around a circular coffee table, with a bright yellow banquette and integrated planting at the centre. A large decorative pendant light hangs beneath a sculptural ceiling feature with timber detailing and black accents. Soft lounge chairs line the perimeter beside full-height curtains, while glazed meeting rooms and a refreshment area are visible in the background. The space combines light stone flooring, warm neutral tones and modern furnishings to create a welcoming hospitality-inspired workplace environment. Modern office café and breakout space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views across the city. A central round table with integrated planting is surrounded by stools, while high-backed booth seating lines the window perimeter. A refreshment area with coffee machines, shelving and storage occupies one side of the room. The interior features large ceiling-mounted acoustic panels, exposed services, light tiled flooring and abundant natural daylight, creating a bright and informal setting for breaks, collaboration and social interaction. Rooftop terrace with outdoor dining tables and chairs overlooking a city skyline. Two people stand beside a glass balustrade, with a historic clock tower and surrounding stone buildings forming a prominent backdrop. A large observation wheel is visible in the distance, while clear blue skies and bright daylight illuminate the space. The terrace provides an outdoor setting for informal meetings, breaks and social gatherings with panoramic urban views. Contemporary meeting room with a large oval timber conference table surrounded by upholstered chairs. A wall-mounted display screen with integrated video conferencing equipment is positioned against a feature wall finished with metallic panels and recessed lighting. Decorative shelving, pendant lights and timber storage units add a hospitality-inspired feel, while acoustic wall finishes and soft carpeting create a comfortable setting for formal meetings and hybrid collaboration. Contemporary office reception and hospitality area featuring a curved reception desk with illuminated bronze-toned detailing and a matching coffee bar. Light wood cabinetry, stone surfaces and integrated shelving create a refined, hotel-inspired aesthetic. A barista-style coffee machine sits at the refreshment counter, while casual seating and planting are arranged throughout the space. Overhead, a sculptural ceiling feature with curved metallic fins and integrated lighting mirrors the flowing forms of the furniture below, creating a welcoming environment for visitors, meetings and informal work. Modern boardroom with a large oval timber meeting table surrounded by upholstered conference chairs. A wall-mounted display screen with integrated video conferencing equipment is positioned within bespoke light wood joinery at one end of the room. Several people are seated around the table using laptops, while another person stands in the doorway. The space features a patterned carpet, acoustic timber ceiling slats, neutral wall finishes and glazed partitions, creating a professional environment for meetings and collaboration. Quiet office lounge area with a high-backed upholstered armchair, floor lamp and side table arranged on a circular rug beside floor-to-ceiling glazing. Several indoor plants add greenery to the space, while an outdoor rooftop terrace with seating is visible through the windows. A historic clock tower can be seen in the background beyond the terrace. The space provides a comfortable setting for informal work, reading and relaxation, with abundant natural light and panoramic city views. Contemporary office café and collaboration area featuring red upholstered booth seating, freestanding tables and grey upholstered chairs arranged beside floor-to-ceiling windows. Two people are seated in one of the booths using a laptop, while additional café-style seating is positioned throughout the space. A striking ceiling feature with curved bronze-toned fins and integrated lighting runs overhead, creating a strong architectural focal point. Natural daylight fills the area, which combines hospitality-inspired furnishings, city views and flexible settings for informal meetings, dining and focused work.
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Home Case studies Pinsent Masons

Raising the bar for legal workplaces in Manchester

Pinsent Masons' new office at No.1 St Michael's combines flexibility, wellbeing and high performance working to create a future ready workplace at one of Manchester's most sustainable commercial developments.

Project partners

SpaceInvader Design
Gleeds
WSP
SOCOTEC Building Control

Key features

  • Hospitality inspired reception with staffed barista area
  • Prominent social hub with outdoor terrace
  • Neighbourhood based workplace strategy
  • Inclusive wellbeing facilities

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons relocated to No.1 St Michael's in the heart of Manchester city centre to create a workplace that reflects the changing needs of legal practice, supporting hybrid working while remaining adaptable for the future. Together with SpaceInvader Design and the wider project team, we delivered a calm, high performing workspace that offers comprehensive choice and flexibility for its people. 

Designed around modern legal work styles

Neighbourhood based working shapes the floorplates, creating dedicated team areas while encouraging connection across the business through a mix of quiet focus spaces, collaborative settings and informal meeting areas distributed throughout the office. A high number of enclosed focus rooms, one to one pods and smaller meeting rooms provide employees with spaces suited to concentrated tasks and confidential conversations, creating an environment where employees can perform at their best.

Inclusive amenities were a key consideration throughout the design. The reception creates a calm and welcoming arrival experience for employees and clients, with a staffed barista area that brings a hospitality feel. Facilities including a multi faith room, contemplation space and returning parent room ensure the office caters for the needs of a diverse workforce. The large social hub connects directly to an outdoor terrace offering panoramic views across Manchester, the perfect location for informal meetings, social interaction and time away from the desk.

Delivering within a complex environment

The project was delivered in an occupied multi tenant building, requiring close collaboration with all stakeholders throughout the fit out works. Careful planning, proactive communication and coordinated logistics management meant the team maintained progress across the 26 week programme with minimal disruption within the wider development.

Built for the future

The result is a workplace that supports productivity, collaboration and wellbeing in equal measure. With its flexible design and people focused approach, the space reflects Pinsent Masons' long term commitment to Manchester while providing a strong platform for future growth and evolving ways of working.

  • St Michael's, Manchester
  • 26,600 sq ft
  • 26 weeks

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