Insight

Seven unforgettable office receptions

Home Insights Seven unforgettable office receptions

The reception is the first thing people see when they walk into your office. It’s where first impressions are made, where guests feel at ease and where your culture starts to come to life. In this insight, we take a look at how today’s receptions are being reimagined to feel more welcoming, more purposeful and more like the places we actually want to be.

1. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Canary Wharf

The EBRD’s London hub welcomes visitors with a reception that’s both expansive and inviting. Framed by floor to ceiling windows, the space is bathed in natural light, while a sculptural ceiling design adds a sense of movement and modernity. At its heart, a curved timber bench encircles a soft blue rug, creating a relaxed, communal focal point. Lush indoor trees bring a sense of calm and connection to nature, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to sustainability and wellbeing. It’s a reception that reflects both purpose and poise, a fitting introduction to a global institution.

Project partners

  • Perkins+Will
  • chapmanbdsp
  • BNP Paribas Real Estate

Case study

2. Aviva, Manchester

Aviva’s reception at 40 Spring Gardens is all about presence with purpose - it's a confident space that immediately feels connected to the energy of the city outside. Natural materials, clean architectural lines and a soft, neutral palette create a calm and grounded welcome, while contemporary lighting and bespoke joinery add just the right amount of detail. This is a reception that invites, reassures and reflects Aviva’s commitment to creating thoughtful, people first workplaces.

Project partners

  • Space Invader Design
  • RLB
  • Avid Property Consultants
  • David Webb Associates

Case study

3. Fidelis, Bishopsgate

Fidelis’s Bishopsgate reception makes a bold yet welcoming statement. A curved timber desk and suspended greenery create a striking first impression, while white marble flooring and expansive floor to ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. A glass terrarium adds a calming biophilic touch, reinforcing the company’s focus on wellbeing.

Project partners

  • Align GB
  • Heasmans
  • GDM Group
  • Savills

Case study

4. Topland, Birmingham

Topland’s reception at 60 Church Street in Birmingham strikes a balance between sophistication and warmth. A curved desk with illuminated signage anchors the space, backed by vertical timber slats and a flowing LED light feature that adds depth and movement. Blue velvet chairs and soft lighting create a relaxed, boutique feel, while touches of greenery bring freshness to the modern palette. The result is a reception that feels both polished and personable - a confident first impression for a landmark address.

Project partners

  • Stace LLP

Case study

5. Rabobank, London

Rabobank’s London reception is a confident expression of brand identity and corporate presence. The sleek reception desk prominently features the Rabobank logo, immediately establishing a sense of place and professionalism. Set against a backdrop of natural light, the desk becomes the focal point of a space designed for clarity and impact. This reception communicates who Rabobank are from the very first glance.

Project partners

  • Rabobank
  • Cushman & Wakefield
  • Turner & Townsend Aliena
  • IDSR
  • Chapman BDSP
  • PTS
  • Cundall
  • AAD

Case study

6. Man Group, London

Step into Man Group’s London headquarters and you’re immediately immersed in a space that blends precision with personality. Sculpted timber walls and soft lighting create a sense of movement, while marble desks and rich textures ground the space. Designed with circular principles in mind, it reflects the firm’s commitment to sustainability and performance from the very first step inside.

Project partners

  • Perkins+Will
  • Turner & Townsend
  • Hurley Palmer Flatt

Case study

7. Capital Group, Paddington

Capital Group’s London reception is a masterclass in corporate grandeur and refined design. Its layout and material choices project authority and professionalism, supporting first impressions that align with the firm's reputation. Integrated lighting and spatial planning reflect a commitment to precision and quality, while every design decision contributes to a cohesive message of global presence, high standards and long term vision.

Project partners

  • CBRE
  • tp bennett
  • ChapmanBDSP

Case study

Is your reception making the right first impression?

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