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Canvas of PLANS & DRAWINGS

Work, Rewritten: Edelman’s New London HQ by Gensler

Stella Manferdini

Canvas of PLANS & DRAWINGS

10.06.25

Keywords:

Workspace , Creations , Innovation , London

Image copyright: @Vigo Jansons

Rather than starting from scratch, Edelman and Gensler embraced the original building’s quirks and industrial charm. The result is a layered, textured space that doesn’t try too hard – it simply works. Gensler added 10,000 square feet to the existing structure by inserting five mezzanines and staircases, giving the space new energy without losing its sense of history. Spread over five floors, Francis House now offers a wide variety of settings for both focused work and spontaneous conversation.

What’s immediately clear is that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of place. With over 700 seats and 24 types of seating, the layout is designed to support everything from solo thinking time to team brainstorms. There are 12 different zones to suit different moods and needs – whether you want to hunker down in a quiet nook or spark ideas in a lively games room. A dramatic spiral staircase cuts through the middle of the space, connecting people across levels and encouraging movement and chance encounters.

Image copyright: @Vigo Jansons

The project is also a response to the shifting purpose of the office. Edelman wanted a space that could adapt to different styles of working and bring people together in meaningful ways – not just employees, but clients too. One entire floor is dedicated to client use, with comfortable, flexible areas for collaboration, meetings, or simply plugging in for the day. It’s a clear signal that this is a space designed not just for productivity, but for experience.

Sustainability played a key role throughout the project. About 15% of the original structure was retained, and much of the furniture was reused from Edelman’s former office. Vintage pieces were reupholstered and brought back to life, helping reduce the project’s carbon footprint while adding depth and warmth to the interior. The overall effect is eclectic but considered, professional but never cold.

Image copyright: @Vigo Jansons

Francis House is built around the idea that good design should support the way people actually work – not just how they’re expected to. There’s no rigid layout or prescriptive desk policy here. Instead, the space is open, adaptable, and ready for whatever kind of energy the day brings. High- and low-energy zones allow for natural shifts in pace, and the blend of open spaces and tucked-away corners means everyone can find a spot that suits them.

For Edelman, this isn’t just about having a nice new HQ – it’s about setting a tone for what the modern workplace should feel like. CEO Ruth Warder described it as a space that “fosters collaboration and creativity,” built with flexibility at its core. Whether it’s attic bars or expandable boardrooms, the aim was to create something that reflects the diversity of talent and thinking within the agency.

Francis House may have started as an empty warehouse, but it’s now a lively, purpose-driven workplace that’s ready for whatever the future of work holds. It doesn’t try to be a showpiece – it just gets the basics right: space to think, space to connect, and space to grow. And in a world still figuring out what the office is for, that feels like a step in the right direction.