Creative agency office design: the coolest workplaces

Reflecting the nature of their work and sector, creative agencies were quicker than more traditional companies to embrace the experimental workspaces, layouts and modular systems that emerged in the late 20^th Century. And while desk-centric design and fixed working patterns endured, creative agencies evolved faster than corporate and professional services firms. Embracing vibrant colour schemes and collaborative spatial arrangements, they pushed the boundaries of conventional office design, prioritising agility, comfort and convenience long before anyone had heard of hybrid working.

Today, UK creative agencies tend to occupy spaces that foster collaboration and innovation. Open-plan designs that promote spontaneous encounters are popular, with zoned areas and flexible, reconfigurable space allowing for different uses and work styles. The promotion of brand ethos is paramount, while sustainability and wellbeing are key design priorities, often linked to talent attraction and retention. In fact, the strategic – as well as aesthetic – impact of design schemes is vitally important for creative agencies.

Our top 10 creative agency office designs

Here, we take a look at some of the coolest and most exciting new offices in the UK creative sector.

1/ Thames & Hudson

After 20 years at their Holborn headquarters, in 2025 publishers Thames & Hudson relocated to new premises in the Gagosian Gallery at Kings Cross. Working in partnership with MarshKeene Architects, Virtus were challenged to create an office scheme that showcased the company’s publications and signalled a shift to new collaborative ways of working. The new space comprises an open-plan layout with polished concrete floors and a timber-lined mezzanine. There’s also a courtyard, breakout booths and adaptable collaboration zones to support creativity and cross-departmental working. The interior design scheme is paired-back and neutral, allowing the company’s books and heritage to shine.

Key project info                                                                                                       

• Size: 16,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Timber-lined mezzanine, which accommodates biophilic design features
• Office designer: Virtus

 WRKPLC’s verdict

This new office has truly delivered in terms of breaking down siloes and promoting open, collaborative working. It also beautifully showcases the Thames & Hudson brand; we particularly like the originally Dolphin mosaic and logo.

2/ Jones Knowles-Ritchie

In 2023, global branding agency Jones Knowles-Ritchie (JKR) moved their London headquarters to Shoreditch. The new location, the iconic Tea Building, is a former warehouse known for its creative heritage. Drawing on this stylish, industrial framework, Maris designed an agile working environment across two floors. Key features include a split-level open-plan layout with abundant natural light and exposed architectural elements. There are bar-style benches for hybrid teams, permanent desks for collaboration and a raised platform which functions as a library, tea point and event space. Meanwhile, biophilic design features and warm wood tones enhance the overall sense of wellbeing and creativity.

Key project info                                                                                                       

• Size: 14,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Incorporation of the building’s industrial aesthetic
• Office designer: Maris Interiors

 WRKPLC’s verdict

This design aligns perfectly with JKR’s commitment to agile working and brand storytelling. The use of existing industrial features, combined with the warmth of wood details, creates a lovely juxtaposition.

3/  VaynerMedia

Global advertising agency Vayner Media recently relocated to Clerkenwell, occupying its first-ever bespoke office space in London. Designed to support creativity, comfort and connections, the new space challenges traditional workplace conventions. Five metres of bleacher seating connect two floors and provide opportunities for townhall events and ad hoc meetings. A central kitchen converts seamlessly into a ‘content creation station’, while pop-themed meeting spaces, disco-themed toilets and an art gallery provide energy and edge. Aiming to spark creativity, no two spaces within the office are the same, with each room’s unique aesthetics urging new ideas and bold approaches.

Key project info

• Size: 16,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Disco-themed toilets
• Office designer: Peldon Rose

WRKPLC’s verdict

This is a brave office design and inspirational work environment, one which dares its employees to push boundaries and think differently. It’s colourful, stylish and highly original – we love it.

4/ PriestmanGoode

International design agency PriestmanGoode’s new Farringdon office is a vibrant, high-performance workspace tailored for design innovation. Designed by Soul Spaces, the new office features a cohesive colour-coded scheme that enhances functionality and visual identity. A bespoke Colour, Material and Finish (CMF) area supports design team requirements, while varied zones, including soft seating, focus rooms and high tables, cater to diverse work styles. The meeting suite includes a lounge, boardroom and transformable VR room. Overall, this dynamic, collaborative environment reflects PriestmanGoode’s ethos of shaping the future through design, offering a flexible, inspiring space for creative thinkers, strategists and makers.

Key project info

• Size: 6,500 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Colour-coded meeting spaces and work areas
• Office designer: Soul Spaces

 WRKPLC’s verdict

A vibrant and exciting office that’s fully aligned with PriestmanGoode’s future-focused vision and creative identity. Nice work.  

5/ Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2)’s new London headquarters brings its post-merger workforce together under one roof for the first time. The purpose-built, super-connected workspace is designed to celebrate the VMO2 brand. Every floor accommodates ‘destination zones’ that connect employees across different stages of the company’s mission: ‘connect + inform’, ‘supercharge’, ‘perform’ and ‘transform’. Each zone boasts its own hospitality-oriented arrival area, while the top floor is home to an expansive events space and café. Wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability are key design priorities, with the overall workspace aiming for WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding certifications.

Key project info

• Size: 82,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Unique ‘destinations zones’ on each floor
• Office designer: Gensler

 WRKPLC’s verdict

The distinct cultural threads woven through each floor reflect the diversity of VMO2’s products and services. This is a really impressive new workspace that successfully unites two companies and groups of employees.

6/ WPP Manchester

In the heart of Spinningfields, WPP Manchester is a modern creative campus, home to multiple creative agencies. Spanning eight floors, the new space features open-plan layouts, double-height social hubs and a stunning rooftop terrace, plus a café, bar and business event space. The campus integrates inclusive design features, such as mothers’ rooms, accessible toilets and other facilities, and in 2023 was awarded a BREEAM Excellent rating. As WPP’s first UK site outside London, the campus reflects the group’s commitment to Manchester’s creative economy. It aims to catalyse creativity and growth through community partnerships and local talent development.

Key project info

• Size: 85,000 sq ft
• Location: Manchester
• Standout feature: Three double-height social hubs and feature staircases
• Office designer: BDG

 WRKPLC’s verdict

This workspace development represents a major investment in Manchester as a creative hub. It’s particularly good to see strong community alliances being created to tackle local homelessness and poverty.

7/ Coffee & TV

Coffee & TV was the first B Corp-certified creative studio in the UK advertising industry. In 2023, the company relocated from Soho to Farringdon, looking to create a workspace where clients and employees would feel equally at home. Mehrai Design helped the company develop a spectacular, multi-layered environment, combining the look and feel of a members club with cutting-edge technology. Enclosed spaces and open areas enable both private and collaborative work, creating a dynamic hub for diverse project needs and working styles. There’s also a bar that blurs the line between work and play, providing a central focus for the space as a whole.

Key project info

• Size: 4,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Members club ambiance and aesthetics
• Office designer: Mehrai Design

 WRKPLC’s verdict

The earthy materiality of this office is astounding. The whole space speaks to On’s connection to nature and movement. The A beautiful, light-filled workspace with very elegant finishes and features. We especially like the warm, woody tones and clean brickwork. Strong sustainability creds, too.

8/ Skyscanner

Wasserman’s London headquarters blends brand storytelling with spatial sophistication. Branching across two floors of Aldwych House in Covent Garden, the office brings together two separate workforces, previously located in Regent Street and Soho Square, into one contiguous workspace. It is a dynamic embodiment of the agency’s creative ethos, balancing sleek professionalism with playful energy, integrating collaborative zones, private nooks and branded environments. The design features bold graphics, layered textures and curated lighting to foster inspiration and connection. With a focus on flexibility, the space supports both client engagement and team synergy, making it a flagship workspace for innovation, experience and brand-aligned productivity.

Key project info

• Size: 21,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Powerfulbrand alignment and expression
• Office designer: DENTON

 WRKPLC’s verdict

We love the combination of sleek, dark finishes and strong colour bursts. There’s a real energy about this workspace that communicates both professionalism and fun.

9/ Proper Snacks

In 2022, Proper Snacks moved into their new central London headquarters. The office blends biophilic design, raw materials and sensorial interiors to create a non-corporate, home-like environment. Thirdway collaborated with interior designer Rebecca Sicardi and architect Jonathan Blake to craft a space tailored to hybrid working. Meeting pods, phone booths, standing desks and breakout zones support diverse employee personalities and work styles, while air-purifying plants, soft lighting and exposed industrial features foster wellbeing and creativity. Overall, the design reflects Proper’s brand ethos: bold, authentic and human.

Key project info

• Size: 7,500 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Natural materials – plywood, cork, cotton and paper – to reflect Proper’s ethos of authentic ingredients
• Office designer: Thirdway

 WRKPLC’s verdict

The homely interior design is warm, welcoming and full of character. The design team has really succeeded in capturing the Proper brand and creating a playful, engaging workspace.

10/ SPORTFIVE

In March 2024, global sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE moved into its new Manchester headquarters. Located in the Foundation building in Altrincham, the purpose-built workspace has been designed to nurture creativity, collaboration and sustainability. It features open-plan neighbourhoods, collaborative zones and games area, reflecting SPORTFIVE’s values of Openness, Unity, Fearlessness, Resilience and Freedom. The design scheme blends Manchester’s industrial aesthetic – exposed concrete, steel and brick – with modern elements that speak to SPORTFIVE’s vibrancy and ambition. A designated Flex Area supports diverse employee needs, while biophilia, natural light and responsibly sourced materials deliver on the company’s sustainability commitments.

Key project info

• Size: 13,600 sq ft
• Location: Manchester
• Standout feature: Abundant biophilic elements creating a strong sense of wellbeing
• Office designer: SpaceInvader

 WRKPLC’s verdict

This impressive workspace underlines SPORTFIVE’s investment in its people, as well as its global ambition. It also demonstrates very strong eco-credentials, which will no doubt resonate with employees and clients.

Key trends and considerations when designing offices in the creative industries

So, what have we learned from these innovative and cool creative sector offices?

Creative agencies thrive in environments that feel less like offices and more like informal ecosystems. Agency workspace often features kitchens, lounges and games areas that encourage fun and relaxed interaction, which in turn supports creative exchanges and idea generation.

Culture-driven design is key, with layouts often promoting inclusivity and transparency through open-plan areas, modular furniture and breakout spaces. Moveable partitions, glass walls and reconfigurable desks enable teams to expand areas as required, increasing the sense of space and openness.

Reflecting core values across workplace interiors is an important consideration for creative agencies. This often involves deploying playful, bright and engaging design features, with materials selected that resonate with a company’s activities and the surrounding area.

Comfort is also vital, with agencies often borrowing design tropes from hospitality to ensure employees and clients feel welcomed and well looked after. To this end, investment in high-end furniture and finishings is common.

Finally, the majority of creative agencies are keen to communicate their sustainability credentials, often using recycled materials, natural light and biophilia to visually demonstrate their eco-commitments.

If you’re looking to redesign your creative workspace, get in touch with WRKPLC for expert guidance and advice. You can also download our free Office Design Companies Guide.