Office transformation | sustainability | wellbeing

Central South law firm Paris Smith has completed a landmark £2.8 million refurbishment of its Southampton headquarters at 1 London Road, transforming the iconic city-centre building into a cutting-edge workspace designed for modern ways of working.

The eight-month project has futureproofed the firm’s offices, creating an environment that fosters collaboration, employee wellbeing and sustainability, while reinforcing Paris Smith’s long-term commitment to the region’s business community.

A vision for the future: investing in people & productivity

With a legacy spanning over 200 years, Paris Smith has built a reputation as one of the Central South’s most respected law firms. This latest investment reflects the firm’s strategic focus on innovation and adaptability – responding to the evolving expectations of both employees and clients.

Huw Miles, Managing Partner:

“This £2.8m investment by the partners is a signal of our ongoing commitment to the firm, our staff and our clients. The building is more than just a workspace; it’s an environment that will help us enhance our business practices, improve our collaboration, reduce long-term operational costs and continue to deliver value for clients. It also reflects our enduring commitment to the local community and to the future of Paris Smith.”

The redesign prioritised flexible open-plan spaces, attractive breakout areas and soundproofed meeting rooms to accommodate hybrid working, ensuring teams can work efficiently and collaboratively.

Key design features include:

• Open, light-filled collaboration areas, fostering teamwork and idea sharing.
• State-of-the-art client suites, featuring high-end technology for seamless meetings.
• Breakout zones with park views, creating inviting spaces for informal discussions.
• Wellbeing focused design with improved air quality, natural materials and relaxation spaces.

Sustainability at the core: a gold standard office fit-out

Beyond aesthetics and functionality, sustainability has been a central focus of the refurbishment. Paris Smith has achieved the Gold SKA Rating – a leading industry accreditation recognising environmentally responsible office fit-outs.

Sue Murphy, Practice & Business Development Director:

“Every decision we made, from materials to energy efficiency, was guided by sustainability. Our approach was not just about creating a modern office, but about ensuring our environmental impact was minimised at every stage.”

Sustainability highlights include:

• 90.9% of waste materials were recycled, including 1,800m² of carpet tiles repurposed for social housing.
• Energy-efficient LED lighting and power systems were installed to cut long-term electricity consumption.
• Real plants and biophilic design elements were incorporated to improve air quality and workplace wellbeing.
• Water conservation measures were implemented to monitor and reduce waste.
• A VOC monitoring system has also been introduced to ensure ongoing air quality improvements – aligning with best practices for healthy work environments.

A statement of confidence in Southampton’s business landscape

This major investment sends a clear message about Paris Smith’s confidence in the region’s economic future. As businesses across the UK reassess their office needs in a post-pandemic world, the firm’s commitment to enhancing its city centre presence underscores its belief in the value of a strong, vibrant workspace.

“Our home at 1 London Road has been central to our identity and this transformation reaffirms our commitment to Southampton and the region,” added Miles. “We are here for the long term – supporting businesses, investing in our people and creating a workspace that enables us to continue delivering excellence.”

A blueprint for the future of workspaces

Paris Smith’s newly refurbished headquarters is more than just a fresh coat of paint – it represents a forward-thinking approach to office design, blending technology, flexibility and sustainability in a way that reflects the firm’s modern outlook.
As more businesses consider how to adapt their workspaces for the future, Paris Smith is leading the way, setting a new standard for how professional services firms can create dynamic, people-centric environments that drive productivity, collaboration and long-term success.