Client story

A technology-driven, smart working environment for Bird & Bird

With a vision to become the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by or creating technology and the digital world, international law firm Bird & Bird required an open, technology-driven and smart working environment for its expanding workforce.

Location

Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Spotlight

Tenant representation, design consultancy and project management

Value

Identified a unique, brand enhancing office solution; delivered three-tiered service under one solution

Size

23,000+ sq. ft.; 3 office floors and rooftop

The firm’s office should resonate with the tech heavyweights among its clientele and be unlike any other law firm’s in Hong Kong. With the client’s core needs in mind, JLL’s Tenant Representation and Design Consultancy teams together advised the client on how transitioning from a traditional private office environment to a more open plan concept at its Hong Kong office will enhance its brand, attract talent and continue to support Bird & Bird’s business growth in the city. 

Meanwhile, our experienced design consultants provided expertise from their in-depth knowledge of the Hong Kong legal sector to facilitate the visualisation process in accordance with the client’s brand design policies and vision for a more futuristic look. 

By enacting effective communication with multiple stakeholders and end users, Bird & Bird were able to better understand how dynamic office design can have an advantageous edge in driving performance and enhancing wellbeing at the workplace.

At the time, the Central Plaza Annex was being redeveloped. JLL’s Tenant Representation team identified the grade-A office project as a viable location and option that exceeded the client’s brief, and with the support of our design consultants, Bird & Bird were able to influence the design and specifications of the building to suit their needs. Three storeys and a sky garden comprised the Annex building. The client pre-committed to the workplace based on the customised build. 

The team had to balance budget and design whilst coordinating approvals and buy-in for design from multiple business stakeholders, including global management, over the course of a year. 

The construction of the base building coincided with fit-out works on site, which needed constant communication with the landlord representative to ensure that construction works on site for both sides were unaffected. 

Staff and visitors enter Bird & Bird’s new Hong Kong office through a dedicated lift into an open, multi-purpose reception floor, continuing into a workplace which features custom-designed pod offices for privacy, collaboration zones and a games room to maximise staff engagement. 

This dynamic project was delivered on time with cost savings achieved in Q2 2020 even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. Stakeholders and end-users are delighted with the result which exceeded expectations, as reflected by the positive feedback on our one-team delivery approach.

Bird & Bird is currently the only law firm in Hong Kong which has secured external building signage and dedicated lifts within the premises. Its private rooftop garden is an attractive setting for the firm to host client events and opens the doors for an accessible green space for staff to enjoy during the work day. 

Want more? Talk to the team