We combined practicality with creativity for the new home of D&AD, the global champion of excellence in design and advertising.

The aim was a flexible space that felt good to work in, while being truly immersive for the visiting public during events. As a charitable organisation, it had to feel modest, but retain the sense of creativity that D&AD is so passionate about.

Starting with the empty concrete shell of a restored Victorian building in East London, we introduced bold interventions across two floors to combine the functionality of the office and upstairs reception with the events space below. We kept to a utilitarian palette of cork, plywood, steel and pegboard, using the brand’s signature bright yellow to make the environment instantly recognisable as D&AD. We invited furniture designer Carl Clerkin to develop freestanding elements for the space, adding delightful details and discreet humour.