Caroline Colliston, executive partner at DWF in Scotland, talks about the new ways of working and how DWF embodies its ‘disrupt to progress’ philosophy in the workplace.
As the legal services sector continues to adjust to new ways of working, at DWF we are emerging in an even more agile working form than ever before. DWF has always taken a flexible and agile approach to working resulting in our swift adjustment to working from home during the pandemic. To build on this approach and meet the hybrid working needs of our teams, we are reshaping our workspaces. Our first project has been to move DWF in Edinburgh to the second floor of 2 Semple Street.
We are delighted with our new ‘home’ and are reaping the rewards of a collaborative and inclusive design process including input from our colleagues in Edinburgh to help shape the design from concept to completion. The result is a bright, modern, collegiate, sociable and flexible space. A key consideration in the design process was to create an inclusive space which will help improve colleague wellbeing with smart, functional and collaborative working and social areas. We have included a quiet working lounge, standsit desks, a reflection and faith space and we have built a booking system that encourages us to move to different working areas depending on the tasks we are undertaking.
In line with our ESG commitments, environmentally low-impact materials have been selected in the fit-out. The building also has an EPC rating of A and a Platinum CyclingScore. The new biophilic design also incorporates living and preserved real planting including a real moss feature wall to improve wellbeing and productivity. The use of natural light in the design and the choice of material and paint colours have been carefully selected to enhance wellbeing and boost creativity. So far, we are enjoying a really positive lift from our move.
We look forward to welcoming colleagues and clients both old and new, pupils from Leith Academy as part of our 5 Star Futures programme and Business in the Community Scotland to our new DWF ‘home’ in 2 Semple Street, Edinburgh, as we continue to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities. Please do come and visit us!
caroline.colliston@dwf.law Tel: +44 (0) 333 320 2220
