Francis House, London HQ

Overview

Opportunity

Solution

Impact

Team

Bringing Edelman’s vision to life, the HQ at Francis House transforms a historic building into a vibrant, client-focused workspace that fosters growth and elevates culture.

Location

London, UK

Client

Edelman

Expertise

Media Strategy Professional Services

Opportunity

Edelman sought a headquarters to embody its evolving brand, support flexible work, and nurture employee and client relationships.

Edelman, a global communication firm, needed its London workplace to do more than house its teams. The firm wanted a headquarters to distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape, attract talent, inspire creativity, strengthen culture, and create a more engaging experience for clients. The adaptive reuse of a historic warehouse offered a distinct opportunity to preserve the building’s character while creating a more flexible, sustainable, and future-facing workplace serving as a catalyst for growth.

Why This Matters

01
Talent Attraction
Francis House gives Edelman a workplace that feels like a destination, supporting the creative energy and daily needs of its people.
02
Human-centric Approach To Client Engagement
The design places clients at the center of the workplace, creating better opportunities for co-creation, presentation, and collaboration.
03
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design informed mezzanines, colour, pattern, texture, and soft settings, creating a workplace shaped by natural references, sensory richness, and moments of respite.

We worked with Gensler to create an environment that truly fosters collaboration and creativity. Its flexibility allows us to embrace the broad spectrum of work and culture we have at Edelman.

Solution

Gensler reimagined Francis House as a workplace village where heritage, hospitality, flexibility, and biophilia support Edelman’s culture.

Dubbed “Francis House,” Edelman’s new creative office is the result of the adaptive reuse of a 1900s warehouse into a layered workplace ecosystem featuring an array of experiences. Gensler transformed the existing 35,000-square-foot space by adding 10,000 square feet, mezzanines, double-height ceilings, and spiral staircases for circulation. A floor dedicated to client relations nurtures Edelman’s commitment to its clients, offering spaces for visitors to work or collaborate. Upper levels provide production spaces, focused work settings, and quieter environments. Throughout, London-inspired materials, exposed heritage details, and biophilic design create a workplace that feels rooted and future-facing.

From brief to build: transforming an existing warehouse into an asset that supports work, well-being, and connection.

The process began with the building’s original structure, preserving and exposing its architectural character to create a richer workplace experience. Gensler introduced mezzanines, staircases, and new destinations to improve circulation and expand usable space. Planning focused on clear energy zones, from active social hubs to quieter areas for concentration. Sustainable materials, reused furniture, and biophilic strategies were integrated throughout to support performance and well-being.

Mapping the Village

Experience maps translated Edelman’s community, energy, and workstyles into neighbourhoods across Francis House.

Impact

Francis House is a living, breathing, and flexible ecosystem that adapts to the evolving needs of occupants.

Setting a new standard for workplace design, this vibrant hub revitalises a piece of London’s architectural heritage and enhances Edelman’s ability to nurture client relationships.

What Changed Because of This

01
Diverse Workstyles
Francis House supports focus, collaboration, events, and well-being with more than 700 flexible seats across 12 zones tailored to different needs.
02
Engaged Culture
The workplace brings Edelman’s people, clients, and creative teams together in social hubs, production spaces, and shared destinations that encourage everyday connection.
03
Catalyst for Growth
By reusing a historic warehouse, Francis House gives Edelman a distinctive, future-facing headquarters that supports talent, brand, and long-term adaptability.

We knew Francis House would be the ideal setting to create a vibrant village for Edelman as a place where creativity and collaboration converge.

Recognition

01

Dezeen

Francis House was shortlisted in the 2024 Dezeen Awards in the Workplace Interior (Large) category.

02

Building Design

What Made Francis House: Design Director Adam Phillips discusses “turning up the design” for the agency’s London home.

03

Wallpaper

Gensler’s design for Edelman’s London home was spotlighted as a curated destination created to support the agency’s evolving business.

Team

Project Leadership

[FPO] Adam Phillips

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[FPO] Stefanie Woodward

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Carlos Posada

Carlos is a Principal and Professional Services Leader of Gensler’s European region, who has partnered for over 30 years with corporate clients to deliver innovative workplace environments.

[FPO] Becky Spenceley

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FAQ

01

What is Francis House?

Francis House is Edelman’s London headquarters, designed for its employees, clients, and creative collaborators.

02

Who designed the project?

Edelman’s London headquarters, known as Francis House, was designed by Gensler’s London office.

03

What kind of building is Francis House?

Francis House is the adaptive reuse of a historic, 1900s warehouse transformed into a modern workplace.

04

How does Francis House support employees?

It offers more than 700 flexible seats across 12 zones, with settings for focus, collaboration, events, and well-being.

05

What sustainability strategies were used?

Strategies include adaptive reuse, reused access flooring, FSC-certified timber, upcycled furniture, vintage sourcing, smart lighting, and biophilic design.

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Talon

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Related Expertise

Media Strategy Professional Services

Bringing Edelman’s vision to life, the HQ at Francis House transforms a historic building into a vibrant, client-focused workspace that fosters growth and elevates culture.

Edelman sought a headquarters to embody its evolving brand, support flexible work, and nurture employee and client relationships.

Why This Matters

Gensler reimagined Francis House as a workplace village where heritage, hospitality, flexibility, and biophilia support Edelman’s culture.

From brief to build: transforming an existing warehouse into an asset that supports work, well-being, and connection.

Francis House is a living, breathing, and flexible ecosystem that adapts to the evolving needs of occupants.

What Changed Because of This