BACKGROUND

Butterfield Mortgages Limited, stands at the forefront of the mortgage industry for High Net Worth (HNW) individuals.  With a heritage tracing back to Hamilton, Bermuda, Butterfield has grown its operations significantly, extending its reach across global financial centres, including the Bahamas, Switzerland, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. At the heart of its success is the London office, from where Butterfield Mortgages has crafted bespoke solutions for over two decades.

• Location: London, EC3V

• Company Size: 40 Staff

• Project Size: 6,000 Sqft

• Sector: Finance

• Duration: 8 weeks

PROJECT OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

To accommodate their growing team, Butterfield Mortgages decided to expand their London office by securing an additional floor. This expansion was designed not only to support an increasing workforce but also to facilitate the creation of diverse meeting areas, specifically tailored to meet their clients’ needs. Furthermore, they emphasised the desire for an open office layout, allowing for a few private, cellular spaces.

CHALLENGES AND EXPECTATIONS

Undertaking renovations while the building remained operational presented a significant challenge. It was crucial to ensure that operations continued without interruption.

The team at Butterfield Mortgages also highlighted the importance of minimising noise, dust, and any disruption to their daily business activities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To meet the client’s unique requirements, we adopted a collaborative strategy, engaging closely with all stakeholders involved in the project. This entailed conducting frequent discussions with representatives from Butterfield Mortgages to guarantee that every design detail and construction plan was in perfect harmony with their envisioned outcome. Recognizing the critical need for continuous operations, our team meticulously ensured that the fit-out of the newly acquired floor was executed seamlessly, thereby preventing any disruption to Butterfield’s daily activities and facilitating a temporary relocation of staff desks.

Addressing Butterfield Mortgages’ expansion requirements, a carefully considered design was proposed and implemented. By taking on an additional floor within their current premises at Sun Court, 66-67 Cornhill, London, the expansion facilitated distinct spaces tailored for both client engagement and staff functionality, designed in a sophisticated, minimal monochrome aesthetic.

A blend of dark leather, walnut tops, and grey tones were utilised to bring a timeless elegance to the space, with each element chosen for its quality and durability. The reception area, designed to offer an immediate statement of luxury and professionalism, features plush armchairs, custom-designed carpet backing for added opulence, and strategically placed lighting to accentuate the Butterfield logo.

PROJECT OUTCOMES

The redesigned office space now embodies a perfect mix of functionality and sophistication. The layout includes a welcoming lounge area, private meeting rooms, and a separate kitchen area, dictated by the needs of Butterfield’s distinguished clientele. A bespoke display unit in the reception area showcases the company’s accolades, brochures, and temporary art exhibitions, further enhancing the brand’s commitment to excellence and culture.

The inclusion of a folding wall behind the reception adds an extra layer of privacy, a reflection of the nuanced understanding of client confidentiality and discretion that Butterfield Mortgages upholds. This effort to bring the firm’s physical presence in line with its esteemed reputation resulted in a space that is not only more accommodating and efficient but also resonates with the brand’s heritage and commitment to client satisfaction.

The transformation of Butterfield Mortgages’ office has been met with acclaim from both staff and clients.  For businesses poised for growth, the Butterfield Mortgages case exemplifies how spatial expansion, when thoughtfully executed, can significantly amplify operational capabilities and client service experience.