Barristers' Chambers Limited

With a growing team and an increasing need for space, Barristers’ Chambers Limited (BCL) expanded into the floor above their heritage listed building - a strategic move that preserved their prestigious address. A central interconnecting staircase became the defining feature of the design, physically and visually uniting the two floors.

As the nature of legal work evolves - with greater demand for virtual hearings, collaborative spaces and modern amenities - so too must the environments that house it.

To meet this shift, BCL sought an expansion that would respect the heritage and professionalism of their chambers while introducing a contemporary extension to foster connection and support the future of advocacy.

Crest Interiors was engaged to design and deliver an integrated workplace across two levels that felt cohesive, connected and aligned with the high standards of the chambers. At the heart of this vision was a striking interconnecting staircase, introduced to create connectivity between the floors. More than a circulation point, the staircase became a bold statement piece, encouraging movement and interaction while uniting both levels physically and visually.

Delivering this feature required navigating significant technical challenges. The heritage-listed building presented structural limitations, penetration size restrictions, and extensive service adjustments to accommodate the stairwell. Through careful coordination and design, these complexities were resolved, ensuring the staircase performed as both a practical link and a symbol of connection.

The new floor addressed long-standing limitations, introducing more meeting rooms and dedicated video conferencing suites to accommodate the post-COVID shift toward virtual hearings. Communal breakout spaces were also incorporated to encourage connection.

A mature, textured palette of natural materials complements the design, with ambient and layered lighting used to balance internal communal zones lacking natural light. We worked closely with the individual Barristers across each of the 23 chambers, each fitted with bespoke joinery tailored to reflect the professionalism of its occupant.

The result is a high-calibre extension that provides BCL with the additional space they needed while preserving the integrity and standards of their existing workplace.