Buddle Findlay: Lawful sophistication | Architecture Now

After greater than a decade away from Cathedral Sq. following the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, Buddle Findlay has returned to the guts of Ōtautahi Christchurch with a purpose-built office by Jasmax that’s as a lot about individuals as it’s about place. Positioned on the third flooring of the newly accomplished Regent constructing, the agency’s new 1000m2 workplace is a strong expression of id — one which displays Buddle Findlay’s heritage, values and a forward-thinking method to authorized apply.

Jasmax’s temporary was clear: create a refined, elegant and approachable area that feels uniquely on model for the agency — a long-term residence the place shoppers really feel relaxed and workers really feel valued. The positioning, overlooking the long-lasting Christchurch Cathedral, offered not only a symbolic return, however a novel alternative to reconnect with the town’s cultural and geographic context.

Jasmax have been afforded a large amount of freedom within the idea, plans and materiality. Whereas the design takes cues from Buddle Findlay’s Auckland workplace by way of style and tone, the Christchurch area isn’t any duplicate and holds an impartial model. Slightly than counting on overt branding, the area communicates the Buddle Findlay id by quiet luxurious.

Knowledgeable by Canterbury’s mild and panorama, the inside design attracts closely from the color palette and textures of W.A. (Invoice) Sutton’s Port Hills work. The fabric palette chosen by the staff at Jasmax is wealthy but restrained — stable oak, rendered plaster, bronze detailing, linen upholstery, hand-knotted rugs, and sandstone flooring tiles — all chosen to echo the golden and silvery hues of the Port Hills. The impact is a relaxed, pure environment that brings heat and dignity to the on a regular basis workings of a regulation agency.

From the second guests enter, the design deliberately breaks from the company norm. A confined entry — a limitation imposed by the constructing’s core — was made right into a power, delivering the sensation of entering into somebody’s lounge slightly than a typical regulation workplace. Shoppers are welcomed right into a bespoke reception area styled as a residential lounge, full with Tim Webber armchairs and specifically designed tender lighting developed in collaboration with Snelling Studio.

This heat welcome flows right into a sequence of curved oak partitions and softly textured rendered plaster counters that information shoppers by the area. These particulars cleverly open up sightlines, revealing framed glimpses of the town and resulting in moments of discovery, resembling “the nook,” an informal assembly spot excellent for doc signings or relaxed consumer conversations.

The crown jewel of the client-facing suite is the sun-drenched nook workers kitchen and lounge, the place panoramic views of Cathedral Sq. create a quiet sense of grandeur — the very best side of the area, given again to workers.

On the coronary heart of the structure is a people-centric philosophy. Buddle Findlay’s 4 key strategic pillars — tradition, experience, high quality and consumer expertise — guided each design transfer. With 50 workstations positioned across the perimeter, there’s no conventional hierarchy. As a substitute, companions sit in open plan with their groups, supporting collaboration and accessibility.

Personal places of work are bookable on demand, and modular workstations may be reconfigured because the agency grows or evolves, an intentional flexibility that ensures this workplace generally is a true long-term residence. Extra areas, like a heat and welcoming landing space for visiting workers or collaborators, are absolutely built-in into the design language, sustaining a constant stage of high quality and luxury all through.

Deep doorframes to assembly rooms add a way of permanence and refined drama, whereas stable oak joinery all through reinforces the agency’s grounded and genuine presence, a visible affirmation that the workspace is meant to be a eternally residence for Buddle Findlay, as if perminantly rooting themselves within the constructing. These stable and sturdy wooden particulars add distinction to the sunshine tones and texture of the plaster and furnishing. Minimal seen providers and clear ceiling traces communicate to the excessive stage of execution, whereas considerate components like rendered plaster counters add tactility and richness.

Wellbeing can be a core consideration. Finish-of-trip amenities embrace redesigned loos with showers and storage, providing a homely, spa-like expertise that encourages wholesome commuting and self-care.

Buddle Findlay’s new Christchurch workplace redefines what a regulation agency can really feel like. It’s elegant but approachable, calm but linked by a crafted surroundings designed to help the agency’s evolution, empower its individuals, and provide shoppers a brand new sort of authorized expertise that begins the second they step by the door.

Jasmax was a Worplace as much as 1000m2 finalist within the 2025 Inside Awards.See the reside presentation from Alan McCorkindale and Anna Hill right here.