Northeastern University - Marble Quay

The unprecedented success of Northeastern's first UK campus saw the university quickly outgrow it's already new home. As the student population increased, the demand for more classrooms grew with it. This meant that the staff and faculty, previously situated on the ground floor of Devon House, needed relocating to a new home.

As staff numbers expand inline with the campus, the design of their new space needed to accommodate future growth both in terms of desk space and choice of work settings, while maintaining essential breakout, meeting and collaboration areas. Marble Quay, situated just 50 yards from Devon House, was identified as the perfect location.

Through close collaboration with the Northeastern team in a series of workshops, we identified the project's core needs and aspirations. This informed a flexible, future-proof design across all four floors, incorporating dedicated desks, collaborative zones, and quiet spaces that cater to diverse workstyles.

A highlight is the top-floor quiet zone, accessible via a feature spiral staircase. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light, showcasing the London skyline views. A mirrored wall reflects the panorama, doubling the visual impact.

We applied a refined aesthetic throughout our scheme, utilising high-quality finishes and design elements that support a mature and professional atmosphere. Subtle design cues reference Devon House, fostering a sense of unity across the campus.

All staff were able to move to Marble Quay with minimal disruption to their work routines. They now benefit from a modern, user-friendly space that fosters collaboration, productivity, and staff wellbeing, contributing to a positive work experience.

The project successfully provided Devon House with additional classrooms and accommodated future staff growth at Marble Quay, whilst strengthening our ongoing relationship with the Northeastern University team.