Rethinking Legal Workplace Design in No. 1 St Michaels Manchester
A workplace designed around how legal teams actually work
SpaceInvader has completed a new 2,510 sqm fit-out in Manchester for a multinational law firm, delivering a calm, inclusive and high-performing legal workplace. Located within the landmark No. 1 St Michael’s development, the project reimagines how law firms can operate in a hybrid era — placing people, privacy and long-term flexibility at the centre of the design strategy.
The law firm’s previous Manchester space no longer aligned with its evolving culture and hybrid working patterns. The move to No.1 St Michael’s presented a rare opportunity: not just to relocate, but to rethink how legal teams collaborate, focus and support clients in a more fluid and flexible way.
To support this shift, SpaceInvader created a series of carefully structured neighbourhoods, each offering a range of spaces for deep focus, private conversation and small group collaboration. With a 1:9 desk-to-focus room ratio — significantly above industry standard — the layout reduces noise, prioritises confidentiality, and gives individuals control over their working environment.
A composed, inclusive and acoustically calm interior
The design prioritises acoustic privacy and visual calm. Soft materials, enclosed spaces, and layered finishes contribute to a focused and professional atmosphere. A circadian lighting system supports user wellbeing, while zoned environmental control ensures comfort across different areas of the workplace.
Alongside day-to-day settings, the scheme includes inclusive amenities such as a multi-faith room with ablution provision, a contemplation space, and a returning parent facility, all carefully integrated to ensure dignity and accessibility. A terrace adjacent to the main social hub offers fresh air, views across the city and informal breakout opportunities.
Responsible delivery and long-term adaptability
Sustainability and social value were embedded from the outset. The fit-out achieved a strong embodied carbon figure of 122.2 kgCO₂e/m² and delivered over £3.1 million in independently verified social value, including local employment, SME investment, and education engagement.
Durable materials, modular furniture, and flexible MEP systems allow for easy future reconfiguration without structural change — a key requirement for a long-term tenancy in a multi-tenant development.
A reception that welcomes with confidence
The arrival experience was designed to set the tone: a hospitality-style reception space anchored by a sculptural timber ceiling and bespoke ash and bronze desk. A staffed barista counter reinforces the firm’s commitment to creating a workplace that is not just functional, but welcoming and human-centred.
This project reflects a wider trend in the legal sector — moving away from hierarchical, branded environments, and towards spaces that support trust, adaptability and wellbeing. Delivered in close collaboration with a forward-thinking client and project team, the result is a workplace that is calm, resilient and ready for what’s next.
Interested in how SpaceInvader is rethinking legal and commercial workplace design?
Explore our Workplace Projects here.