Thoughtworks’ truly inclusive and innovative London home

Smart decisions, bold moves

The choice of location was pivotal. Working closely with Compton, we helped Thoughtworks evaluate a variety of spaces and advised that a traditional office, rather than serviced, would better support their long-term vision. Endeavour House was chosen as the ideal building, right in the centre of London. Located between Soho and Covent Garden, and following the transformation of the Elizabeth Line, it was the perfect spot for Thoughtworks’ international teams to visit with ease whilst still staying close to their previous London home. The building, however, came with its own set of challenges, from low slab heights to legacy mechanical and electrical services , but we saw these as opportunities, creatively working with existing services to limit environmental impact. We also reconfigured the space to maximise light, relocating the refreshment area to the southwest corner to improve employee wellness.

A design rooted in identity

Thoughtworks wanted a space that honours London’s unique personality and their own longstanding commitment to striving for positive social change. Our design celebrates the city using carefully curated fixtures and details, creating an environment that’s inclusive to everyone. The design also highlights the duality of their identity, tech-savvy yet human, bold yet considered, using contrasts of light and dark, old and new. The office is filled with vibrant, multifunctional spaces such as the hospitality zone, reception-touchdown space, and a speakeasy-inspired community lounge. Playful details like an original 1930s art deco drinks cabinet housing a karaoke machine, and book-themed features that reflect the 100+ books authored by employees, bring character and a sense of home.

Creating workspaces with purpose

Every area within the 5,000 sq ft office was designed to work hard. The kitchen and events space, inspired by views of the colourful Central St Giles, designed by Renzo Piano, utilises bold colours to energise the space. Picture-frame windows and antique reeded glass in the speak-easy room create texture and privacy while aligning with the design. In the reception, curated bookcases filled with bespoke objects of curiosity honour their Chicago headquarters and new London home.

A truly inclusive and considered space

At the heart of the project was a drive to make the space truly inclusive. This meant designing for neurodiversity and accessibility as a priority. We implemented booths to facilitate a quiet base for hyper focussed work, multifunctional areas across the scheme to allow for different working styles, and a reception desk with an option for automated check in, to achieve an inclusive and calm entrance to the space.

Signage was chosen with visual clarity in mind, automated doors ensure access to enclosed spaces, and an accessible toilet was placed at the heart of the layout, all considered as a priority in the design process, and never as an afterthought. The kitchen features varying counter heights to accommodate different needs, while furniture and shared areas were planned to ensure comfort and usability for everyone, delivering a genuinely welcoming and inclusive environment.

Sustainability as a foundation, not a feature

Sustainability ran through every decision throughout the project. We reused as much existing furniture and infrastructure as possible, reducing waste and preserving resources. By working with the building, we kept interventions minimal but impactful. Furniture selections were made in close collaboration with the design team, ensuring cohesion with the wider scheme while maximising value and longevity. Art by local creators and refinished antique pieces infused soul into the space while also keeping environmental impacts to a minimum.

A new benchmark for workplace design

Thoughtworks’ new London hub is an expression of their values and culture. It offers a welcoming home for visiting teams, honours the heritage of the company and city, and supports a diverse workforce. This office doesn’t just meet immediate needs; it sets a thoughtful precedent for how Thoughtworks will shape its spaces as they expand across the globe in the coming years.