SilverDoor, the world’s largest corporate accommodation provider, is committed to service excellence and putting their people at the heart of everything they do. Their new open-plan workspace at the award-winning Chiswick Park development has been thoughtfully designed to bring their values to life and set the stage for a new era. 

We sat down with Tony Healey, who led the design of this project, to hear the story behind SilverDoor’s new home – from the motivations and inspirations to the challenges and impact. 

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Tony, what excited you most about designing SilverDoor’s new London HQ?

We’d already collaborated on SilverDoor’s Lancaster office, so this was a great opportunity to work with the team again now we knew how they operated.

Marcus, SilverDoor’s CEO, is incredibly clear about what he wants. He knows his team, his business, and how to translate that into a physical space. That clarity makes all the difference.

This time, the focus was on creating a standout London HQ and was a completely different remit to the Lancaster project.

Moving from three floors to a single-floor layout was a huge shift, so it was exciting to think about how we could design a space that really brought their team together.

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Did the transition from multiple floors to a single open-plan space influence the design?

Moving to one floor was a strategic decision to improve collaboration, reduce silos and create a more connected environment.

But it wasn’t just about proximity – it was also about bringing out that social side of work. So, we prioritised team and social spaces that encourage interaction. The social hub has a pool table, a dartboard, a shuffleboard, and tiered seating for game spectators. SilverDoor believes that if people connect socially, they’ll work better as a team, so it was up to us to weave this philosophy into the design.

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Was it challenging to balance the demand for more social spaces alongside the need for other, perhaps quieter, workplace activities?

The open-plan layout is great for connection, but it does come with noise challenges. SilverDoor’s team spend a lot of time on calls with clients around the world, so acoustics was a priority. We used a mix of carpets, acoustic ceiling panels, desk screens and other sound-soak solutions to manage noise pollution. The goal was to create a space where people could focus without losing the collaborative energy.

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How did you use workplace design to reflect SilverDoor’s brand identity? 

SilverDoor was refreshing their brand during the project, so we wanted to incorporate it in a way that felt subtle and sophisticated. We paired their signature blue with calm colours and luxurious finishes for a warm and inviting feel.

We also wanted to bring a sense of connection between the Lancaster and the London offices. Lancaster’s design is bold and vibrant, but we added shared elements to tie the spaces together.

A great example is the lion totem, which is a nod to their identity. In Lancaster, it’s shown as a side profile, while in London, it’s front-facing, welcoming visitors as they enter the reception. It’s those small but meaningful details that really bring SilverDoor’s brand to life.

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What role did sustainability play in the design choices for this project?

We always approach projects as sustainably as possible. First, we reviewed all of SilverDoor's existing furniture and retained all of the products that could fit in with the new design. Then, we ensured that the new products we selected aligned with this sustainable approach.

For example, we used Interface’s Net Effect carpet, made from recycled fishing nets, and PET materials (recycled plastic bottles) for acoustic rafts. It’s really about making smart choices without compromising on style or functionality.

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‍Do you have a favourite part of the design that really stands out to you?

The reception, without a doubt. It’s calm, welcoming, and gives you that feeling of walking into a boutique hotel. You’ve got a circular sofa, a media wall, a coffee station and so many different visual points. It’s not just a space to pass through – it offers clients, staff and partners a five-star experience.

I also love the interesting touchpoints and talking points, such as the awards display. It’s those details that make the space feel polished and personal.

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And, finally, are there any learnings you’ll take away from this project?

Yes – every project teaches you something new. For me, this one highlighted the importance of clear communication and transparency from the start, and developing a clear brief. Working closely with Marcus on this project, who had a strong vision, made it so much easier to deliver something exceptional. It’s a reminder that understanding the client’s needs is the foundation of great design. 

‍Want to see how we brought SilverDoor’s vision to life? Read the full case study here.