Spark 44 Design-Led Office Fit-Out | White Collar Factory

Value:

£1.7m

Timescale:

16 weeks

We were appointed by Spark 44, a global leading advertising agency, to undertake the CAT B fit out of 22,500 sq ft of their office space on the 11th & 12th floors at The White Collar Factory on Old Street.

Refurbished open-plan office featuring wooden seating booths with red dividers, vibrant mural with diagonal stripes and city skyline, and industrial-style ceiling with exposed pipes. Bold black wall with red '44' signage adds a modern branding element to the dynamic workspace.

Design-led office fit-out works at the White Collar Factory created a distinctive contemporary workplace with a strong industrial character. Collaborating closely with Align Architecture, Virtus delivered an innovative scheme with exposed services, Crittall-style glazed partitions and bespoke branded joinery.

The design also reflected the agency’s connections with Jaguar and Land Rover. As a result, the finished workplace combined individual detailing with a strong and recognisable identity.

White Collar Factory Design-Led Office Fit-Out

The project centred on a bold design concept with an intentionally unconventional specification. Therefore, close collaboration between Virtus, Align Architecture and the wider project team played an important role throughout delivery.

High-level exposed services contribute to the contemporary aesthetic. Meanwhile, Crittall-effect glazed partitions define the meeting rooms and offices without compromising the open character of the workplace.

In addition, bespoke branded joinery creates distinctive features throughout the client-facing areas. Together, these elements give the design-led office fit-out a strong visual identity while maintaining a cohesive design language.

White Collar Factory Fit-Out Logistics

The White Collar Factory presented a significant logistical challenge. The recently completed building contained 13 floors, with fit-out works progressing across all floors at the same time.

Consequently, detailed logistics planning became essential. Our team carefully coordinated deliveries with subcontractors and the landlord’s building management team. This ensured materials arrived in line with the programme while reducing the potential for clashes with other contractors.

Moreover, careful forward planning allowed Virtus to maintain progress within a busy construction environment.

Managing Complex Office Fit-Out Requirements

The base-build cooling system created another technical challenge. Pipework embedded within the concrete slabs provided the building’s primary source of cooling. Therefore, fixings into the soffits could not exceed 30mm.

Virtus introduced strict controls around all slab fixings. We briefed operatives on the correct fixing methods and closely monitored the installation process throughout the works.

This careful approach protected the base-build infrastructure while allowing the fit-out to progress in accordance with the design requirements.

Bespoke Joinery and Industrial Office Finishes

The completed workplace brings together several distinctive design elements. Exposed high-level services contribute to the industrial aesthetic, while Crittall-effect glazing introduces definition between offices and meeting spaces.

Furthermore, bespoke branded joinery enhances key client-facing areas. The combination of these details creates a contemporary environment that reflects the client’s identity and design ambitions.

Delivering the Design-Led Office Fit-Out

The completed design-led office fit-out successfully translated an ambitious concept into a distinctive contemporary workplace.

Through close collaboration, careful logistics management and detailed technical coordination, Virtus overcame the challenges of working within a busy 13-storey development. Ultimately, the project demonstrates our ability to deliver creative commercial fit-outs while managing complex building constraints and highly specific design requirements.

Project Gallery

Refurbished modern office space with large circular-patterned windows, red leather sofa, ergonomic chairs, and wooden desks with red privacy screens. Industrial design elements like exposed ductwork and pendant lighting enhance the contemporary aesthetic. Natural light and collaborative workspaces reflect a dynamic, productivity-focused environment.

Refurbished open-concept office featuring vibrant wall and column murals, stepped wooden seating, and a central counter with red bar stools. Large circular-patterned windows flood the space with natural light, while exposed ductwork and industrial lighting enhance the modern aesthetic. A dynamic, collaborative environment designed for creativity and interaction.

Refurbished office seating area featuring red metal chairs with wooden seats set against a vibrant geometric-patterned wall in blue, red, and yellow. The bold design and updated furnishings reflect a creative, modern workspace aesthetic.

Refurbished office lounge featuring eclectic shelving with framed art, model cars, books, and decorative objects. Tables and chairs in the foreground create a casual meeting space, blending personal memorabilia with modern design for a creative and inviting atmosphere.

Modern office space with two people standing in front of a wall covered in images and documents. One person points at the wall while the other observes with arms crossed. A large red table with chairs is in the foreground, and glass partitions are on the left. The room is brightly lit with overhead lighting.

Refurbished office breakout area featuring red wireframe chairs around circular wooden tables, mixed seating styles, and lush green planters. A person working on a laptop adds a dynamic touch, while a wall-mounted whiteboard with charts enhances the collaborative, modern workspace design.

Refurbished open-plan office with rows of desks equipped with monitors and ergonomic chairs. Industrial ceiling design with exposed ductwork and pendant lighting complements large rear-facing windows that fill the space with natural light. A modern, functional workspace designed for productivity and collaboration.

Refurbished office space featuring glass-walled meeting rooms with desks, chairs, and computer setups. Exposed ceiling pipes and modern lighting fixtures contribute to the industrial-chic design, creating a transparent and tech-enabled work environment.

Refurbished office reception area with a sleek black curved desk, dual iMacs, and vibrant orange floral arrangement. Tall circular-patterned windows offer views of London landmarks including the Shard and Walkie Talkie building. Red leather seating and industrial ceiling design complete the modern, welcoming aesthetic.

Awards and Accreditations

We are committed to being recognised as a modern forward thinking construction company and realise the importance of meeting the standards and expectations of our customers and in recognition of this we are members of Constructionline and CHAS, whilst also having accreditation under ISO9001 & ISO1400.