Shoosmiths, Belfast

Over an 11-week programme, we delivered a contemporary office space “befitting the Shoosmiths brand” at Micro Focus House, East Bridge Street, in Belfast. The interior fit-out scheme on behalf of the major UK law firm signalled its “ambitious growth strategy” for the Northern Ireland market. Our CAT B refurbishment project, covering the entire second floor of the Belfast property, involved partitioning, decoration, floor coverings, kitchen installation, M&E additions and alterations, and bespoke joinery.

Described as a “watershed moment for the Belfast team”, this fitout project has strengthened Shoosmiths’ reputation as a leading UK law firm. Demonstrating our commitment to the scheme, as part of the delivery proposal, we developed a gainshare mechanism on all of the accepted value engineering options to provide Shoosmiths with a best value for money solution. Located close to Belfast’s High court, the offices have provided a springboard for Shoosmiths to attract “further talent across all of our divisions”. Visitors are greeted with a stunning reception, akin to a hotel lobby, while the office area features elements of biophilic design to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through integrated green plants within the furniture. Exposed overhead pipes are further eye-catching installations. Vibrant collaborative and breakout areas complement a range of glazed partitions, which enhance the circulation of natural light throughout the office. And in recognition of Northern Ireland’s famous writers, twin bespoke offices, named after Seamus Heaney and C.S Lewis, provide contemporary quiet hubs for smaller meetings.