Next-gen law: Dentons reveals new workspace celebrating Scottish craft

Gone are the days of dark mahogany shelves and leather-bound books – the next generation of law firm design has arrived. The design of Dentons new space at No. 9 Haymarket set out to challenge the conventional approach to design for legal practices, eschewing established design tropes and stigma set by traditional law firms for a modern, intuitive and elegant experience.

“It was important to Dentons for clients to want to use the space, encouraging them to enjoy the open plan bar, lounges and touchdown spaces, before, after and in-between meetings,” says ‘kin’s Matt Holmes. “So a visit is not just a business meeting, but an experience.”

The materiality draws inspiration from both Scotland’s abundant natural landscape through warm timbers and rich textured fabrics, balancing them against the warm tonal colour palette and strong geometry of Edinburgh’s built environment in the various wall cladding and tiles used throughout the space.

The concierge area is framed by oversized timber arches, which serve as visual markers throughout the space and are reflected in the central bar area made from bespoke timber rods and solid terrazzo which serves as a focal point for the day to day as well as staff and client events. Nestled at the heart of the office and sheltered from the main hustle and bustle is a communal ‘rotunda’, designed to encourage meeting, sharing and learning.

“From the flow of connecting spaces to the bespoke materials featured, each aspect of the design feels hand crafted to reflect the passion and warmth of Scotlands rich ‘makers’ heritage,” adds Holmes. “It was imperative to the design team that local craftsmen were used to build the space. Not only pouring years of experience into everything they did, but creating an end result that feels solid and purposeful. Something that will last forever.”

This project is a finalist at the Mixology North23 Awards, taking place on Thursday 30 November at Manchester Central, Manchester. Join us for a night of celebration and networking: book your tickets here.