VML (Wunderman)

A Creative Phased Refurbishment for a Global Creative Leader

Spec

Brief

Wunderman Thompson appointed Aura to project manage and deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of their London Headquarters. Housed on the second floor of the historic Greater London House in NW1 – an iconic, former Art Deco cigarette factory – the project required a complete modernization of 30,000 sqft of workspace.

The brief called for a flexible, agile environment capable of supporting 300 new operational workstations, state-of-the-art IT/AV-integrated meeting rooms, and vibrant break-out spaces. Aesthetically, the goal was to reject clinical, sterile corporate aesthetics by exposing the original industrial scale of the building, maximizing natural light, and weaving character-rich design elements throughout the floor-plate.

Challenges

Critical Business Continuity – The project took place on the second floor of a highly sensitive, shared live office building. Maintaining uninterrupted day-to-day operations for both Wunderman and neighbouring tenants was non-negotiable.

Complex Phased Logistics – To keep the business operational, the works had to be meticulously divided across three separate phases. This required strict site segregation, dust/noise management, and executing all major staff and desk transitions completely out of hours.

Multi-Party Stakeholder Integration – Aura needed to closely manage the Design & Build (D&B) contractor while simultaneously integrating the client’s incumbent facility teams, specialty ICT, and AV suppliers into a singular, master programme—all while navigating rigorous landlord approvals for the historic building.

Highlights

Flawless Turnkey Execution – Acting as the single point of contact, Aura provided robust governance that successfully safeguarded the budget. Potential changes, commercial risks, and contractor timelines were tightly managed to ensure a smooth, seamless handover.

Agile, Light-Filled Architecture – By strategically reprogramming the floor-plate, open workspaces were positioned adjacent to expansive natural light sources. Interspersed collaborative zones, tea points, and tech-enabled meeting spaces successfully shifted the company culture toward an agile working style.

Biophilic & Historic Character – The final design proudly showcases the factory’s industrial roots. The grand scale and abundant sunlight provided the perfect canvas for large, architectural biophilic planting – designed to be completely movable to dynamically reconfigure the space for town halls and evening events.

Storied Workspace Identity – Replacing traditional corporate furniture, the scheme thoughtfully integrated curated vintage elements. Notably, authentic vintage display cabinets were cleverly repurposed to serve as functional space dividers and a bespoke, statement reception desk, embedding history directly into the brand’s front-of-house experience.

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