Introducing Downstairs at dMFK

dMFK has expanded its offices at 76 Charlotte Street, spreading into the 2000 sq ft basement with new multifunctional workspace. Reflecting the continued growth of the practice – both in headcount and maturity, now with over 50 employees in its 25th year – Downstairs at dMFK is the latest example of the firm’s ambitious workplace ethos.

“The idea was basically to do everything that we couldn’t do upstairs – from being able to have a fantastic material library on show, to inviting in different suppliers that we work with to show off their products.” – Julian de Metz, Director

With 16 desks, two large communal tables, three enclosed meeting rooms and a ‘Living Room’ for more casual catch-ups, the new space is built for the new types of flexible and collaborative working that helps our studio thrive.

Importantly, it is not just a place for traditional work, with the possibility to quickly reconfigure the entire floor for events of many scales – from roundtables and panels to dinners and parties.

Central to the conception of Downstairs at dMFK was a new home for our material library. With an extensive collection of samples and materials, the ambition was to create a tactile, functional display, making sourcing materials for our increasing interiors work simple and accessible.

The terrazzo bar, developed by Avantgarde, creates a space for display and experimentation, allowing us to have collaborative meetings with suppliers and clients as we develop the aesthetic for unique projects.

As an extension of the wall of materials, we wanted to host a ‘living samples library’, installing innovative products supplied by new and long-standing collaborators so we could experience how products feel and perform.

Each collaboration helps us learn about how materials perform, informing our design and specification for our work everyday.

This includes SonaSpray from Oscar Acoustics, flooring by Sphere8, and an integrated lighting system by Light Forms. A collaboration with TwentyTwentyOne allows us to showcase furniture from a variety of suppliers, such as &Tradition and MassProductions, with a rotating selection constantly providing new ideas and inspiration.

The specification and design of Downstairs at dMFK is a careful balance of homeliness and professionalism, creating a space which acknowledges the popularity of working from home, and chooses to complement rather than compete.

A cosy and welcoming style encourages the use of the office, bringing people together for collaboration and inspiration, helping us to continually learn, develop, and improve.