Convene – the US premium meetings, events and workspace company – has launched its first international location in London, set within the iconic 22 Bishopsgate. Woods Bagot, working closely with Convene’s in-house design team, has been responsible for the design and delivery of this flagship location, comprising 50,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art event spaces, comprising meeting and conference rooms, elevated commons and a large auditorium-style space, set across two floors.

With the doors now open, this space aims to set a new global example, while reflecting Convene’s focus on amenity, hospitality, and experience, where it can provide its users with an elevated offer, like that of a 5-star hotel. Taking into consideration the uniqueness of London, the design has been influenced by the concept of the ‘Modern Livery’. Like the Livery companies of the City of London, Convene will be providing a platform for the creators and the innovators alike.

The finished design shows a mix of traditional architecture, the history of Bishopsgate and the modern cultural influence of local contemporary street artist Ben Eine, bringing together the old and new, the clean and decorative.

Shared amenity spaces provide opportunities for chance collaboration, while the large auditorium and meeting suites create opportunities for large or small functions and events.

With significant change in the workplace market over the last two years, Convene aims to continue providing a one-of-a-kind premium service to its users with leading operating standards. Technology and digital capabilities, as always, have been ingrained throughout the design so that any company using one of these spaces can ensure seamless and wholly flexible ways of working.

Peter O’Donnell, Principal and Project Director, comments: “We are very excited to reach this final major milestone for this project, having worked very closely with the Convene team over the last four years to get their vision right. It was so important that we were able to bring the Flagship standard they have achieved in the US, over to the UK, and we are very confident that the design and end-product reflects that – while also bringing some of the local London history and detail into the design narrative.

“The team at Woods Bagot has really enjoyed collaborating with Convene on this new location at 22 Bishopsgate, and we would like to say a thank you to them for the opportunity. We look forward to working with them in the future and seeing how they continue to make a hugely positive impact on the UK workplace market and further afield!”