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CSMM successfully completes the design of the Finnegan location in Munich. The project in the Lehel Carree in a central city location was accompanied from the leasing through the concept to the execution. In addition to trends and developments in the law firm world, a clear design language is finding its way into the spacious area in the Lehel Carree. CSMM is thus once again positioning itself as a leading architecture and consulting firm for law firms.

Attractive inner-city location for future-oriented law firm structure
Close to the city center, well connected to the infrastructure, prestigious: The area in the Lehel Carree offers ideal conditions for the Munich location of Finnegan, one of the world’s largest law firms for intellectual property rights. The project was characterized by an unusual model: the landlord left the renovation and design entirely to the tenants – a concept that is more common in the Anglo-Saxon world and offers advantages for all parties, especially with long-term rental contracts. CSMM accompanied Finnegan as general planner from concept development to moving in and coordinated the entire project implementation. Technical aspects were already included in the considerations before the contract was signed, so that not only the design potential but also the structural requirements were optimally integrated.

Conventional approach vs. tenant-led expansion
With conventional fit-out, the landlord takes over the planning and implementation up to a certain standard, which typically includes elements such as floor coverings, suspended ceilings and lighting. The disadvantage of this model, however, is the limited flexibility, as the tenant can then only make adjustments within the framework of the specified landlord standard. This limits the customization options and often leads to higher costs. In contrast, tenant-managed fit-out offers clear advantages to companies with specific requirements and clear ideas, as they can design their premises according to their needs.

Efficient project management and tailor-made solutions
CSMM began the project with an intensive analysis of the future working methods at Finnegan, new trends in the law firm business and detailed questions regarding organizational and spatial requirements for confidentiality, internal and external communication and technical needs. After clarifying the requirements and the ideal space requirements, the next step was to agree on the rental agreement and CSMM, as general planner, took over the commissioning and coordination of all the specialist engineers required for the planning and implementation for heating, ventilation, sanitary and electrical engineering as well as fire protection and building physics. This meant that the conception, planning, tendering, general contract award and site monitoring of the entire project could be carried out in a targeted manner and without friction from a single source and carried out on time and within budget.

Close collaboration in analysis and concept
By working closely with the client during the analysis and design phase, the CSMM team was able to develop a bespoke solution that enabled a real paradigm shift in both the spatial design and operational level. The option to take control of the project before the contract was signed gave Finnegan the freedom to customise many of the solutions for her new working environment.

Resilient and growth-assured into the future
The latest developments in law firms were taken into account during planning. The flexible client area is the calling card, in which the company’s values are conveyed to clients. Client events of any size can be held here, as the conference rooms can be connected and thus designed flexibly.

Traditional individual offices remained, but Finnegan decided to keep them smaller and add glass walls for an open atmosphere. The lawyers use the space gained for communication and recreation. The central zone was designed with archive areas and seating islands, a tea kitchen, a central staff lounge and rooms for internal meetings. This created a modern, agile working environment that promotes collaboration while maintaining the necessary discretion of the law firms.

Design: CSMM – architecture matters
Photography: courtesy of CSMM