Lindt & Sprüngli UK Head Office – Richmond
Oktra’s design for the Lindt & Sprüngli UK Head Office in Richmond delivers an inspiring and interconnected workplace, seamlessly integrating a flowing gold ribbon motif that echoes both the brand’s heritage and the local landscape.
When Lindt & Sprüngli set out to relocate its UK Head Office, the focus was on creating a workplace that encouraged even better connection and was an inspiring place to work. For Oktra, it was an exciting opportunity to partner with one of the world’s most recognisable chocolate brands, shaping a workplace that supported new and better ways of working and created an environment in which the team could thrive.
The ambition wasn’t fully defined at the outset, but that became part of the opportunity. The team at Lindt & Sprüngli approached the project with an openness to being challenged, ready to move beyond familiar ways of working and explore what their future workplace could become.
While the initial concept resonated strongly with the client, what truly set the project apart was a shared ambition to push beyond the original brief. Together, Oktra and Lindt challenged fundamental assumptions, from the number of desks and meeting rooms to the introduction of a central staircase. These decisions came with a level of risk, but they proved essential in creating a workplace that felt more connected, flexible and people focused.
The concept naturally evolved, shaped through curiosity, collaboration and ongoing conversation.
At the heart of the design is a single, unifying idea: a flowing gold ribbon that weaves through the space. Inspired by both Lindt packaging and the nearby River Thames, it creates a strong sense of identity while grounding the workspace in its Richmond setting.
Acting as both a visual and physical thread, the ribbon flows through the workplace before culminating in a striking helical staircase, a sculptural centrepiece that connects all levels and encourages spontaneous interaction between teams.
Throughout the space, Lindt’s identity is expressed through thoughtful detailing and craftsmanship. Rather than overt branding, the design introduces subtle, curated moments that reflect the brand’s heritage and product. Backlit cocoa bean displays, illuminated product showcases and carefully integrated materials create a rich, sensory layer, while hints of gold, carried through finer detailing, add warmth and familiarity, subtly reinforcing the brand.
Key spaces each carry their own character. The fifth-floor boardroom, known as “The Nest”, offers an elevated and more intimate setting. On the fourth floor, bi-fold doors open onto a roof terrace, connecting people to panoramic views across Richmond, with glimpses of Kew Gardens and beyond. Set away from the main workspace, a wellness suite, prayer room, gym, and nursing room provide space to rest, recharge, and support a balanced daily routine.
A defining shift in the new workplace is the emphasis on choice. By reducing desk density and introducing a wider variety of settings, from collaborative zones and meeting rooms to quieter focus areas, the space empowers people to work in ways that suit them best.
Nowhere is this more evident than across the second and third floors, where a dynamic mix of environments encourages teams to move, interact and adapt throughout the day. Technology is carefully integrated to support this flexibility, with AV-enabled spaces such as the bleacher area and teapoint on the fourth floor creating natural hubs for communication and shared moments.
Today, Lindt & Sprüngli’s new UK workspace feels connected in every sense, from its location and brand to, most importantly, its people.
Carefully crafted and designed for shared experience, the workplace reflects the spirit of Lindt UK and the possibilities that come from reimagining how working can feel.
Design: Oktra
Photography: Adam Letch
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