Debevoise & Plimpton, The Northcliffe, UK

Debevoise & Plimpton recently relocated to The Northcliffe, a newly refurbished Grade II–listed former headquarters and printworks on the western edge of Temple Bar in the City of London.

Equation collaborated closely with TP Bennett to deliver a specialist lighting scheme for the amenity and client‑facing areas across three floors, including the main reception, lounge, staff café, link staircases, client-facing meeting rooms and refreshment hubs.

The interior concept blends the character of the original 1920s architecture with a refined palette of green and terracotta, drawing inspiration from the restored façade and reimagined central atrium.

The lighting strategy complements this approach through discreet integration within ceilings and joinery, with an emphasis on illuminating vertical surfaces to support intuitive wayfinding and provide visual clarity throughout.

Functional lighting works alongside carefully selected decorative elements—including pendants and table lamps—to create a welcoming environment that enhances materiality, texture and the hospitality‑inspired aesthetic.

In the main reception, the illuminated desk is positioned as the focal point of the space. Wall washers subtly highlight the artwork on the surrounding walls, while decorative table lamps introduce warmth and character.

The sculptural helical staircase forms a key architectural feature connecting the amenity levels. Concealed luminaires within the outer handrail deliver task lighting to the treads while emphasising the staircase’s sinuous form. Hand-made mouth‑blown glass pendants, suspended in a helical cluster, echo the geometry of the handrails and animate the central void.

In staff amenity areas, a combination of pendant and wall lighting creates a calm, intimate atmosphere, complemented by integrated joinery lighting that draws attention to tactile materials and finishes. A bespoke track system in the café provides flexibility to support a variety of functions and layouts.

Meeting rooms incorporate micro‑prismatic linear luminaires and downlights within multi‑service channels to deliver low‑glare task lighting and balanced general illumination. Indirect linear luminaires frame the edges of the stretched fabric acoustic ceilings, creating a soft perimeter glow, while table lamps on credenzas further enhance the ambience.

Simple, intuitive lighting controls allow users to select from pre‑programmed scenes tailored to video conferencing, presentations and collaborative work.

Through precisely coordinated layers of light—developed in close collaboration with the client and wider design team—the project achieves a comfortable, flexible and adaptable workplace environment which supports diverse visual tasks whilst enriching the overall user experience.