It’s not simply a coincidence that visiting the new London headquarters of global management consultant Deloitte Consulting is like checking into five-star boutique accommodation. The spectacular workplace, designed by Mackay + Partners, is intended to be used just like an hotel. Only the administration and support staff of Deloitte Consulting are based permanently in the building, Athene Place on London’s Shoe Lane. All consultants, managers and partners have roving briefs, and are often based at clients’ offices, or at Braxton’s other sites in the UK or overseas. Yet everyone nees to make use of the London base, for individual work, meetings or group projects. In January 2001, Mackay + Partners, was given the challenge of conceiving an interior that could allow staff to ‘book’ workspace over the internet, and project the company’s brand image. In addition, the design needed to attract Deloitte’s staff to make full use of the building, promoting interaction between employees. Plans evolved through a ‘visioning’ day which showed Deloitte Consulting how its premises could help communicate the brand and drive its business, workshops with staff and by interviewing a broad cross-section of the company’s staff. The results, arranged over five floors of a 14,000 sq m building designed by architect EPR, are astounding. The design language is light and bright. Colour, combined with natural elements such as timber and stone, plus the use of strong graphics, together lend the interior a calm and contemporary feel.