Allen & Overy, City of London

Office relocation for award-winning Allen & Overy

Blend has been selected as the AV and IT consultants for Allen & Overy’s prestigious 2 Broadgate project. A&O’s esteemed reputation, highlighted by their recognition as “Germany Law Firm of the Year” at the 2023 Chambers Europe Awards, makes this relocation a landmark development. We are excited to contribute to their headquarters consolidation at 2 Broadgate, which integrates multiple sites into one streamlined location. With our extensive experience across sectors and a strong portfolio of office and workplace projects, we align perfectly with A&O’s needs. Our design will seamlessly incorporate both passive and active IT infrastructure, alongside cutting-edge AV solutions, ensuring the new space meets the firm’s modern operational demands.

Navigating governance and connectivity challenges

Addressing the diverse needs of Allen & Overy’s UK stakeholder group, with its complex governance requirements, presents a significant challenge, especially in a highly regulated industry. The AV/IT infrastructure must not only meet these needs but also comply with strict governance standards, while seamlessly integrating with the Base Build systems. This complexity is heightened by the importance of WAN circuits and WiFi coverage for connectivity. To tackle this, we conducted a thorough analysis of A&O’s technology requirements through workshops, surveys, and a pilot space at their current offices in Bishops Square. By collaborating with the client, design teams, and Base Build consultants, Blend ensured that all AV/IT needs were meticulously incorporated into the design. We also worked closely with network engineers and facilities teams to align the AV/IT systems with the Base Build infrastructure, ensuring compliance with performance and security standards.