Derwent London

View gallery Derwent London

Project Brief

Derwent London is a FTSE 250 commercial developer renowned for its innovative and design-led approach to creating distinctive office spaces that attract a wide range of tenants, including those in the creative industries.

Motionspot was first appointed by Derwent to provide inclusive design consultancy for its flagship 300,000 sq. ft development at 80 Charlotte Street. The aim was to embed inclusivity and accessibility into the building’s design while maintaining the developer’s creative and architectural vision.

Since that initial collaboration, Motionspot’s partnership with Derwent London has expanded across multiple developments, supporting the company’s mission to create workplaces that are as inclusive and welcoming as they are visually striking.

“Motionspot brilliantly merges the skills of an access auditor with the knowledge of a product specifier to identify potential issues within a building, before proposing design solutions that will improve access for all and compliment the look and feel of our offices”.

Paul Williams, CEO, Derwent London

Project Scope

Motionspot’s role at 80 Charlotte Street and subsequent Derwent London projects involved embedding inclusive design principles into high-quality, design-led office environments. Our work has spanned building audits, design consultancy, and inclusive product specification to ensure Derwent’s developments reflect best practice in accessibility and usability.

Access & Inclusive Design Audit:

Conducted a detailed access review of the 80 Charlotte Street building to assess circulation, facilities, and layouts for users with physical, cognitive, and sensory requirements.
Identified barriers to access and provided practical solutions that enhanced inclusivity without compromising architectural intent.
Reviewed finishes, signage, and wayfinding elements to ensure they supported clear navigation and sensory comfort.

Inclusive Design Strategy:

Developed design-led accessibility strategies aligned with Derwent’s creative ethos, ensuring inclusive design was seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the project.
Recommended design solutions that balanced aesthetic quality and functionality, including accessible facilities and inclusive amenities.
Guided Derwent’s teams on aligning inclusive design standards with building performance and tenant wellbeing goals.

Design Consultancy & Implementation Support:

Collaborated closely with Derwent’s design team and project partners to implement inclusive design recommendations.
Supported Derwent on further developments including Whitfield Street, the Featherstone Building, and Soho Place, embedding accessibility across new builds and regeneration projects.
Provided consultancy during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that reconfigured “Covid-safe” layouts remained inclusive for all employees and visitors.

Project Impact

Motionspot’s ongoing partnership with Derwent London has helped establish inclusivity as a defining feature of the developer’s design philosophy.

Through collaborative design reviews and tailored recommendations, Derwent’s workplaces now offer improved accessibility, comfort, and flexibility for all users, enhancing the experience of tenants and visitors alike.

This long-term relationship demonstrates how inclusive design can be seamlessly integrated into high-quality, design-led commercial spaces, setting a benchmark for accessibility and creativity across London’s office developments.