New Dublin Headquarters
On 11 June 2007, Matheson Ormsby Prentice relocated to new offices at 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay along Dublin’s Docklands.
With over 133,000 sq ft of office space, Matheson Ormsby Prentice will now occupy the largest law firm offices in Ireland. In addition, the firm has options to expand this space to more than 175,000 sq ft over the course of the next ten years.
Led by Managing Partner Liam Quirke, Matheson Ormsby Prentice began a process nearly four years ago to plan an office infrastructure that would support the future evolution of the firm. In a unique approach, the firm itself identified the design, specifications and expansion requirements for their new Dublin headquarters and then put this out to tender in a process which is already being referred to by commercial agents as the ‘MOP Model’.
Research shows that our working environment has a fundamental impact on recruitment, retention, productivity and ultimately an organisation’s ability to achieve its business strategy. For these reasons, Matheson Ormsby Prentice made the creation of an absolute “best in class” working environment for its people its priority.
US architects Gensler were retained to design a bespoke building for the firm, from inception to completion. Gensler specialises in the design of law firm offices having designed offices for more than half of the Top 100 law firms in America. Other recent projects include the new offices of Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Shearman & Sterling and White & Case in London. Output from dedicated focus groups from across the firm guided much of the decisions on facilities, services, office design, layout and fit-out.
Commenting on their new offices Managing Partner, Liam Quirke said: “70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay was conceived, designed and built to our specific requirements. It is a world-class law firm environment with state-of-the-art facilities that will meet our business needs and support the future evolution of the firm. It is a symbol of our culture, our values and our style.”
Quay Facts:
- The firm’s new headquarters comprises over 200 offices and 21 client meeting rooms, behind more than 1,000 panes of glass that make up its contemporary glass exterior. There are also internal meeting rooms on each of the working floors.
- A central glass atrium, over seven stories tall with nine overhanging glass walkways, will offer a modern chill-out area for staff with restaurant, coffee and smoothie bars.
- A unique feature of the new layout will see senior partners sharing offices with trainees and juniors in a ‘mentoring’ style approach designed to share learning and promote employee integration.
- International best practice dictated the provision of extensive services for the firm’s clients. This includes dedicated business centre facilities for clients, such as faxing and photocopying services, newspapers, wireless connectivity, secretarial services and advanced audio- and video-conferencing facilities. Clients will also have access to an executive changing room with shower and changing facilities.
- A key feature of the move is the continued investment in staff. 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay will see dedicated state of the art facilities, which will support the firm’s learning and development activities. Equipped with the latest in video-conferencing technology, these facilities offer great flexibility for expert trainers and delegates, and are equipped with advance audio, video and VT facilities for remote conferencing.
- The new building incorporates many elements of an advanced automated IT system including lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) which are only activated when offices and open-plan areas are occupied. Energy monitoring units throughout the building will enable greater efficiency in water and electricity usage. Recycling points will be within easy access of the working offices. Secure printing facilities are designed to significantly reduce the firm’s paper and energy consumption.
- There is a specially designed and well equipped gymnasium situated in the Atrium area of the new offices. The firm has invested in advanced gym equipment and changing rooms. A fitness instructor will be on site to carry out fitness assessments and design programmes for employees.