Inside Lloyds' 250M London Workspace Revolution: Mastering Non-Traditional, Digital-First Design with Paula Rowntree

What does it take to transform a legacy bank that’s been around since the 1700s into a hub of energy, future-forward thinking, and inclusivity today? Paula Rowntree’s got the answers, as she takes us through the buzzing London HQ of Lloyds’ Bank in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes the Head of Workplace Design, Lloyd Bank, for a riveting look at what transformational design can achieve when done right. From sensory-conscious spaces to innovative collaboration zones, she’s got the playbook on building a tech-forward workspace while maintaining a distinctive brand identity. This walking tour reveals countless thoughtful details that prove intentional design can foster both productivity and belonging in the modern workplace.

What does it take to transform a legacy bank that’s been around since the 1700s into a hub of energy, future-forward thinking, and inclusivity today?

Paula Rowntree’s got the answers, as she takes us through the buzzing London HQ of Lloyds’ Bank in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes the Head of Workplace Design, Lloyd Bank, for a riveting look at what transformational design can achieve when done right.

What You’ll Learn

How to create flexible workspaces through strategic zoning and acoustic design
The "Fewer Better Buildings" framework for consolidating office space while enhancing workplace experience
Why inclusive design principles should be integrated from the start rather than added as afterthoughts
How to leverage sensory mapping and wayfinding to create intuitive, accessible spaces for all users
The essential elements of creating successful wellness spaces, from decompression pods to prayer rooms
How strategic workplace design can shift corporate culture and employee perception
How to balance digital-first design elements with traditional brand heritage

This walking tour reveals countless thoughtful details that prove intentional design can foster both productivity and belonging in the modern workplace.

Paula Rowntree is the Head of Workspace Design at Lloyds Banking Group, where she leads the transformation of corporate spaces into modern, inclusive environments. With over 37 years of experience at Lloyds and a strong background in retail design, she has successfully spearheaded the development of their flagship London office, incorporating innovative workplace solutions that balance functionality with employee well-being. Her work in workplace design has helped transform Lloyds' corporate image from traditional to technologically advanced, while maintaining the brand's core identity and values. Under her leadership, the team has achieved remarkable satisfaction rates, with 92% of colleagues reporting improved working conditions in their Leeds location, demonstrating the significant impact of inclusive design principles in corporate environments.

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Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction & Meeting Paula Rowntree
02:42 The New Lloyds: Neurodiverse, Inclusive and Better Spaces
08:07 The Value of People Feedback in Transforming Design
10:37 The Art of Well-Balanced Design in Inclusive Spaces
13:25 How Design Changes and Drives Business
16:28 Entering Lloyds HQ: Digital-First, Brand-Cohesive Design
21:00 The Living Wall & How It Works
24:15 The Heart of Lloyds: A Work Cafe That Drives Collaboration
27:35 Design and Lloyd Policy: Flex Summer, Gospel Singing & More
29:30 Getting Lloyds Healthy: The Wonder of a Mindful Kitchen
32:00 Brand-Amplification & Inclusive Working Through Design
36:00 Retail Is Detail: Why The Little Things Matter
38:36 Lloyds’ Gym & Wellness Studio: Bringing Wellness to Life
39:29 The Accessible Route: Changing Places & Wayfinding
43:52 Contemplation, Returning Parents & More: Tiny But Important Rooms
48:15 The Workplace Hub & Tech Bar: Taking Lloyds Into the Future
50:10 How Lloyds Works: Exploring the Work Floors
56:30 Using Neuroscientific Design for Problem-Solving
1:01:00 The Final Stop: Lloyds’ Terrace & Pet-Friendly Spaces
1:04:45 Closing Thoughts & Taking a Legacy Brand Into Its Next Era

Episode Resources:

Paula Rowntree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-rowntree-05318733/
Lloyds Banking Group Website: https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

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