This 200m high office tower at £750m total value was a developer-led shell and core project with novation to see through the high-end specialized fit-out of interiors, furniture and fittings. Bringing the bank’s 8,000 UK staff together for the first time, the tower provides 100,000 square metres of floor space. All main facilities are configured within a central core, which allows fully double-glazed and louvered open-plan floors through-out.

The entrance lobby soars to 28 metres in height and provides direct escalator access to three double-height trading halls, an 8,000sqm gym and dedicated client dining facilities. A sophisticated computer controlled ‘learning’ vertical transportation system provides rapid transit to the 39 office floors, with three transfer floors allowing easy movement between lift groups.

Richard worked on design development through to tender and completion, being one of the last three out of twenty architects to leave site. He was given sole responsibility for £17.5m lifts and escalators package from concept design to completion entailing every aspect of design, presentation, detailing, coordination and procurement of 31 bespoke lifts with 2 panoramic glass observation cars and 11 escalators.

Richard was also simultaneously responsible for packages of flush system glazing and visible support steelwork, as well as several interior fit-out packages including graphics and signage design, metalwork, certain finishes, a bespoke high-value artwork hanging system designed from scratch, all from detail design to completion.