Westminster Under School

Interior transformation of a former office building to support the school's strategic transition to co-education.

  • Westminster Under School are a leading London independent school undertaking a series of major projects to support growth in pupil numbers and transition to co-education.

    We were invited to act as interior designers to ensure their new home - a 3,500m2 former office block - would meet their needs as a modern and inspiring school environment for Year 5 - Year 8 pupils.

    The interior identity is centred on a palette of natural materials, including oak, cork, and stone, and incorporates circular motifs and curves to create a thematic link and reflect the details of the original Victorian school building. 

    Bold colours, bespoke joinery, and unexpected ceiling treatments add a visual impact and playful character to six signature spaces within the school, including a double-height performance hall, welcome atrium, auditorium, library, and pupil break-out areas at the heart of each floor.

    The success of the first project has led to our reappointment for a second phase to refurbish the original Victorian school building complex.

Benedict Dunhill
Deputy Head at Westminster Under School

Modern interior of a coworking or lounge area with hanging spherical pendant lights, high bar seating, and a person walking in the background.
Inside a modern lobby with high ceilings, wood paneling, and large hanging boards on the wall, four women are sitting at tables using laptops, surrounded by potted plants and comfortable seating.
A music class with a woman playing grand piano while a group of children sing and follow a music teacher in a rehearsal room.
Classroom with students at desks and a teacher at the front near a large screen
Interior of a modern building with a staircase and balcony area, featuring hanging pendant lights and minimalistic decor.
Architectural floor plan of a multi-story building with color-coded rooms indicating classroom, staff facilities, library, dining hall, reception, breakout, and boiler room/storage, showing different levels labeled GF, FF, SF, BF.
Interior of a building under construction with exposed wooden beams, gray and white flooring, and multiple large windows.
Aerial view of city buildings, with one prominent red brick building in the foreground and several gray high-rise buildings. Streets with cars and road markings are visible.