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.
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.
Interior of a building under construction with exposed wooden beams, gray and white flooring, and multiple large windows.

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