Lawler Consulting provided Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering for the transformation of 78 St James’s Street in London, supporting the sensitive refurbishment of a Grade II listed landmark into a contemporary, high-performance workplace where historic character meets modern commercial performance.
78 St James’s Street occupies a prominent position in the heart of Westminster and brings together two very different periods of architecture: a Grade II* listed Victorian building dating from the 1840s and a modern office building added to the rear in 2001.
The redevelopment transformed the property into premium multi-tenant workspace while retaining and restoring its distinctive historic character. The scheme required the careful integration of contemporary building infrastructure within an existing and highly sensitive architectural environment.
Lawler Consulting provided building services design consultancy for the refurbishment, supporting the creation of a modern commercial environment while responding to the constraints of the listed building. Lawler’s own project records identify 78 St James Street as one of its significant London commercial developments.
A central challenge of the project was creating a workplace capable of meeting contemporary occupier expectations without losing the qualities that make the historic building distinctive.
The redevelopment improved connections between the heritage building and the later office accommodation, bringing the two elements together as a cohesive commercial environment. Contemporary office floors sit alongside restored heritage spaces, with modern workplace amenities carefully incorporated throughout the building.
For the building services design, this meant responding to very different spatial and architectural conditions and integrating modern systems sensitively within an existing structure.
The completed development goes beyond conventional office accommodation, providing a range of spaces designed around modern working patterns.
Alongside flexible workspace, the building incorporates a clubhouse-style lounge, wellness facilities, collaborative spaces and end-of-trip amenities. A new rooftop pavilion and landscaped terrace provide additional space for working, meetings and events, with views across Westminster and Green Park.
Rather than replacing the existing building, the redevelopment demonstrates how established commercial assets can be adapted to meet changing workplace and environmental expectations.
Around 80% of the existing structure was retained, reducing embodied carbon associated with redevelopment, while the completed project achieved BREEAM Excellent.
The project illustrates the potential for carefully considered refurbishment to preserve architectural value while extending the useful life and improving the performance of existing commercial buildings.
Historic Building Reimagined – a Grade II* listed London landmark transformed for contemporary commercial use.
Premium Modern Workspace – approximately 100,000 sq ft of flexible multi-tenant office accommodation complemented by extensive amenities.
Old & New Connected – improved integration between the original Victorian building and later office accommodation creates a cohesive working environment.
Enhanced Workplace Experience – wellness, collaborative and end-of-trip facilities alongside a rooftop pavilion and landscaped terrace support changing ways of working.
Sustainable Reuse – retention of approximately 80% of the existing structure contributed to reduced embodied carbon, with the development achieving BREEAM Excellent.
From landmark refurbishments and workplace regeneration to new commercial developments, Lawler Consulting delivers Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineering that combines technical performance, practical delivery and long-term value.
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