Stephens Scown, Exeter
- Legal
- 16,500 sq ft
- Exeter
- Cat A & B
Services Delivered
Shaping a workplace around people and purpose.
The Brief
A future-focused workplace transformation that enhances employee experience, and reflects the firm’s values
Stephens Scown, a leading Westcountry law firm and B Corp-certified business, set out to transform their flagship Curzon House office in Southernhay, Exeter. The ambition was to create a modern, flexible workplace that enhances both employee and client experience. Through a detailed workplace consultancy study, Bespa identified key spatial and cultural requirements to inform the brief. The design needed to support hybrid working, foster collaboration, and provide a welcoming, professional environment. By carefully balancing functionality, well-being, and brand identity, the project aimed to deliver a future-ready workspace aligned with the firm’s values and long-term vision.
Project Impact
- An environment that works equally well for our team and our clients
- A workspace that reflects the professionalism of our practice
- Clear zoning to support private work, meetings, and informal interaction
- A cohesive design that reflects the firm’s values, culture, and reputation
Space
The transformation of Curzon House redefines how employees and clients interact with the building. A new ground floor reception and business lounge improves accessibility and visibility, creating a flexible, client-facing environment that can also host events and informal working. Adjoining this, a dedicated client meeting suite maximises natural light and strengthens the arrival experience. Upper floors provide a mix of open-plan workspaces, private meeting rooms, and acoustic booths to support hybrid working. A new breakout area encourages collaboration and relaxation, while a flexible event space with tiered seating supports training, social activities, and team engagement, creating a dynamic and adaptable workplace.
Design
The design carefully balances brand expression with a calm, contemporary aesthetic. Stephens Scown’s brand colours are introduced through finishes and furnishings, complemented by natural materials and integrated planting to enhance well-being. Sustainability sits at the core, with the introduction of an Air Source Heat Pump, reuse of existing furniture, and recycled materials such as acoustic panels made from recycled plastic. Partitioning was retained and enhanced to reduce waste, while new facilities, including showers, support active travel and employee wellness. Every detail is considered to create a cohesive, responsible, and inspiring environment that reflects the firm’s values and elevates the everyday experience.