Revolut London: AIS Heralds a New Era of Design and Build

Revolut is a company defined by pace, ambition and disruption, and its new global headquarters in Canary Wharf has been designed to match this vision. The brief given to design and construction experts AIS was to deliver a workplace that was an extension of the brand, through London’s largest ever design and build project.

AIS is a global leader in creating workplaces that inspire, perform, and help people thrive. From strategy and change management to design, furniture, and construction, we deliver flexible, end-to-end solutions that transform how people experience their spaces. Combining core specialisms and a commitment to quality, AIS offers tailored solutions that support clients throughout every stage, delivering precision and professional expertise.

The aim was to create an office that employees want to come into every day, not through obligation, but because it inspires creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. The 113,000 sq ft HQ in the YY Building does just that, while redefining workplace design through insight and innovation.

Data-led Design at Scale

Revolut’s new head office is not guided by instinct alone; it is powered by data. AIS used workplace analytics, productivity studies and industry benchmarking to shape everything from the floor plate layouts to the balance of focus, collaborative and social zones. Gareth Morgan, Head of Global Brand at Revolut, commented:

“What truly set AIS apart was the strategic thinking and data underpinning their approach.”

By deploying this evidence-based method, AIS was able to push beyond convention, introducing more cultural and social spaces than a typical HQ.

Analysis of a variety of working models was also essential to the direction and shape of the project. As a company that proudly prioritises flexible working, Revolut needs a workplace which puts its people at its heart. Simon Hart, Creative Director at AIS, said:

“Hybrid working has had a profound impact on company cultures. Revolut is passionate about its people and nurturing talent, so this space needed to centre around them. Our design focuses on supporting employees, strengthening culture and counteracting some of the negatives associated with agile working.”

Breathtaking Impact

The project itself has two distinct aspects: spaces which celebrate the brand and tell its story, and those which are focused on employee engagement and experience.

The areas central to brand storytelling are nothing short of breathtaking. A focal point of the striking reception is a huge transparent LED screen which blurs the boundary between technology and architecture, transforming the arrival to the space into a standout moment.

Central to the design are two striking staircases, crafted from over 100 tonnes of bespoke structural steel. A true sense of drama is created through the mezzanine and auditorium which are deliberately positioned in darker parts of the floorplate. 200 square metres of LED wall panelling – enough to cover a tennis court – bring these spaces to life and provide a digital backdrop for Revolut to amplify its brand message in a tailored way for both employees and visitors.

Creating Neighbourhoods

Alongside the high impact brand zones, the workspace unfolds into a series of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own purpose and energy. Focus areas are carefully insulated from noise, while collaboration hubs have been designed to spark creativity through open interaction and enclosed teamwork spaces. Social areas blend hospitality with workplace functionality, making the office feel more like a neighbourhood than a corporate HQ.

A defining principle was democratising the floorplate. The best parts of the building – those with the most natural light and panoramic views – are reserved not for executives, but for employees. Workstations sit in these key locations, reinforcing the brand’s values of inclusivity, openness, and forward-thinking through design.

Employee wellbeing not only supported through best-in-class workspaces, amenities including a gym, sauna and mindfulness room also enhance daily life and reward the commute.

Furniture That Tells the Story

Central to the brand storytelling was the use of furniture throughout the project. AIS curated bespoke pieces that gave each zone its own identity while supporting collaboration, focus, and comfort. Maddy Cox, Head of Furniture at AIS, explained:

“Furniture brings the space to life; it’s how people engage. For Revolut, it was about creating a workplace that feels ambitious yet homely.”

From lounge-style seating for relaxed discussions, to barista bars and terraces for social collaboration, every piece was chosen to support interaction and choice. The result: a workplace that feels less like a corporate HQ and more like a space people choose to be part of.

Setting a New Benchmark for the Future of Work

Revolut’s London headquarters is more than an office; it’s a symbol of ambition and a blueprint for the future of work. It shows how real estate can embody brand, culture, and employee experience, creating environments that actively attract, inspire, and retain talent.

For Revolut, this HQ is a cultural beacon: a physical manifestation of values and vision, signalling to the financial world that the company is here to lead.

For AIS, it is proof that bold partnership, data-led design, and storytelling can deliver workplaces that go beyond functionality – creating experiences that are ambitious, human, and unmistakably future-facing.