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Zopa

Zopa & Canary Wharf GroupCanary WharfCAT B

A workplace as functional as it is creative, Zopa's new HQ in the heart of Canary Wharf balances their playful, human-first identity with an inclusive and collaborative workplace.

For Zopa’s new 40,000 sq. ft. headquarters, our role was to translate Zopa’s brand and operational needs into a space that is functional, future-proof, and aligned with Canary  Wharf Group’s asset standards. From brand-led furniture, signage,  and wayfinding to timeless, high-quality permanent finishes, every decision aimed to meet the client’s vision while ensuring flexibility for the landlord. Spanning multiple floors, this dynamic workplace marks a close collaboration between Thirdway, Canary Wharf Group, and leading digital bank Zopa, exemplifying the balance we bring as a Design & Build partner working on behalf of both landlords and occupiers.

    Reinforcing Creation and Confidence

    As Zopa’s first office spanning multiple floors, the spatial design needed to embody their culture of transparency and connectivity. To accomplish this, we designed a central interconnecting staircase to achieve cohesion across the 40,000 sq. ft., three-floor layout, which reinforced Zopa’s visual and physical unity throughout the space.

    Given its technical complexity, we worked closely with Zopa to reassure them that not only was this the right decision for their business, but that it would also be delivered with confidence. Throughout the process, close collaboration and transparent communication were critical to ensuring that Zopa felt reassured in our commitment to expertly delivering the staircase solution.

    While such a feature is uncommon in typical landlord fit-outs, it was integral to our design approach of meeting Zopa’s aspirations while ensuring the solution remained practical for future tenants. This bold intervention and highly technical design choice ultimately provides a practical solution for the occupier while adding value and future-proofing the landlord’s asset.

    Thirdway were brilliant at helping design a space that worked for Zopa but was also something the landlord was happy to inherit further down the line, focusing on permanent fixtures like flooring and joinery that will suit future occupiers, while allowing brand-specific touches to shine. Thirdway’s prior experience with both us and the landlord enabled streamlined communications and approvals, keeping the project moving efficiently.

    Emily DickensHead of Experience, Zopa

    Designing the ‘Zopa’ Space

    The design blends heritage-inspired elements with contemporary details, creating a workplace that feels distinctly Zopa while remaining adaptable for the future.

    Colour and pattern play a central role, with Zopa’s signature teal concentrated in key client-facing areas such as reception and the boardroom, while softer tints are used throughout the wider space. Pops of yellow, terracotta and green add energy, balanced by light oak flooring and joinery to create a considered overall palette.

    This approach allowed Zopa’s personality to shine through furniture, signage, finishes and colour, while more permanent elements were designed with future occupiers in mind.

    Meeting Sustainability Criteria

    Although Zopa did not pursue specific material accreditations, sustainability remained central to the fit-out. Finishes were carefully selected alongside the Cat A base design and the building’s BREEAM Outstanding rating, ensuring environmental considerations were integrated without compromising design or performance.

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