International sustainable development and engineering consultancy Arup has relocated its Bristol office into flexible space in one of the city’s greenest new buildings.
The firm, which has had a presence in Bristol for around 50 years, has taken the 27,000 sq ft second floor of the state-of-the-art EQ building on Victoria Street. 
EQ, which at 200,000 sq ft is also one of Bristol’s largest commercial developments, is the first in the city to commit to net zero carbon in operation in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework.
Arup, previously based a stone’s throw away on St Thomas St, called in Bath workplace design firm Interaction to create and fit out the new office, pictured.
This included splitting it into four quadrants to provide a mix of workspaces that will enhance both focussed and collaborative working.
There is also an enclosed library area for quiet working, while the space has been designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users and the visually impaired.
Sustainable materials and finishes have used throughout the design process, which took into account the comments of Arup’s near 500-strong Bristol-based workforce. 
Interaction was also involved in the choice of office furniture, with existing items reused where possible.
Some of the new desks and other office furniture are on moveable casters, allowing spaces to be reconfigured for different work settings.
Arup Bristol office leader Shaun Hartley said: “Our new home in Bristol demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the city, where we’ve had a presence for the last 50 years.
“Interaction has helped us to deliver an inclusive and flexible workspace, expertly bringing to life the vision of our near-500 Bristol-based colleagues.
“Our employee ownership model has enabled us to invest in an excellent new office environment, that has been strongly influenced by the needs of our colleagues. 
“We have made sustainable choices throughout our approach to the fit-out and created an energising and inclusive environment for everyone.
“It’s an exciting time for us and we look forward to inviting clients, project collaborators and community partners into our new space.”
Interaction has been involved in many of Bristol’s flagship office projects in recent years, including the showpiece base for international legal practice Osborne Clarke over five floors of the landmark Halo building at Finzels Reach – also one of the UK’s most sustainable office developments.
Interaction creative lead Pamela D’Alessandro, pictured, said: “As an employee-owned business, Arup prioritises the wellbeing of its people.
“Its new Bristol office, with its focus on wellbeing, collaboration and sustainability, perfectly reflects the company’s ethos and approach to work.
“Having been in Bristol for nearly half a century, we believe it will provide the space and flexibility they will need in the future.”
EQ, owned by London-based CEG, will also be home to banking giant HSBC, accountancy and wealth management group Evelyn Partners, payments platform firm Dojo, investment firm Rathbones, Top 50 law firm Birketts and specialist surveying and construction consultancy Rund.
Interaction’s other recent work in Bristol has included projects for fast-growing software development and digital services specialist Amdaris, cybersecurity firm Immersive Labs and FemTech business Elvie.
