The American Express offices in Brighton had reached the end of their life span and we were briefed to design a high-quality office building that would offer large flexible floor plates with high levels of servicing to meet the needs of a 21st century business. The 12-storey office building includes an underground car park, gym, conference centre, training and meeting rooms along with a staff restaurant with outdoor seating areas that provide spectacular views across Brighton and the south coast.

We have designed the internal spaces to have a sense of openness and fluidity, encouraging a flexible and modern working environment. An internal curve motif is used throughout, creating a smooth transition from the secure reception space into the building. Similarly, perimeter coffer lighting assists the flow and linking of the entrance with the core and other parts of the building.

Sustainability and responsibility are at the heart of this building. EPR worked with the town planners to achieve a high BREEAM rating. The building’s extensive ‘green’ features included excavated chalk removed and taken to 15 different local sites for re-use. American Express worked closely with the neighbouring school and funded vital improvements. Public artwork using decorative ceramic tiles created by artist Kate Malone, who collaborated with the school, the Deaf Association and American Express employees was installed on one façade to create a visual tribute to the town.