Meredith Connell

Competing locally and globally for top litigation talent, MC’s new 230-person premises is designed to radically differentiate the firm. Located in the new MC Centre, the design exemplifies the firm’s forward-thinking approach to attracting talent by providing an unparalleled employee experience in a premium ecosystem designed for the development of exemplary litigation skills.

The design brief was to celebrate contemporary Aotearoa, connect people with the natural environment in a workspace dedicated to wellbeing, and expel preconceived notions of ‘the typical law firm’. The resulting space uniquely includes a living terrarium, providing employees with a sensory experience akin to walking through the Waitakere Ranges. Also unique to New Zealand is a precise replica of Auckland’s High Court supporting professional development.

Six staff workspaces celebrating aspects of contemporary Aotearoa are arranged across two buildings either side of a full-height atrium interconnected by generous link bridges and stairways. Social and L&D activities programmed around the atrium ensure people and activities intersect and overlap around the naturally lit heart of the floorplate. An array of formal and informal work settings accommodates varying working styles, including silent concentration spaces, collaborative meeting rooms, a café and breakout areas.

Cementing its bold and holistic commitment to staff wellbeing, MC has also become the first law firm in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve WELL Pre-Certification and is aiming to be the first to secure WELL v2 Certification.