Morey Smith updates old club

The century-old Commonwealth Club, home to The Royal Commonwealth Society, is to re-open in the new year with a contemporary image.

Design group Morey Smith won a four-way unpaid creative pitch three years ago to design the building, which was demolished except for the facade, plus identity and graphics. The group worked with architectural practice RHWL on the interiors.

“It was an old man’s club, complete with wood panelling and a rather stuffy image,” says Linda Morey Smith, who claims the new club will bridge the gap between “media drinking venues and gentlemen’s clubs”. A 150-seat brasserie, glass-walled dining room, bar and conference rooms will make up the new space, while membership will be broadened to include international business people, as well as its 5000 Commonwealth representatives.