What is your favourite thing about your office?

‘We bought our building about seven years ago; it’s the best decision we’ve ever made. From the outside it’s an anonymous industrial unit, next to Greenwich Station in south-east London. Inside we’ve kitted it out exactly how we want it: a huge, well-lit, open-plan studio, meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling pinboards, and a large well-stocked kitchen. And we have an indoor, first-floor garden; our clients love meeting at the garden table on the (fake) lawn, amongst the bushes, beside the babbling fountain in the (real) fish pond.’

Michael Smith, director, Cog Design 

‘Since moving offices, Music have ticked off all the creative agency cliches with panache. Grade II-listed? Check. Concrete work surfaces, stripped wood flooring, a shelving system made from pencils, glass meeting rooms, and barely used bicycles hanging from the wall? Check. Two dishwashers – yes, two? Check. We’re so spoilt, I struggled to pinpoint my favourite part of the office. So I asked around. The most poignant response was, “Maja, the office manager”. Which made me think that it’s the people that fill this place I like the most. Predictable? Maybe. A bit slushy? Probably. True? Check.’

Adam Rix, associate creative director, Music

‘We walked up the dark alleyway into a building site, the cobbled stone floor was just about visible underneath copious piles of building materials… The office that we had come to see was nothing more than a muddy hole in the floor with a busted up Porsche 911 sitting in the flooded foundations. It took a lot of vision but the promise of full-height sliding glass doors and an ultra-contemporary fitout kept us going and two years on we still love our “new” offices. There is a plethora of natural light, a courtyard/suntrap where the guys sit out to lunch or brainstorm. We have a Wall of Fame in the toilet and a What’s New wall for inspiring innovations.’

Sian James-Royle, co-founder, The Yard Creative

‘We have all the usual designer trappings: the big white walls, and trendy/uncomfortable chairs; the designer calendars that no one can read properly; the improvised spray mount booth made from old Weetabix boxes, etc. But to be honest, outside the office is far more interesting and inspiring, so I suppose I’d say the front door is my favourite bit!’

Mark Lester, creative director, MARK 

‘My staff at Real Time used to love coming into my office in Soho Square and later in Briset Street because it felt friendly with a staff piccie collage and signed football shirts on the walls, not to mention a constant supply of biscuits and a beer fridge. It could have all gone downhill after that but my office for the last ten years also has a 46” TV with soundbar, constant music from the Bowers & Wilkins A7, a fridge that never empties with my own chef on hand 24/7. If I feel tired I can choose between the sofa and one of the two beds and if the work is piling in I move through to my study and go into overdrive. It’s also a bonus that my commuting costs have reduced to zero during this period as going between home and work can be done with a mug of tea in hand. I have lived in Bloomsbury 25 years but have only worked here for ten, I don’t think I would change a thing.’

Phil Jones, managing director of Real Time Consultancy and founder of Podge Lunches

‘My favourite thing about our studio is its size. I believe that a building can have a strong psychological effect upon the people that use it on a daily basis. We moved to a new, much bigger space in December of last year and since then I’ve seen the influence in our work and working methods. While break-out and group spaces are often maligned, getting away from our desks and having space to dedicate to projects is a great boost to the whole process.’

James Greenfield, creative director, Design Studio

‘It’s got to be location… we’re at the epicentre of the metropolis here. We love the vibrancy of life outside our front door, and from our first-floor vantage point we’re able to look down on the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and observe people from all walks of life jostling with each other for pavement space. We’re blessed with a roof terrace too – a rare luxury in central London. We climb up 100 steps for an intake of fresh(ish) air and a shot of alertness.  How could we fail to be inspired by the views across London’s landmarks… even the day-to-day changing face of Debenhams courtesy of its refurb is fascinating to watch.’

Andy Paul, managing director, The Cabinet

‘Our new office was formerly a printworks. The larger open space is designed to inspire collaboration and is nestled under the arches of a bustling road in Clerkenwell. The thing I love most about this new office space is how the industrial backdrop is a great environment to develop our unique personality. From exposed ceiling pipes and light bulbs encased in jam jars, to scaffold shelving and a boardroom table made from 500-year-old doors, the space is packed with great visual elements, bags of texture and distinctive style.’

Jamie Lillywhite, design director, AnalogFolk London