Goulston & Storrs

Harbour-inspired, flexible law office with equitable space.

A coherent, hospitality-influenced legal workplace consolidating teams into a flexible, non-hierarchical office with collaborative amenities, harbour views and efficient floorplates that reduce area while enhancing cultural connection.

Tasked with rethinking its Boston base, Goulston & Storrs sought to consolidate dispersed teams, champion equality, and adjust its footprint without diminishing its presence. Elkus Manfredi Architects evaluated multiple sites and scenarios before steering the firm to One Post Office Square, translating its longstanding harbour-facing culture into a high-rise setting. The objective was clear: create a culture-forward workplace that prioritises collaboration, clarity and flexibility, moving away from status-led planning towards a democratic,, technology-ready model.

The scheme consists of a sequence of hospitality-influenced shared spaces to draw people together: a panoramic lobby, a two-level conference centre linked by a sculptural stair, an inviting cafe and a generous terrace overlooking downtown. Across the floorplates, universally sized offices, open collaboration zones and well-equipped focus rooms support varied workstyles, while a modern material and lighting palette—dark timber, crisp white surfaces and yacht-like detailing—grounds the narrative in the city’s wharfside character.

Despite a circa 4,600 sq m reduction in area, the workplace feels more spacious and performs more efficiently, enabling equitable access and smoother interaction. As one judge noted, it is a "coherent and thoughtfully executed design", with others praising the efficient floorplates and connectivity. The project convincingly repositions a traditional law practice for contemporary, collaborative work.

The judges said: “A well-executed workplace that reflects the client's corporate needs while fostering equality and flexibility.”