Berlin-based Kinzo Architekten has reimagined the workspace for global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, transforming three floors of the iconic Kollhoff Tower at Potsdamer Platz into a sophisticated, apartment-like environment. Departing from traditional corporate interiors, the design channels the warmth and elegance of a New York loft, prioritizing community and flexibility over rigid hierarchies.
The project spans 3,000 square meters of office space, where Kinzo balanced timeless aestheticswith modern functionality. The firm embraced the building’s original Manhattan-inspired 1930s architecture by Hans Kollhoff, preserving its robust character while introducing contemporary touches. Key to the redesign was enhancing transparency and permeability, achieved through glass partitions that replace solid walls, fostering visual connectivity and natural light.
Central to the concept are the petrol-colored building cores, clad in vertical slats to create a monolithic, cohesive look. These bold architectural elements contrast with warm, muted tones—light green, violet, dark blue, and terracotta—selected in collaboration with color expert Friederike Tebbe to evoke a residential feel. The material palette includes wooden wall paneling, built-in benches, and platforms, reinforcing the tactile, inviting atmosphere.
Freshfields’ hotelling concept allows lawyers to book adaptable workspaces, from single offices to collaborative lounges, each equipped with acoustically optimized, tech-ready furnishings. The communal areas, resembling a boutique hotel or upscale apartment, feature an eclectic mix of mid-century and contemporary furniture, layered with textiles and greenery for a lived-in elegance.
By blending heritage and innovation, Kinzo has crafted a future-forward office that feels both prestigious and personal—proof that even in high-stakes legal environments, design can foster connection and comfort.