As a leading wealth management firm, Harwood Wealth Management (now known as Argentis Wealth Management) required a workplace that would support evolving working practices while enhancing both employee and client experience. Like many organisations operating within the financial services sector, the business recognised the need to modernise a traditional office environment to better accommodate flexible working, improve collaboration and create a more engaging setting for employees and visitors alike.
Matt Hills, Finance Director – Harwood Wealth Management
From the outset, the design strategy focused on creating a balanced workplace that supports both confidential advisory services and day-to-day team interaction. The existing layout was carefully reviewed and reconfigured to provide an improved mix of private offices, client meeting facilities and collaborative working environments. This approach enables employees to work more effectively together while maintaining the discretion and confidentiality required for sensitive financial discussions.
A key objective of the project was enhancing the client experience. Wealth management is built on trust, relationships and personal interaction, making the quality of the meeting environment particularly important. Client-facing spaces were redesigned to provide a calm, welcoming and professional setting for consultations, creating an environment that reinforces confidence and reflects the high standards of service provided by the firm. The arrival experience was further enhanced through improvements to the external façade and the installation of new entrance doors, creating a stronger first impression and a more contemporary presence.
Employee wellbeing and workplace flexibility were also central considerations throughout the refurbishment. New collaborative environments and upgraded breakout facilities were introduced to encourage interaction, support knowledge sharing and strengthen workplace culture. The resulting workplace provides employees with greater choice in how and where they work, supporting both focused tasks and collaborative activities throughout the day.
Alongside the workplace transformation, the project included the complete redesign and installation of new mechanical and electrical systems throughout the office. The upgraded building services infrastructure was carefully designed to support the operational requirements of a modern financial services workplace, improving environmental comfort, energy efficiency and overall workplace performance. These enhancements ensure the workplace is equipped to support the business both now and into the future.
Delivered through close collaboration with the client team, the refurbishment required careful planning and coordination to ensure business operations could continue throughout the works. The integration of new building services, façade improvements and workplace enhancements demanded close coordination between all project stakeholders to maintain programme, quality and compliance requirements while delivering a seamless transformation.
The completed workplace now provides Harwood Wealth Management with a modern, flexible and client-focused environment that supports evolving ways of working while enhancing the experience of both employees and clients. By combining improved functionality, confidential advisory environments, upgraded infrastructure and a stronger external presence, the refurbishment creates a workplace that reinforces trust, supports collaboration and provides a platform for future growth.
Overall, the project demonstrates how thoughtful workplace refurbishment can modernise traditional financial services environments, creating spaces that enhance client experience, improve employee wellbeing and support long-term business success.
