Qatar Airways’ UK Headquarters thoughtfully reconsiders a key urban site in Central London, reinterpreting the architecture of the surrounding neighbourhood and marrying it with vernacular Qatari elements to create an emblematic building that bridges locations and cultures. The six story headquarters sits adjacent to a Grade II* listed James Wyatt building on Conduit Street in Mayfair and replaces two outdated structures that were inconsistent with the character of the local Conservation Area.

The sculpted Whitbed Portland Stone façade, crafted by advanced CNC detailing, features imbedded fossils and shells that lend it a rich texture that becomes smooth when viewed from a distance. It is arranged into three overlapping vertical wings tapering to a single point of contact at the ground floor. Above, large patinated bronze-framed windows with an intricate patinated bronze mashrabiya inset and fritting pattern are sized and positioned to match those of nearby buildings.

Inside, offices, conference rooms and staff amenities help support an active workforce for the company, which is widely regarded as one of the world’s best airlines. The reception space is a welcoming double-height area with a bespoke curving desk and a large digital display wall featuring videos and images from across the airline and Qatar. Four floors of flexible, open plan offices are organised to face away from the building’s central core.