The dyslexic architect that designed Virgin's new engine room

It was so exciting to see Virgin Group’s brand-new office when I was visiting London last week. The team has done a brilliant job in bringing Whitfield Studios back to life.

The building was once a recording studio that existed at the same time as Virgin Records. I remember that people would often come and record with us at The Manor, or at Whitfield in London. We had quite a few crossovers in artists from the Spice Girls to Phil Collins, so it feels extra special to bring the building back to life... I also have some hazy memories of the pub on the corner!

The team has taken such care in preserving the rich history of the building – keeping original features intact and adding fun nods to its recording studio days. The meeting rooms, for example, are walled with acoustic baffling panels that took me right back to 1977! They also have signs that light up to say ‘On Air’ when in use.

It’s hard to believe the building sat empty for nearly 15 years. When you step inside, it instantly feels like the home of Virgin. I love how team members were consulted throughout the design process to make sure the space is as warm, welcoming, inclusive and accessible as possible. We all work in different ways, but the team has worked hard to make the space fit for everyone.

I was also delighted to meet the dyslexic architect who helped bring Virgin’s vision to life. Dicky Lewis is the co-founder of White Red alongside Jesus Jimenez and Joe Haire. After leaving university, Dicky, Jesus and Joe reached out to a Virgin StartUp business advisor in 2017 about their ambition to build a new London architecture firm. They joined a Virgin StartUp accelerator programme and the team helped them write up their business plan. Seven years later, the firm have turned a dilapidated four-storey, 21,000 sq. ft studio space into the most wonderful working environment for Virgin Management, Virgin Red , Virgin StartUp and Virgin Limited Edition . It always feels good to bring our companies together.

I’ve never been a big fan of offices, so I’m exceptionally proud of everyone who helped turn Whitfield Studios into a home for the team. And at a time when many businesses are demanding their employees come back to the office, we’re sticking to our fully-flexible policy, so people can enjoy the space whenever it suits them. Thank you to everyone who worked tremendously hard over the past two years to create such an exciting, vibrant and ‘very Virgin’ space. Let the fun begin!