JBWere

JBWere’s space, perched on Level 4 of 11 Cable Street, had undeniable charm; soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and breathtaking harbour views. But while the character of the building was timeless, the functionality of the office no longer met the needs of its people or the calibre of its clients.

JBWere envisioned a space that balanced heritage with modern luxury, a design that spoke to the prestige of a “Boston Hedge Fund” while maintaining the warmth and sophistication needed to host their many client functions. They needed more meeting and collaboration spaces, better acoustic privacy, and a seamless blend of elegance and practicality.

A Cohesive Approach
Following a competitive proposal process, Catalyst was engaged as JBWere’s Design & Build provider, serving as the single point of contact for design, project management, and construction. Our team worked closely with JBWere to craft a solution that would not only enhance functionality but also preserve the building’s unique character.

Generous circulation spaces with soaring three-metre-high ceilings set the tone for an open yet structured environment. We upgraded the lighting throughout to energy-efficient LEDs, ensuring the space felt bright and inviting while maintaining sustainability. A dedicated client WC was also incorporated to elevate the experience for guests.

The details brought the vision to life; natural walnut timber doors, walls, and entry flooring added warmth and sophistication, while reeded double glazing and operable partitions provided essential acoustic separation. The result was a workspace that exuded refined professionalism while supporting the daily needs of JBWere’s team.

Overcoming Challenges
Delivering a premium fitout always comes with its challenges, and this project was no exception. A tight construction timeline, ongoing occupation of the space, and Covid restrictions during the build required careful coordination. Unexpected defects in the operable panelling also had to be addressed, but through proactive problem-solving, we ensured a flawless finish.

A Collaborative Success
The true success of this project lay in the strong partnership between Catalyst and JBWere. Together, we transformed a dated office into a refined, functional, and future-ready space — one that not only reflects JBWere’s brand but enhances the way they work and engage with their clients.

• Project team

• Emma Levestam,

• Drew Blair,

• Grant Heighway,