Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s is the newest London location within the Convene portfolio of brands. Spanning over 45,000 square-feet across two floors, the venue can host up to 1,200 guests and the Grand Hall can accommodate up to 900, making it the largest single above-ground meeting room in the City of London. 

So how does one go about creating such an exceptional venue? Designing a space of this grandeur is a team effort. Katie Timmerman, vice president of design at Convene, elaborates on the concepts that inspired Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s and showcases how they are brought to life within the new destination. 

Where does the Convene in-house design team start when conceptualizing a new location?

At Convene, we have developed a standard design formula that we apply across our global portfolio. Our process begins by creating a concept that harmoniously integrates three critical elements: architectural context, experiential design, and cultural significance. This is what we call the Convene Design Narrative.

The architectural context includes everything surrounding the building, from adjacent structures to nearby historical landmarks. The diverse architectural styles in the Square serve as the foundation for our approach to designing Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s.

The experiential component at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s draws from the opulence of the Elizabethan era; we aimed to incorporate details reminiscent of the period's affluent residences—such as intricately detailed ceilings, elaborate wall paneling, and ornamental patterns—but with a contemporary twist.

The final element, cultural inspiration, is rooted in the post-war reinvention of British design. Our concept, "Unstoppable Britain," celebrates British culture through expressive materials, innovative techniques, and bold shapes.

How does the Design Narrative come to life at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's?

The architectural concept—inspired by Paternoster Square—comes to life with a carefully curated neutral color palette that seamlessly blends into the space. Rectilinear forms, echoing the lines of the surrounding structures, are thoughtfully incorporated throughout. This approach is especially evident at the Grand Nourish, located just outside the Grand Hall, where the tile cladding mimics the Square's iconic brickwork.

The experiential component—the opulence of the Elizabethan era—is subtly woven into the design through meticulous millwork detailing. The banquettes feature gracefully rounded edges, and the coffered ceilings introduce geometric patterns across multiple areas. These ceilings are not merely decorative; they are intentionally infilled with acoustical fabric to enhance sound absorption while adding texture to the overall design.

The cultural theme of "Unstoppable Britain" is expressed through a striking juxtaposition of elements at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s. Vivid pops of color and bold forms contrast dynamically with the deep, rich, and classical materials that define the surrounding design. This interplay of modern and traditional elements embodies the resilience and innovation central to the theme.

What is your favorite piece of furniture at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's? 

I’m so proud of the design of this location and want to highlight my favorite furniture arrangement. As you walk up the stairs to enter the main venue, you'll discover a thoughtfully arranged lounge featuring striking Hippo chairs by NORR11. These sculptural lounge chairs have incredible posture. Complementing them is a beautifully crafted three-legged walnut table, all set atop a vibrant floral rug by Moooi. This area serves as a tranquil retreat from the main gallery, offering a perfect spot to take a phone call or enjoy a quiet moment of work.

What is your favorite piece of art at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's? 

We are fortunate to have a fantastic collection of art across the Convene portfolio of brands. With every new location, we support local artists in the community and Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s is no different. One of my favorite pieces at the venue is a stunning work by London-based artist Kathleen Mullaniff. This piece beautifully incorporates floral patterns that align with our Elizabethan theme. We were so impressed with the first artwork that we commissioned a second piece, uniquely shaped to frame the Nourish snack bar. This deliberate choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also reinforces the thematic continuity throughout the venue.

Were there any challenges you had to overcome in designing Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's? 

One of the exciting aspects of designing Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s was the opportunity to transform the level two 40,000 square-foot blank canvas with nearly 15-foot ceilings into a functional and engaging space. While our projects often start with an empty shell, the challenge here was to maintain the grandeur of the space while also creating a sense of intimacy. Our solution involved using millwork ceiling elements to create a visual drop, effectively bringing the scale down to a more human level. This approach allowed us to balance the impressive volume of the area with a welcoming atmosphere, making it suitable for a 900-person event while still feeling comfortable and inviting.

And finally, what unique design elements can one look for at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s?

One of the standout design features is the custom millwork welcome desk. Inspired by the ornate detailing of Elizabethan stair railings, the desk was crafted in the UK and features a uniquely designed spindle profile that blends historic elegance with a modern touch. The desk’s deep color contrasts beautifully with the neutral surroundings, making it a true statement piece. Enhanced by Rosso Levanto marble sourced from Italy, this design element adds a luxurious feel to the space while complementing other key areas, such as the bar, seamlessly tying the venue’s design together.

At Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s, every design element is meticulously crafted to blend historical inspiration with modern functionality. From the grandeur of the architectural context to the subtle elegance of Elizabethan details, this London location embodies our commitment to creating spaces that are both inspiring and functional. The thoughtful integration of cultural elements, innovative features, and personalized touches reflects our dedication to providing an exceptional experience for every guest. As we continue to push the boundaries of design, Convene remains at the forefront of creating unparalleled environments that elevate every occasion.