International law firm Bird & Bird signs lease with Sponda for Signe office development in the heart of Helsinki

Bird & Bird’s decision to move to Signe was primarily driven by the building’s high-quality specifications, prestige, and sustainability credentials. The central location was also a key factor for the company, which provides international legal services to businesses.

Bird & Bird's Managing Partner in Finland, Mikko Ahonen, says that upon completion, Signe's premises will support demanding expert work and business growth in the best possible way with their uniqueness.

“Our business has been on a growth trajectory both in Finland and internationally, and the new premises will continue to enable this growth in the future”, says Ahonen.

By investing in high-quality and highly sustainable office space, Bird & Bird will offer its staff and clients an optimal and market-leading work environment that supports its brand, recruitment, employee satisfaction, and efficient use of space.

Bird & Bird's Head of Nordic Region and member of the Global Executive Committee, Jori Taipale, emphasizes that the new premises will also serve as a world-class showcase for clients and visitors.

“Bird & Bird is a strong player in the field of business law both globally and in the Nordics, which is why we chose premises that align with our high international standards for client experience and workplace quality”, says Taipale.

"I am pleased that we can offer Bird & Bird high quality premises in Signe. Companies are increasingly investing in the well-being, learning, development, and work environment of their staff by providing modern, inspiring spaces that also strengthen the company's brand and improve the client experience. This is creating a strong demand for prime office space in Helsinki’s city center and with demand exceeding supply, we are actively investing in the development of our properties in the city center. These modern solutions support both sustainable development and the changing needs of working life", says Sponda's CEO Christian Hohenthal.

Bird & Bird will occupy approximately 3,000 square meters of office space at Signe, joining consulting and auditing firm PWC - the building's anchor tenant - with whom Sponda signed an agreement at the end of 2023. 1,660 square meters of office space remains available, including high quality spaces with terraces on the top floor. Approximately 4,400 square meters of best in class, high retail space, with the unique units presenting an excellent opportunity for international retailers seeking to establish a flagship premises in the centre of Helsinki.

Signe's modern facilities offer maximum adaptability, enabling even extensive space modifications to meet the evolving needs of companies. These modifications can be implemented quickly and effortlessly, without the need to alter the building's structures or undertake major demolition work.

Upon completion, Signe will be one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the city center, aiming for the highest sustainability standards, including LEED Platinum environmental certification, A-level energy classification, and Gold-level WELL certification, which ensures that the work environment supports employee well-being. Signe has been designed to be as low-carbon as possible throughout its lifecycle with its square meter-based material emissions (kgCO2e/n-m2) are 31% lower compared to conventional office construction.