Wellbeing & Creativity at The Auction Rooms
Tranquil beauty is everywhere at The Auction Rooms.
At The Auction Rooms serviced offices, wellbeing and creativity are much more than workplace “extras”. They are essential components of success.
Wellbeing has been a core value at The Auction Rooms since the very beginning. We also highlight in out brochure that The Auction Rooms is “uniquely designed for doing business, sharing ideas and cultivating creativity.”
Far from a distraction, we strongly believe that creativity and wellness enhance professional potential. Just as The Auction Rooms brings together the best of past and present through its design, the daily experience here encourages balance — between focus and enjoyment, structure and expression, left hemisphere and right.
The New Year gave our team the opportunity to reflect on what this looks like in practice: what we’ve introduced, what has resonated with members, and where we would like to take things next.
How We Think About Creativity and Wellness
Let’s start by defining terms. To us, creativity and wellness are understood in the following way:
Creativity is the practice of generating ideas and creating something new — whether for enjoyment, expression, beauty or novelty.
Wellness is a state, and a practice, of good overall mental, physical and emotional health.
Neither is treated as separate from business. Instead, they are seen as integral to how people work well over time.
Environment: Where It Starts
The environment plays a significant role in supporting both wellbeing and creativity. This is where The Auction Rooms performs exceptionally well.
The building itself has been carefully designed to combine original Georgian features with modern, luxurious details. The interiors — created by Nicola McMurray Design Studio — have been award-nominated, reflecting a thoughtful balance between heritage and contemporary comfort.
Live indoor plants purify the air and occupancy is closely monitored to maintain a serene working environment.
Lighting is adjusted seasonally and throughout the day using a Lutron system, supporting natural rhythms rather than working against them. Ergonomics are prioritised through high-quality Humanscale chairs, with additional solutions such as laptop stands and sit–stand desks available on request.
Cleanliness is maintained to an exceptionally high standard, creating a space that feels calm, cared for and professional at all times. Artwork throughout the building offers a range of styles and subject matter, often prompting conversation or quiet appreciation.
Practical wellbeing is also supported through secure bike storage and showers, encouraging walking, cycling or exercise as part of the working week.
Together, these elements create an environment that feels balanced rather than overstimulating — one that supports sustained focus and comfort.
An individual working in The Whisky Room meeting room at The Auction Rooms serviced offices.
Activities: Learning Through Experience
We believe there is real potential for creative and wellbeing-focused activities to enhance the experience at The Auction Rooms. Over the past year, we have trialled a number of initiatives for members.
Complimentary wine tasting at The Auction Rooms is an opportunity for members to network and relax.
Meditation and breathwork sessions with Leela Wellness have been an invaluable part of our wellness programme, and we look forward to collaborating further in 2026. We held workshops in wine-tasting and crafts, and we look forward to providing even more this year,
Provisions: Supporting the Everyday
Wellbeing is also shaped by the small, daily choices that are made easy — or difficult — within a workspace.
We provide a cereal bar for members and visitors, so they can refuel I a healthy way.
The Auction Rooms already has several positive initiatives in place. The Heart Health Breakfast Bar encourages a healthy start to the day, offering organic yoghurt, nuts, seeds and other nutritious options. Eteaket organic teas provide high-quality, compostable brews, including caffeine-free choices such as peppermint and sea buckthorn.
A gym partnership with Bannatyne’s nearby further supports physical wellbeing, making it easier for members to integrate exercise into their routines.
Looking Forward: Ideas for 2026
As we look to the year ahead, our focus is on building thoughtfully on what we’ve learned.
Creative workshops have shown particular promise. A Christmas wreath-making session held in The Auction Hall — led by one of our tenants — was extremely well received. Building on this, we hope to introduce further hands-on creative experiences, such as floristry workshops and watercolour painting sessions.
We are also keen to trial low-key ideas like aninformal book club.
A simple but meaningful addition we would like to introduce is a community library — a shared bookshelf in The Auction Hall, creating a central place where reading and curiosity are celebrated.
Members of The Auction Rooms have access to central Queen Street Gardens - a lovely perk to take advantage of in summer.
A Considered Approach
Wellbeing and creativity at The Auction Rooms are not about constant programming or forced participation. They are about creating the right conditions — through environment, choice and culture — and allowing people to engage in ways that feel natural and beneficial to them.
As with everything we do, this is an evolving process. By listening, reflecting and experimenting, we aim to continue shaping a workspace that supports both professional excellence and personal wellbeing.
