The first thing that strikes the visitor to the new London office of Edelman, the international public relations firm, is the absence of a reception desk. A solid round table with chairs occupies the space ahead, a flower arrangement in the middle and a large light overhead. Even more strangely, the light is decorated with small paper drawings of Japanese erotica.

Barely visible behind large pillars are two receptionists – described as concierges – who emerge from their slim-line desks to take coats, direct people to meetings, or charge up their mobile communication devices. Next to the entrance area is a bar café and a library with magazines and a vast collection of Penguin books.