In 2014, LinkedIn set out to create a cutting-edge headquarters in Dublin, marking the first owner-occupied development in the city in two decades. Since then, LinkedIn has continued to invest in premises at the regenerated Wilton Park neighbourhood to accommodate its expanding operations.
Now nearing completion, the campus is a flagship within the tech giant’s global portfolio and a showcase for LinkedIn’s commitment to sustainability, employee wellbeing, and digital innovation.
We have been instrumental in helping LinkedIn realise its real estate ambitions, providing professional services in workplace design, project and cost management, engineering, environmental, digital delivery, and Project Delivery Optimisation (PDO).
A comprehensive project journey
The collaboration between LinkedIn and AECOM began in 2014 with the technical due diligence on a site in Wilton Place. After successfully completing this phase, we took the lead in the site acquisition process, ultimately securing the location for LinkedIn’s new headquarters.
Working alongside RKD Architects, our role as lead Project and Cost Management consultant in the multidisciplinary team extended through the design, procurement, and management of the construction works. By 2017, the new headquarters—a 189,983 square feet state-of-the-art building at 5 Wilton Park —opened its doors on time and on budget, and exceeding the expected outcomes, serving as the nerve centre for LinkedIn’s European operation.
Expanding LinkedIn’s vision: campus growth and ongoing projects
Following the success of the original headquarters, we were appointed to manage the delivery of several key expansion projects on the Wilton Park campus.
These included the development of One Wilton Park and Two-Four Wilton Park, both critical to LinkedIn’s future growth in the region. The new buildings span a combined 430,603 square feet and incorporate advanced sustainable design features to meet the client’s ambitious environmental and operational goals.
We also led the refresh of the original building, enhancing workspace functionality with new collaborative areas, experimentation zones, and cutting-edge AV/IT solutions. This involved the installation of sensors for real-time workspace data collection, enabling LinkedIn to optimise space usage and create a ‘smart’ work environment.
Sustainable design
Sustainability was central to the design of the buildings within LinkedIn’s Dublin campus.
We integrated multiple green building features into the project, ensuring that the headquarters achieved LEED Gold certification and One Wilton Park exceeded expectations by scoring LEED Platinum.
The twin-skin façade on the original headquarters reduces heating and cooling demands while maximising natural light, creating a healthy and energy-efficient workspace.
Other sustainability features include rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, and active blinds to mitigate solar heat gain during peak hours. These measures not only reduce the building’s carbon footprint but also align with LinkedIn’s broader sustainability objectives.
A campus built for employee wellbeing and growth
LinkedIn’s Dublin campus was designed with a strong focus on employee experience to be a vibrant, flexible workspace designed to attract and retain top talent.
We worked closely with LinkedIn’s leadership team to create a workspace that promotes creativity, productivity, and wellbeing. The campus features a range of collaborative areas, focus zones, and breakout spaces, allowing employees to choose environments that best suit their work styles.
The refreshed HQ now includes smart meeting rooms, enhanced workstations, and the latest AV technology. The office also benefits from optimised air quality systems, large windows for natural light, and biophilic design elements to create a healthy and inspiring atmosphere.
Digital delivery and innovation
We implemented BIM Level 2 throughout the project, ensuring that all design coordination was fully visible and tracked in real time. This not only reduced the risk of misalignment but also provided LinkedIn with a clear audit trail during the design process.
Our innovative use of digital tools extended to the development of a bespoke Project Management Playbook. This tool standardises project delivery across LinkedIn’s global portfolio, ensuring consistency, collaboration, and efficiency across multiple sites. The playbook has been used to train external teams, helping them adopt LinkedIn’s processes and digital tools.
In addition to managing the design and construction phases, we introduced bespoke Project Delivery Optimisation (PDO) services to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. The PDO team developed a digital roadmap, including template documents, process guidelines, and reporting systems, to accelerate project delivery across LinkedIn’s global workplace portfolio.
By creating this centralised support system, AECOM enabled LinkedIn to maintain project consistency and efficiency, regardless of location. The playbook continues to be a valuable tool for onboarding external teams and ensuring smooth, aligned project execution globally.
A recognised symbol of architectural excellence
The completion of LinkedIn’s original headquarters in 2017 was a transformative moment for Dublin, solidifying the city’s status as a global tech hub.
Now, LinkedIn’s European campus is seen as a symbol of architectural excellence in the city having gained widespread recognition for its innovative and sustainable design. The original headquarters won Best Office Interiors at the European International Property Awards, and subsequent buildings have exceeded sustainability benchmarks, achieving LEED Platinum ratings.
Moreover, our successful management of the project has led to continued collaboration with LinkedIn, with our team appointed to deliver other projects and services across its global portfolio, including in Munich, Dubai and Paris.
Image credit: Enda Cavanagh