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Corporate office fit-out provides staff dedicated spaces to rest and recharge
This corporate office fit-out focused on creating a functional, attractive, and cost-effective space for both staff and clients, without feeling luxurious or extravagant. The design prioritized efficiency by making the most of existing infrastructure, strategically relocating furniture and materials that were in good condition to avoid unnecessary waste and spending.
By thoughtfully blending new and existing furniture, the budget was balanced across various areas and ensured that client-facing spaces made a strong impression with high-impact pieces while maintaining a functional, comfortable work environment for staff. The result is a cohesive and modern office space that meets the practical needs of the business while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Karen Blackwood
Project Start Date: October 2023
Project Completion Date: July 2024
Square Footage: +/- 18,913 sq ft
The Challenge
Budget: The initial budget exceeded the client’s expectations. This challenged our team to get creative in maximizing the use of existing conditions.
Structural Elements: During construction, it was discovered that the building's structural elements within the slab conflicted with the planned location of the washrooms, raising concerns that the convenience washrooms might need to be removed entirely.
Maintaining Privacy: As the meeting rooms were placed along the perimeter by the windows, there were concerns about allowing light into the reception and layout spaces while preserving the privacy of potentially confidential meetings.
The Solution
Our solutions focused on balancing functionality, design, and budget efficiency.
To stay within budget, our team creatively reused and relocated existing millwork. This made sure that the available funds were directed toward high-impact areas, while utilizing existing infrastructure in staff-only areas.
The space plan was designed with the reuse of partitioning in mind. We retained existing offices and relocated demountable partitions rather than constructing new ones. We also added a staff room to encourage collaboration and a positive workplace culture.
Through close collaboration with our partners and contractors, we successfully redesigned the washrooms to keep both, including one barrier-free option.
Additionally, we incorporated a clerestory window detail for the meeting room walls. This allowed light to filtre into the interior spaces while maintaining a height that preserved privacy. To enhance visual privacy without sacrificing light flow, we also layered a slat detail on top.
The Human-Centred Lens
Kitchen: The catering/serving kitchen is located near the client-facing meeting rooms. This allows drinks and food to be offered to visitors without being connected to the staff areas. It also ensures that staff can feel comfortable in the staff café, separate from the client-facing spaces.
Convenience Washrooms: Convenience washrooms were added for guests to make sure they have a comfortable visit.
Break Zones: Touch-down and break zones have been placed in corner circulation areas, providing staff with spaces to rest away from their offices or the collaborative staff lounge.
Residential Elements: Carpet inlays with LVT borders in the meeting rooms and reception area add softness and a residential feel, similar to an area rug, while maintaining a level surface to ensure barrier-free access and easy cleaning.
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Key Features
Elevator Lobby
We gave the elevator lobby a refreshed look by applying Bodaq film over the existing dark wood panels, instead of replacing them. This approach modernized the space, and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere at a lower cost.
Custom Boardroom Table
We collaborated with Lobello to create a custom boardroom table that would serve as a focal point within the space while complementing the other meeting rooms. Our goal was for all the rooms to feel cohesive, while adding a sense of grandeur to the large boardroom. To maintain consistency, we used similar finishes across each room and kept the chairs uniform. This allowed the tenant to easily add chairs for extra capacity without disrupting the overall design.
Activation of Circulation and Corner Spaces
We ensured fluent movement with minimal disruption to others. Touch-down and break zones have been placed in corner circulation areas to provide staff with spaces to rest away from their offices or the collaborative staff lounge. We also transform overlooked areas into functional and engaging spaces to improve the overall design.
Results
Project Credits
Brokers: Dan Lannon and team (Colliers)
Engineers: TMP Consulting Engineers, M+B Electrical Consulting Engineers, Ignite Technology (A/V)
Contractors: Prime Projects
Furniture: Office Concepts
Landlord: Cushman and Wakefield
Photographer: Christina Yao
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