OFFICE SPACES workplace design

Trading an outdated office space for a flexible and intuitive interior

Jayme Rideout Mar 23, 2022
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Our design team was chosen to optimize the existing spaces and accommodate higher staff counts in this global investment firm's new offices by reconfiguring and refreshing the interior, consolidating groups, and incorporating flexible strategies to manage long-term changes.

Interior Designer(s): Jayme Rideout, ARIDO

Design Team: Suzanne Campbell, ARIDO; Beverly Horii, ARIDO; Lauren Bishop; Constantine Zographos

Design Firm: IA Interior Architects

Photographer: Ben Rahn/A-Frame

A long bright reception area with a new desk in marble and wood finish and a lounge/waiting area on the opposite side leading to the office interior

The Canadian group’s recent change of leadership from the US-based North American team to the UK-based European team led to a more forward-thinking, progressive direction than the company’s past renovations, resulting in more open, less entitled spaces with workstations custom to each department’s function.

A huddle room in predominantly red color scheme, encased in a glass wall with privacy film

Two huddle rooms next to each other, offering space for collaboration

The new design solutions allow for more collaborative meeting areas, touchdown and quiet spaces, and secure meeting rooms as opposed to the previous, more traditional office space concept. This intuitive and efficient layout also provides access to natural light and views.

A predominantly blue large conference room, blue carpets and blue wall detail running up to the ceiling drawing the eye across the entire space.

Ergonomics were improved for staff through new, custom furniture standards while offering flexibility for a wide variety of user groups, including traders, asset management, legal, sales, etc. The space is now energetic with dynamic angles, high-contrast and saturated colours, and integrated digital art.

Another cafe area with colorful pops of green, yellow and blue, featuring plenty of seating and hang out spaces in booths, tables and bar tables

Specific features include the completely renovated third floor with built-in AV functionality for reception, waiting areas, conferencing, and guest cafe.

The quality of eating and collaboration spaces is also enhanced through the introduction of a Grab & Go concept adjacent to a new training facility for internal and visiting staff.

Grab and Go concept and eating area featuring a bar seating area and modern lounge area

The ninth floor became a signature space for high end asset management and traders, signaling the firm’s move to a more progressive and dynamic business approach with an open workspace to match. A marble-clad volume, previously an auditorium, in the center of the existing floor plan proposed a unique design challenge.

South meeting room volume showing the skylight a wood finish on the wall, neutral decor and furniture with some yellow accents on the carpeting.

Unable to be demolished, the volume was transformed into meeting rooms clad in curved, wood paneling with acoustic properties. The double-height cafe with custom light fixtures, stepped seating, and AV capabilities are also used for town-halls. Conference rooms are scalable via moveable walls to accommodate a variety of meetings and events.