Tag: ARIDO Awards

As the visual inspiration platform that is used around the world to discover inspiring creators, source unique products, and generate ideas, the team at Pinterest sought to bring their platform to life in their new workplace.

Interior Designers: Annie Bergeron, ARIDO; Jessica Baird, ARIDO; Abigail David, ARIDO
Design Firm: Gensler
Design Team: Nina Bast, ARIDO

Photographer: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studio

Creating an “experience first” setting with a minimum of half the space dedicated to immersive delight and wonder, the design team hosted blue-sky ideation sessions with employees to open a forum for ideas.

Employees are drawn to the whimsical amenity-centric space which features a glamping tent, hidden speakeasy, and greenhouse space. Murals and accessories for the styling of the space were sourced from multiple minority and LGBTQIA+ owned businesses.

The transition between hybrid and in-person collaboration is supported by a robust tech set up, underscoring the balance between individual effort and collaboration. The right mix of spaces bolsters creativity, and an ambient, inclusive sense of belonging.

Designing for human behavior and fostering innovation were the two key strategies for this workplace redesign. The design team aimed to inspire a return to the office not from necessity, but a genuine desire fueled by the energizing atmosphere of the space.

Interior Designers: Caroline Robbie, ARIDO; Andrea Hall, ARIDO; Julie Sumairski, ARIDO
Design Firm: BDP Quadrangle
Design Team: Stephanie Wiebe, ARIDO

Photographer: Adrien Williams

With a ‘nest’ structure, employees naturally gravitate to spaces that suit their work and proximity, empowering them to select their ideal environment for the day ahead. The Oasis provides a serene retreat, featuring a skyline view, natural light, and lush plants. The Black Box encourages focused discussions, while the Back Alley acts as a casual, collaborative hub with a relaxed atmosphere.

A central convienience stair was added, adjacent to the lobby and reception desk, which encourages staff to make use of both floors of the space. By incorporating and refurbishing existing elements, the new design feels familiar and infuses new life.

Drawing inspiration from Yorkville’s Coffee House era of the 1960’s – a time and place that launched the careers of music legends – both artist and employee talent were the harmonizing tones at the centre of this project.

Interior Designer: Anthony Orasi, ARIDO
Design Firm: iN STUDIO
Design Team: Betty Chor, Intern, ARIDO; Katy Krause, ARIDO

Photographer: Steve Tsai

This new environment brings together three separate business units and 150 staff in a bright and comfortable workspace, while providing a touchdown space, a performance venue, and a recording studio for Sony’s artists. Sampling the product at Sony Music means listening to music and all materials, wall assemblies, and furnishings were selected with acoustic performance in mind.

Functionality without compromising on aesthetic or comfort—from a faux architectural fireplace to retro leather seating, this is a space that supports employee engagement with a neighbourhood café feel.

Nutrien’s new space is an office that pays homage to their Saskatchewan roots while celebrating their global agricultural success. Human connection, sustainability, and user experience inform the function and form of their offices on the top nine floors of Saskatoon’s newest office tower.

Interior Designers: Janine Grossmann, ARIDO; Danielle Leon, ARIDO
Design Firm: Perkins&Will
Design Team: Lindsey Furik, Intern, ARIDO

Photographer: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studio

The design integrates references to Treaty No. 6 as a way to honour Indigenous, First Nations and Métis people’s history, culture, and connection to the land where the city of Saskatoon is located. This work was informed by an internal stakeholder group of Indigenous employees. Throughout the space, artwork by Indigenous and Canadian artists capture both the historic and contemporary values of the organization, and the vast Prairie surroundings.

How do you unify a team of more than 350 staff in one space? The design team answered that question with their project for Minto Group Inc. Fresh air and fresh energy were guiding themes, signalling the company’s renewed focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as health and safety priorities.

Interior Designer: Susan Brewster, ARIDO
Design Firm: places&spaces

Photographer: Kevin Belanger

The design team exceeded the required accessibility standards and added amenities such as a wellness room for meditation, prayer, or exercise.

Technology is thoughtfully integrated, ensuring that participants have an equal seat at the table, whether they’re connecting from home, the office, or job sites.

One of the main gathering hubs provides natural light from skylights, lush plants, and adjoined rooms which bridge indoors and outdoors. Employee autonomy is considered, as staff who might be overwhelmed in a large meeting space can participate in adjacent smaller spaces, with technology that mirrors the presentation for everyone. Staff can be together, and set their own level of control and choice.

Celebrating a sense of place was the strategy for Google’s new Montreal office. Located in the historic Read Building, the office pays homage to iconic Montreal neighborhoods including the Old Port, Chinatown, and Little Italy.

Interior Designers: Anthony Orasi, ARIDO; Alexandra Dobrzynski, ARIDO
Design Firm: iN STUDIO
Design Team: Rosemary Ratkaj, ARIDO; Clancy Snook, ARIDO; Sarah Stafford, ARIDO; Vince Zhao, Intern, ARIDO

Photographer: Gillian Jackson

Many structural elements were left exposed, such as worn concrete, heavy-gauge steel, and raw brick. A feature stair clad in structural steel tubing provides a central landmark for situating one self within the floorplate.

The design team developed an inclusive wayfinding methodology, supported by high contrast signage elements and the inclusion of braille features. With coloured carpeting which changes by floor, the stair supports this strategy. The space also highlights local and Indigenous artists and artisans with custom murals, fibre art, and graphics.