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.
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.
Photographer: Klassen Photography and Karl Hipolito
The design team created an iconic three-story atrium which fosters a sense of belonging and creates the “wow” factor sometimes missing in typical office design.
Across from the atrium is an installation of company milestones in oak and brass, signalling the significance of BCG’s place in Canada. The installation takes pride of place and connects the team to the past while simultaneously inspiring future possibilities.
Circadian lighting, acoustic treatments, and flexible furniture options cater to the diverse needs of staff, particularly their neurodiverse population.
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.
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.
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.
In embracing post-pandemic design requirements, our client, International Research Development Centre(IDRC), assembled a group of employees to work closely with LWG to create a successful change in management narrative through design – conceptually, functionally and aesthetically. This group was called Mwanzo, a Swahili term meaning new beginnings.
The project was an opportunity to create a space that welcomed employees back to the office following the COVID-19 pandemic. An opportunity to work closely with the IDRC was embraced to ensure both a sense of ownership and a reflection of the values and focus in the work IDRC does both locally and internationally. As an organisation that champions research and innovation alongside those it works with, this collaborative approach was vital.
An opportunity to create a professionally designed space intentionally reflecting the IDRC’s requirements and allowing them to be a central player in the process, and project’s success…..what a wonderful and collaborative design methodology!
The vernacular of weaving was a key element in many features of the design. Applying the idea that good design is like a well woven fabric, each thread important and critical to the overall success and resulting in unified design solutions. Combining good design with an international development awareness of the universal use of woven materials across cultures, many features reflect this concept. From functional to decorative elements, design and meaning intertwine to create a visually holistic representation of the client’s work.
Materials and design features were thoughtfully used to enhance this concept. The collaborative work zones and display areas encompass millwork constructed to resemble an abstract weaving pattern. Textiles, including fabrics, wall coverings and carpet, mimic basic woven looks, plaids and suited jacket materials. Lighting incorporates fabric textures and intersecting patterns, resembling weaving in a variety of contexts.
The Lifetime Liberty Market Tower Leasing Office embodies ambition and adaptability through functional design within intentional spaces. Located in Toronto’s growing Liberty Village, the workspace intends to motivate its team and clientele of executive professionals and small business owners alike, emphasizing aspirations of big dreams and new endeavours. In response to an evolving office culture, it inspires both a collaborative and flexible work style.
The leasing office is comprised of a 12-seat boardroom, multiple quiet office units, a kitchen and café hub, and an executive office suite. Natural wood finishes, slate and marble decorate the office space by balancing the sunlight and retaining a signature look.
The east side of the office features a deep, burgundy-painted wall, contrasting its surroundings with richness. Curves flow throughout – from the moment you arrive and are greeted at a custom front desk constructed by curved paneling.
Inspiring and thought-provoking, The Lifetime Liberty Market Tower Leasing Office is an ideal space for brainstorming sessions and in-depth discussions that explore future intentions and the present moment.
This space is a pilot project for a Federal Government Department, headquartered in downtown Ottawa.
This was their first full application of theGC Workplace standard, which is an unassigned, activity-based design methodology meant to foster productivity and collaboration among government employees.
Above and beyond simply test-driving this standard, a primary goal of this project was to create a stunning destination space that would draw people back to the office.
We achieved this by ensuring the menu of work points and support spaces provided truly reflect activities that occur when people choose to come into the office; encouraging and supporting their purposeful presence. These interiors are designed to support different activities such as working, collaborating, learning, and focusing.
There is less focus on workstations, with emphasis placed on formal and informal interactive spaces. All occupants have equal access to the work settings provided in this space.
Providing users with choice is just one way they can be empowered through design. This office provides a flexible and agile environment for the employees with a variety of activity zones, from open, collaborative areas to more private and quiet spaces.
The colours and finishes we used in these government offices are fresh and clean; the calming blues and grays with orange accents create a colourful palette, which is not oversaturated or overstimulating. Architectural elements such as wood slat screens and felt panels are used to support and delineate active zones from quieter, heads-down work areas.
Lighting we used throughout the space helps to reinforce wayfinding by subtly leading the occupants along hallways and attracting them to certain areas in the space.
It also provides implicit cues about the activity levels of the various spaces; from brighter functional lighting that keeps the employees energized and ups their concentration level, to warmer, softer light for more casual interactions in the kitchen area, for example.
This pilot project using the GC Workplace standard was designed to attract employees back to the office with interactive spaces that foster productivity, innovation and collaboration. With this new design approach we have created a destination for federal workers and a truly great place to work they will surely enjoy with their colleagues.
