Header: Courtesy of WOOOW!DESIGN
The workplace doesn’t have to be a rigid, uninspiring space. Actually, thoughtful design can transform offices into environments that support creativity, well-being, and engagement by integrating flexible layouts, natural materials, and even sensory details—fragrances, for example, as you’ll see below.
We all know how architecture and interior design can shape how people experience their daily routines, influencing collaboration and focus, so by moving beyond traditional office concepts, companies can create spaces that reflect their identity while enhancing the way employees interact and work.
As an example, we bring you three projects that demonstrate how different approaches to design can redefine corporate spaces. Meet Scotiabank North Flagship in Toronto, the Ceramics Tea House in Chengdu, and the Corporativo Cervantes in Mexico City, all of which highlight how office design can go beyond functionality.
Scotiabank North Flagship
Scotiabank North Flagship, designed by KPMB Architects, is one of the winners of the BLT Built Design Award in the Interior Design – Workplace/Office category for its inclusive and adaptable design. The project can be simply described as 14 floors where employees can develop their careers and relations with minimum pressure, making this a rare financial environment where stress is only known from time to time.
The office layout is structured to accommodate different work styles, with a mix of open workspaces, enclosed offices, and collaborative areas giving employees much to choose from. Third spaces—such as cafés, lounges, and private dining rooms—give employees private and informal meeting points and social areas, a much-appreciated detail as corporate workers know. Furthermore, a mezzanine was added for deliveries, while a reflection room allows for a quiet space where employees can breathe for a bit. The new space also has an art gallery and a terrace, ensuring access to natural light and fresh air throughout the day.
For the material selection, the designers prioritised durability and continuity: a consistent palette is used throughout the office, with subtle variations distinguishing different zones. What’s more, custom furniture and biophilic graphics contribute to the aesthetic while reinforcing the company’s identity.
The lighting design, developed by ALULA Lighting, supports both the work and the design itself, as the designers chose a combination of task and ambient lighting, and the structural and mechanical elements were executed by Entuitive and The Hidi Group, respectively. But the reason this design works is the fact that everything was decided following the invaluable feedback of the employees, which was gathered during workshops.
Ceramics Tea House
The Ceramics Tea House, designed by WOOOW!DESIGN, is also a winner of the BLT Built Design Award for the Interior Design—Workplace/Office category. Located in Chengdu, the space was designed as both a research centre and an event venue, supporting activities such as product launches, media tastings, scholarly discussions, and communal tea sessions. The design integrates the traditional Chinese tea culture with a more contemporary spatial approach, incorporating also a great deal of emphasis on sustainability and adaptability.
A central feature of the interior is a wall built entirely of green ceramic cups, all arranged without any text or imagery. This installation is both a visual statement and a symbolic representation of tea culture, uniting individual experiences within the broader tradition and, perhaps not subtly, hinting at what goes on behind the company’s doors.
The layout is designed for flexibility, incorporating open and enclosed areas suited to different functions. Communal seating arrangements welcome interaction between employees, while quieter zones provide space for relaxation. Natural and locally sourced materials are used throughout the design, with wood, ceramics, and other natural elements contributing to a cohesive material palette.
Lighting, designed by SYZG, was used to both enhance the atmosphere and the functionality of the space, with a combination of ambient and task lighting highlighting key areas. The construction, also by WOOOW!DESIGN, aligns with current advanced eco-friendly practices, further supporting the project’s emphasis on sustainability.
Corporativo Cervantes
Corporativo Cervantes, designed by Branco Estudio, is the final winner of the BLT Built Design Award for the Interior Design—Workplace/Office category. Located on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, the office was designed for a local law firm, which now works in a building that prioritises spatial quality and integrates biophilic design, custom furniture, and curated artwork. Much like the practice of law itself, the new office is sophisticated, but it is also one of the most comfortable out there.
The private offices are specifically positioned to get the best views of the Chapultepec Castle and Forest, which also floods them in natural light. In the common areas, organic forms and biophilic elements, such as curved wooden lattices and a central tree, offer a natural and calm atmosphere, inviting employees to interact and relax.
The lighting design, developed by Branco Estudio, was designed following museographic techniques that accentuate architectural features and art pieces. The selection of materials—such as walnut wood and marble—adds warmth to the spaces, which helps create an environment that is both professional and inviting. The artworks, a focal point of the interior design, were curated by Marcela Cauduro, with each piece having been integrated into the space to enhance the overall aesthetic and ambiance.
Branco Estudio collaborated with Mood Estudio on the interior design, overseeing architecture, lighting, and construction. However, beyond the visual elements mentioned above, the design also includes a sensory component through the use of specific fragrances that evoke different moods, which aligns with the firm’s “Liveable Art” concept.
