After an extensive evaluation, the decision was made to proceed with a renovation of their existing Toronto office, which spanned over two floors at totaled 45,000 sq. ft.

The goal was to create a new space that encouraged collaboration between the various teams that work from this Toronto location. Completed in two phases of construction, the full renovation included a complete re-design of their space. The reception area is now bright and welcoming and is home to a beautiful art installation.

A large café and lunchroom have been incorporated to foster connection amongst the teams. The workspace and offices transitioned from closed perimeter office space to a benching system where teams can openly work together. Their new space is a state-of-the-art workplace that met their budget and exceeded their expectations.

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Working as a trusted advisor for the Client during the real estate review process is how it was determined that the decision would be made to stay in their current office space and renovate. The full three floors overwent extensive renovations that modernized the office into a playful yet sophisticated space. The 8^th floor is client-facing, dedicated to meetings and events, and designed to make a lasting impression. When arriving on the reception floor, guests are greeted by a bright open space filled with light and texture that has been created by the sharp angles of the reception desk which contrast the soft colour palette.

Dark finishes and little collaborative space that represents a typical law firm were transformed into a modern layout with a colourful palette. Designed for efficiency, each of the three floors serve multiple purposes while creating seamless traffic flow and connections between lawyers and clients. A variety of furniture solutions were planned for each floor to encourage employees to move to different working environments throughout their day.

Private meeting rooms surrounded by glazing flank both sides of reception, creating seamless transparency on the 8^th floor, incredibly untraditional within legal firms. Ceiling treatments provide variety and animation of the event space, as well as an illuminated light wall that runs along the length of the reception.

The 9^th and10^th floors are connected by an existing sculpture-like staircase, allowing lawyers to connect seamlessly and privately throughout the two floors. From your first steps out of the elevator you are instantly greeted by an energetic servery designed to encourage conversation. A radiant and transparent office atmosphere brings connection to the space.

The design concept was to revolutionize the way lawyers work. Moving away from traditional law firms that have closed office spaces and a dark aesthetic, the renovated office has been transformed into a bright, transparent and collaborative workplace. Creating a modern translation of the existing office highlighting the entrepreneurial culture of the firm. Texture layered with colour and paired with bright, modern finishes reshaped the three floors into a dynamic space the Client could call home.

Client Testimonial

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With space hard to come by in Vancouver they were excited to find a1950’s timber-built location in an up-and-coming neighbourhood complete with 12’ high ceilings and skylights that provided the volume and natural light needed to build out vertical displays to showcase their solutions. SGH’s focus was to work directly with the construction savvy client on transforming this uninspired quirky space into a working office, factory and marketing facility that clearly demonstrates the flexibility and design excellence in an energized, urban and vibrant space.

Innovior worked with SGH in the front-end discovery phase to share processes and knowledge of their methods to ensure a clear understanding of their goals and vision. The client wanted the space to reflect their own personal brand and commitment to design excellence. Summery colours, unexpected angles, smooth raw surfaces, fun pattern and texture all work to support an energized, professional, urban and innovative style.

The space could not be just beautiful, it had to be highly functional with working vertical displays, integrated technology, a virtual reality area and a series of vignettes highlighting healthcare, workplace and home environment scenarios. All of these have been incorporated in a unified and minimal way that feels straightforward, approachable and easily achieved. It was also important to display their commitment to sustainability and infuse a sense of health and wellbeing. This has been done using raw materials, a green wall, plants, large glass walls and open spaces allowing lots of natural light in.

The architectural envelope is clean, modern and neutral with a palette of materials, colour, and pattern unify. Bright white walls and angular timber frames are refined and minimal. Each space creates a new user experience, connected but are similar and cohesive. The construction of walls, doors, frames, millwork and features all work to demonstrate how effective off-site manufactured products can work together. Showcasing their raised floor system in reception, the inner workings of the raised floor are exposed in a defined rectangular space where you would typically expect a coffee table to sit. The mix of laminates and wood surfaces on walls show how their standard materials can be used. The space is also infused with an eclectic, youthful style giving it a casual and relaxed and homelike feel. Raw wood, crisp white walls, delicious fresh colours and lighting all play a part an integral role in building the story and culture. Accessories and artwork have been selected to really finish the space right through to the last detail.

The design approach is understated, timeless and classic. The overall needs to appeal to a culture that is approachable, warm, inviting and interactive. SGH wanted to embrace the quirky nature of the 1950s building yet transform it into a modern, fun, studio like space. It celebrates all that is great about this building, natural light, exposed wood ceilings, a good solid structure and unique changes in heights and depths that create subtle transitions and sightlines.

Culture was a big driver, so the design solution needs to foster a sense of community through a mix of warm materials, pattern, casual furniture, interesting light fixtures and summery accent colours.  The space needs to seamlessly demonstrate their capabilities and function as an office, showroom and workspace. The space is really relaxing so that customers do not feel overwhelmed by choice but rather inspired by potential and creativity. The integration of technology is subtle and does not overpower the spaces, it is a seamless part of the experience. The benefit of this design is the well-integrated mix of all the activities required to make their business successful and how the design solution maximized this potential. It includes office and workspace in proximity yet buffered from the busy showroom and workshops space. The space itself has been used to demonstrate the diversity of what their construction company can do for their clients, it supports leading edge technology that sets this company apart and it provides a fun, happy space where they can celebrate and meet to truly create amazing solutions for client, in partnership with architects and designers.

Client Statement

After 23 years in prefabricated construction this was my first opportunity to do something from scratch and purpose build for what we needed. It needed to serve the culture and people of our company. Areas to work, areas to educate, cultivate and socialize. It had to do these things in a similar way with the community that we work with and serve. It has become an epicenter for discovery for what could be and our message of Build better. It continues to foster collaboration and true sharing of ideas and all that come together continue to compliment us on this achievement. We are so proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we can’t wait to do it all over again.

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Sobeys, one of Canada’s largest food retailers, selected SGH for a design build consolidation project amalgamating four existing offices into one. The “One Sobeys” project included transitioning 800 – 900 employees into one central space. Initially brought in to review and revise the company standards, the project quickly developed into full design build where SGH worked directly with the client to design this 200,000 sq.ft. Mississauga office.

The main design focus was to create a peoples hub that would support in giving staff an enviting while brand focused space. SGH worked alongside Sobeys to ensure there was a long-term strategy for a vibrant and energetic workplace and the Sobeys identity was clear. Workplace standards were developed to optimize space efficiencies, integrate technology and balance collaborative meeting with concentrated workspaces. The office design celebrates food and includes two test kitchens, a full-service staff cafeteria and central serveries on each floor featuring new product displays. Health of employees is promoted with access to daylight and views throughout the workspace and amenities such as a fitness studio. Powerful environmental graphics connect people to the brand message and provide way-finding cues throughout the 6 floors.

The scope became divided into two parts: Design and Change Management.

The Design

As a century old, Canadian based company, it was important to Sobeys that the design resonated with their branding strategies. Multi−faceted, Sobeys owns a number of different subsidiaries and it was imperative that there was consistency throughout. The overall concept and new branding identity needed to be effortlessly blended throughout, leading with the “One Sobeys” mindset.

As a food-based business, Sobeys wanted to adapt the way they were portrayed in their existing marketing and branding. This began with a shift from advertising that was showcasing pre−packaged goods to be a healthier choice for fresh produce and foods. Which drove the new outlook of healthy food/healthy workplace.

Teaming up with Entro Graphics, SGH was able to create vibrant imagery and graphics. Each floor was designed to showcase a colour. The 6^th floor has a cooler colour palette with blues and purples, while the 2^nd and 4^th floors are much warmer with oranges and reds. These colours are implemented throughout various finishes and large printed graphics in the space which has created a vibrant and playful design.

Change Management

Looking at a shift in their current workplace culture the existing blueprint was a very office heavy layout. With SGH’s full understanding of Sobeys goals it was time to adapt to a more open concept and incorporate new workstations for all employees. This became a facility designed with workplace standards that were implemented to reduce disruption and decrease costs when growth and change would occur. Through programming and extensive collaboration, SGH was able to create new furniture standards for Sobeys which would help in the transition for employees. Mockup sessions and educational seminars were implemented as an effective tool in helping this changeover as well.

Overall the finished space speaks for itself. Sobeys is a well−planned example of effective corporate branding and change management created and driven by SGH.

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How can our existing workplace environments shape shift to meet new and evolving needs? SGH is looking at ways to create more versatile spaces, that can transition more easily through change. Spaces that are thoughtfully designed to allow reconfigurability and allow user adjustability.

As many of our office space continues to remain unoccupied, we have taken this time to reflect and create steps that will help uncover what decisions can be made to help move forward confidently. More importantly, creating places that people cannot wait to get back to. Spaces that are adaptable, flexible, inspiring and provide a true sense of well-being.

Depending on your unique situation, lease, real estate investment, economics, and/or employee’s mindset, now is a great time to evaluate how you will prepare your future workplace. Our design strategy team understands the importance of designing adaptable spaces with longevity now more than ever. We continue to challenge ourselves to create environments that expand, contract, and adapt as needs change for our clients.

Beyond COVID, SGH Design Partners is looking forward to the future of work that includes changes in worker skills, roles and how technology may take on entirely new forms. To design spaces that have the opportunity to allow necessary flexibility continues to become increasingly more important. We are looking towards the future and adaptability in office design has so many different looks and purposes, we are here to help guide your space in the right direction for you.

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