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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As Prime Consultant SGH brought together an experienced team including construction manager and engineering consultants. SGH became a trusted advisor leading local teams on behalf of the client to deliver a creative, dynamic and fluent environment.  The early engagement of a cohesive team was essential in navigating risk, response time, accuracy, managing cost and creating a creative and energized design solution that reflects leading edge innovation and their global reach but was also easily replicated nationally.

The client came from a mixed workplace setting (open/closed/traditional). Adaptability to an open office concept was key. Showcasing examples, helping with change before and after moving to support staff and understanding how to work and behave in this new work style became a natural ingredient in our design process.

The client’s direction was to leverage off the global brand direction based out of their Beijing, China office. SGH adapted the gradient palette of bright purples, pinks and fuchsias within a Canadian sensibility introducing the warmth of wood detailing and luxury vinyl wood look flooring to soften and delineate space. The use of colour and texture creates both linear and horizontal volume as well as break up areas by function including collaboration and community spaces. Light fixtures with a hint of pink, walls accented with purple and furniture upholstered in cool blues and fuchsia.

The design of the reception desks was inspired by the clients curvilinear, ribbon like corporate logo.  The concept of movement or digital like waves is found in the undulating reception desk with a hint of pink and in the luminous film used on glass fronts which also provides privacy. Wave-like patterns and textures reduce, expand and calm in areas where people come together. Colour is used to add playfulness but also serves as a directional guide that builds pathways to where collaboration areas are located. The open site lines and colour allows end users to quickly navigate through the space.

The general approach to the architecture is clean, timeless, neutral and open with glass enclosed collaboration rooms, accessible community areas wrapped with slatted wood feature details, and continuous site lines that allow visibility into all areas of the office space. Shared spaces are located on window space with plenty of wall space designated for collaborating and sharing ideas.The colour infuses energy, fun as well as communicates purpose.  Purple defines more enclosed meeting area, deep pink a quiet focus zone and the warm honey rift cut maple is found in more formal, front facing areas. The overall feel is professional, open, bright, and modern with colour used to both enhance and communicate intent.

Client Statement

Our new downtown office at 199 Bay is a much more compact and efficient space than our previous office. We completely eliminated private offices and implemented an open floor concept. As a result, we are seeing so much more teamwork and collaboration at both workstation, multiuse collaboration areas. Specifically, the lunchroom is now a bright and open hub for all to enjoy, it is highly used. There is truly a great and comfortable flow when you walk through the office.

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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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