Balancing transformation with wellbeing and sustainability

Elevating the employee experience

Design interventions empower employees to choose how and where they work, offering an array of workstations and alternative settings. This flexibility is especially critical in today’s work environment, where remote and hybrid work styles have gained prominence. Integrated technology supports seamless connection with colleagues working remotely or in another office.

Amenity spaces, such as the Social Hub and Innovation Lab, support collaboration. They provide employees with a variety of spaces in which to work, meet and innovate. Ergonomic furniture, acoustics, natural light, improved air quality and details like wireless chargers further enhance the experience.

Workplace strategy and change management

Promoting change across business units while adhering to a tight construction timeline posed some initial challenges. However, we approached these hurdles positively by implementing a comprehensive change management approach to smoothly guide employees through the transition.

Originally designed with a 60-40 split between traditional workstations and alternative work settings, we quickly pivoted to a 99-1% ratio. This adjustment responds to changing work patterns and shifting employee needs.

Sustainability and wellness at the core

The office was already housed in a LEED Gold-certified building, aligning with the company’s commitment to minimising environmental impact. Continuing this effort, this project has achieved WELL Gold and is aiming for LEED Gold certification. It will focus on energy-efficient building systems, waste management and employee wellbeing.

We selected specific design and construction materials such as carpet, luxury vinyl tile flooring (LVT), finishes, acoustic ceilings and wall panels. Our focus was on sustainability and meeting the certification criteria. Additionally, we incorporated energy-efficient equipment for water conservation and to minimise waste and pollution.

Design excellence

With a modern, refined aesthetic characterised by warm, textured materials and elegant fixtures, the design honours our client’s European heritage. At the same time, we created a look unique to its NYC location. Warm wood tones, architectural curves, layered lighting and lots of greenery create a memorable, multi-sensory experience. The front-of-house areas are infused with a hospitality feel, mirroring a hotel lobby to create an intimate yet impressive atmosphere.

We integrated strategic acoustic zones with carefully selected materials and finishes designed to absorb sound effectively. This ensures that open and enclosed areas provide the right environment to support specific tasks.

Community impact

This new workspace is a hub of connection, supporting spontaneous conversations, knowledge sharing and a deeper sense of community. It fuels innovation and increases engagement between senior and junior colleagues. Employees find purpose in coming to the office, leading to improved productivity and a stronger connection to the company’s mission.

Adaptive space

To maximise the floor plate, we divided the floors into separate neighbourhoods. These comprise of a mix of work points, alternative work settings, meeting rooms and support spaces. This strategy ensures a long-term, flexible approach, allowing the bank to adapt to future changes. Recent shifts towards predominantly in-person work required further adaptability. The need for work points and spatial reconfiguration increased as the hybrid work style evolved.

This workplace transformation demonstrates an integrated approach to workplace design. It condenses space, introduces amenities, prioritises employee wellbeing, sustainability and a unique design aesthetic. It creates a thriving, adaptable, community-driven workspace that improves productivity and enhances employee engagement.