Tasked with creating a new workspace for Canva, a digital graphic design company, on the 18th floor of a skyscraper in downtown Chicago, the interior design is research driven and adheres to the client’s spatial needs and company culture.

Inspired by Canva itself, the concept is driven by elements of design (individual workstations) with simpler colors and form that combine to make a pattern (collaborative / community spaces). With the use of graphic patterns and incorporating Canva’s brand colors, the result is a fun quirky space that ideally creates a meaningful environment worthy of leaving the home office.   

The floor plan is carefully crafted to maintain security badge access to each sector of workstations that have access to phone booths, conference rooms, and multiple alternative work zones, keeping the large conference room and café more centralized with public access from reception. The reception features two retractable frosted glass doors that open to the large conference room and café to create a flex space to foster community and engagement for hosting events.

Research driven design is achieved by accommodating flexibility in workspace options through alternative work zones to give employees a sense of control over visual and acoustic stimuli and by providing meaningfulness through social interaction by incorporating spaces that are experiential and promote the Canva vibe. Additionally, efforts were made to maintain wellness standards using sustainable materials, integrating biophilia, and allowing as much access to natural light as possible.

Technical Skills | Revit, Enscape