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Global consulting leader:

office of the new reality


2023 - Wroclaw

WORKPLACE

Details

What should the role of the office be in a post-pandemic reality? This project attempts to answer that question. Designed as a strategic pilot for a global consulting leader, the Wrocław workspace serves as a living laboratory for the "Office of the Future." Moving beyond the traditional function of individual work, we reimagined the office as a hub primarily for collaboration, socialisation, and building bonds. In uncertain times, we prioritised flexibility over fixed structures, creating a modular ecosystem that encourages experimentation and adapts to the changing needs of hybrid teams.

650

Square meters of area

12

Months of work

60

Employees

1

Research-led evolution


The design strategy was not arbitrary; it was the result of an extensive research process conducted directly at the client's site. We engaged employees through surveys across the entire Polish organisation and conducted in-depth workshops with 11 managers and 13 specialists. This rigorous process was essential for a client of this scale—a consulting giant operating in 155 countries with over 284,000 employees globally (and over 6,000 in Poland). The goal was to discover how to pivot from a desk-centric culture to a hybrid model that genuinely supports connection.

The research crystallised the strategy into three essential goals for the post-pandemic era:
1. Extreme Flexibility: The office must be ready for constant change and experimentation.
2. Social Gravity: Its primary function shifted from individual work to building bonds and a sense of belonging.
3. Neuro-Inclusive Comfort: Raising the standard of workstations to support diverse working styles and well-being.

Local identity

Previously, the client's global offices were defined by a generic corporate aesthetic (white, grey, and orange). This pilot was the first to challenge that norm. While consistent with global branding, the new concept was tailored to the nature of the teams working there, proving that even a global corporate hub requires a human-centric, locally grounded identity to attract people back to the office.

2

The modular grid


Due to the client's business profile — auditing, tax, and legal consulting — protecting sensitive data was paramount. We divided the 650 sq m space into two distinct zones: a secure Employee Zone and an accessible Guest Zone. However, this division is not static. The layout is based on a proportional 50/50 split that can evolve as the team experiments with new workflows.

The "lintel" system

To enable true modularity, we introduced a structural grid of lintels and ceiling islands rather than total infill. This allows the space to "breathe" and change without major renovation.

Scenario A: Three modules in the employee zone can open up to create a unified open space.
Scenario B: The guest zone — housing the kitchen and two meeting rooms — can merge to create a large town-hall venue for events involving all teams.

3

Reliability and warmth


We conceptualised the office as a "Workshop of Local Craftsmen" — a metaphor reflecting the reliability and precision of the client’s services. We replaced the sterile corporate aesthetic with a subdued, consistent decor dominated by professional greys, earthy tones, and natural wood accents. To deepen the sense of comfort, we introduced soundproofing, decorative elements, paintings, and warm lighting that mimics a residential environment. Employees also gained access to a terrace with a view of the skyline and a dedicated relaxation room, further bridging the gap between office and home.

"The new office in Wroclaw is truly the office of the future – it is modern and professional, and at the same time it is a place 'for the people,' with a cosy, even somewhat homey atmosphere." — Aleksandra Piotrkowicz, Architect

A rival for home office

To compete with the comfort of home offices, the interior features upholstered furniture and heavy acoustic curtains that allow for visual and acoustic privacy on demand. Biophilic elements and greenery are abundant, supporting neurodiversity and reducing stress. State-of-the-art audio/video tech is seamlessly integrated into this cosy environment to support hybrid teams without disrupting the "living room" atmosphere.

4

Adapting to the new reality


As the client’s local partner emphasized, the fundamental purpose of this pilot was to "adapt our office spaces to the requirements of the new reality." This project was not merely a relocation; it was a strategic alignment of the physical environment with the shifting needs of a hybrid workforce. The goal was to create a space that remains relevant and supportive in uncertain times.

Global goals

This adaptation went hand-in-hand with sustainability. The move to a modern, eco-friendly building was a key step toward the client's global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in absolute terms by 2030. Additionally, by utilising the modular lintel grid and ceiling islands instead of full construction, we significantly reduced material consumption during the fit-out phase.

A scalable blueprint

The Wrocław project served as the critical "Proof of Concept" for the client's "Office of the Future" modernisation program. Its success proved that a workspace can be professional yet homey, secure yet flexible, and sustainable yet high-tech — all while capitalising on the irreplaceable view of the Wrocław skyline, which became a cherished asset for the local team.

Scope

Research


Interviews
Surveys
Workshops
Space Programming
Building Analysis
Workplace Strategy

Design


Test-fits
Space Planning
Design Concept
Design Development
Value Engineering
Supervisions
Evaluation

Team

Board


Bogusz Parzyszek

CEO I Founder

Dominika Zielińska

Former Managing Partner, Workplace

Design


Paweł Kołodziej

COO & PM

Rafał Mikulski

Senior Architect

Ewelina Jezierska-Podolska

Senior Architect

Aleksandra Piotrowicz

Architect

Mariia Shapoval

Architect

Katarzyna Gajewska-Kulma

Strategy Manager & Researcher

Ewa Jędras

Architect

Client


Global Consulting Leader

Confidential

Suppliers & partners


Adam Grzesik

Photos