7 office layouts from around the world to inspire a workplace design refresh

Tucked away amid the concrete jungle of Makati, Manila, Barchan + Architecture's office is a progressive design laboratory that encourages experimentation with a playful spirit. This penthouse suite stands in contrast with its brutalist surroundings, bathing the huddle nooks, digital whiteboards, and communal areas in natural light and ventilation. For a sense of refreshment between meetings, the team has direct access to an entry garden and side balconies.

Returning inside the office, there is an undeniable sense of optimism running through the colourful materials and eclectic furniture selections strewn throughout the space. What sets this office apart is its sense of "radical adaptability," a term Jason Buensalido applies to his innovative design strategies in Filipino homes. “The sense of built-in flexibility means the office is never static — it breathes, shifts, and reorganises itself in response to the team's evolving rhythms," he mused. "This ensures the environment is always in service of the idea at hand.”

Establishing an oasis in the middle of Ontario, Canada, is this boutique law firm’s lounge space, which effortlessly blends sustainable design into its tranquil atmosphere. The base and architectural elements of the space lean towards more neutral tones, with white walls and grey flooring balanced by warm tones and a marble backsplash. Meanwhile, hints of black in the hardware add a grounding weight, as seen in the lighting, coffee tables and stools that create pockets of conversation throughout the space. 

To add more personality to the space, the designers added complementary colours. The space is often used as a lunch room, so the staff can easily settle into the green boucle armchairs or camel-coloured velvet swivel chairs to decompress. Meanwhile, the rust-coloured leather on the counter stools works in tandem with the jewel-toned artwork of Alexander Jowett, a Toronto-based artist. 

“The intention of the space was ultimately to be a refuge for the firm's staff–whether it’s to enjoy a moment of quiet after making your morning coffee, having an informal meeting on the banquettes, kicking back at the end of the day in the lounge or hosting small events,” the design team shared. “All support a more positive work environment for the users, which feels less corporate…A large part of that was introducing design elements, finishes, and furniture that you don’t expect in an office environment and leaning slightly residential.”

In the heart of Paris, architects Marc-Antoine Biehler and Amaury Graveleine have designed the interior spaces and reception areas of the BYOS project, which sits at the eye of innovative research in the historic city. This 2,043-square-foot office spans seven floors and embodies a deep connection with nature, as evidenced by its name “bios”, meaning life, to find progressive ways to enhance the lives of future generations. 

For this design project, continuous grey concrete façades feature subtle ochre tones, inviting clients in to experience the fully glazed, double-height ground floor. Natural light fills the atrium that connects the building’s three wings. Of particular interest is the reception area, which evokes images of refined hotel lobbies. Here, lacquered rosewood mirrors the building’s exterior. Underfoot, travertine contrasts with the deep blue central carpet. To add more 1970s charm to the office, stainless steel returns a touch of corporate elegance to the space. 

See also: Home tour: a renovated artist’s sanctuary in the exclusive coastal town of Manalapan, Florida

Subverting expectations for an austere and imposing space, the Doreme project is a whimsical showroom and workspace that features larger-than-life design elements for a truly immersive experience. Buttons, threads, zippers, and neon lacing are transported from the work table into the space’s expansive architecture, transforming the 3,600-square-foot warehouse into a theatrical daily experience. 

To create a sense of continuity in the space, the office’s layout features curved and oval workstations that evoke images of a seashell. At the centre of the space stands a twenty-foot-long table from which visitors can see the craftsmen handle the fabrics, review upcoming collections, and share groundbreaking new ideas. 

Another memorable feature in this Calcutta office is the lime green canopy, which creates a sunburst effect that diffuses across the space below. This contrasts with the whites and muted greys of the space’s walls, against which the bold tones of greens, pinks, oranges, and yellows stand out even further.  

From the bustling city of Seattle, the game console design and fabrication company Analogue has moved into their Asia headquarters. This boutique office stands at the centre of Hong Kong’s vibrant shopping district, Causeway Bay. Located in an old streamlined art moderne office built in 1964, this corner site has floor-to-ceiling shopfront glazing that serves a twofold purpose. It primarily allows tenants to be inspired by the neighbourhood’s vertical neon signage, cafes, and other office spaces, while allowing natural light to filter into the space throughout the day. 

A key element of Acuña’s design process involved “being anti-tech in its overall tone, stripping the space down to its bare-shell structure and methodically rebuilding the space and form wherever needed.” He thus prioritised cool-white concrete architecture, with accents of chevron oak flooring, vintage and tailor-made walnut furnishings, and even some handmade clay tiles to add a nudge to human creativity and craftsmanship within the space. Meanwhile, artistic collaborations include hand-painted signage by KATOL of Start From Zero and Master WU Chi Kai of The Hong Kong neon heritage.

Located in downtown Pasadena, AXB's office and studio is a 2,056-square-foot space that ensures each corner is full of intentional curation. Set in a 1930's era historical landmark building, the interiors are moody, eclectic and reflective of Kirsten Blazek's distinctive personality. 

Some of the space's most notable features include earth-toned paint from Farrow and Ball, contemplative lighting fixtures from HVLG, and playful wallpapers from Sandberg and House of Hackney. Altogether, the space is a true reflection of the company's growth, from a warehouse to remote work to a meditative, tranquil atmosphere for gatherings with clients. 

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