Introduce new sections and organize content to help visitors (and search engines) understand the structure of your content.

core/heading

Heading

<h2><meta charset="utf-8">Māk Interiors gave Tech Office a behind-the-scenes look into the recently improved Hootsuite Vancouver HQ, with some key insights on their return to work strategy.</h2>

<h4><meta charset="utf-8">Partner Post: <strong>written by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-kingsnorth-rid-leed-ap-a03ab619/">Amber Kingsnorth</a> of <meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://makinteriors.ca/">Māk Interiors</a></strong></h4>

Start with the basic building block of all narrative.

In a village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind, there lived not long since one of those gentlemen that keep a lance in the lance-rack, an old buckler, a lean hack, and a greyhound for coursing.

core/paragraph

Paragraph

<p>For a team like <a href="https://www.hootsuite.com/">Hootsuite</a> with employees in offices around the world, the pandemic offered a chance to rethink their workspace. </p>

<p>Focusing on their Vancouver headquarters, Hootsuite reached out to <a href="https://makinteriors.ca/">the team at Mak Interiors</a> to reimagine their space at 111 East 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue; we partnered with <a href="http://fusion-projects.com/">Fusion Projects</a> to execute this unique construction project.</p>

Insert an image to make a visual statement.

core/image

Image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-2-1024x742.jpg" alt="Hootsuite Front Entrance" class="wp-image-1363"/><figcaption>Hootsuite Lobby Entrance at Hootsuite's Office at 111 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

<h3>Employee Surveys showed a desire for Collaborative Workspace in the Office</h3>

<p>Hootsuite’s leadership surveyed employees throughout the pandemic to gauge their interest in returning to a communal workspace. </p>

<p>They certainly weren’t alone in wondering what percentage of their team would want to come back at all - a big debate at most companies since 2020. </p>

<p>What the leadership team at Hootsuite discovered is that most people were interested in collaborative work; they had a desire to gather in an office, while continuing to work from home for more solitary tasks.</p>

<p>This resulted in a 180 degree shift from the current office model (one that most tech sector companies have subscribed to), moving away from a workstation-focused environments to a more varied workplace landscape. </p>

<p>Hootsuite’s leadership wanted an increased focus on wellness and inclusivity, going beyond social distancing guidelines to create a health-focused space. </p>

<p>Our objectives were clear; reinvent the office as a collaborative hub with supporting elements to promote accessibility, inclusivity and health for the team. We couldn’t wait to dive in!</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-27-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hootsuite Meeting and Collaboration Space" class="wp-image-1368"/><figcaption>Meeting and collaboration Spaces at  Hootsuite's Office at 111 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Workplace and Design Strategy for Hootsuite's Return to Work</h3>

<p>The concept that emerged was the idea of ‘welcome interruptions’ – creating moments of both wonder and respite throughout the work day. </p>

<p>This would balance dynamic features such as colourful furniture and mural graphics with restful elements like living walls, natural light, and quiet cozy spaces. </p>

<p>Another important factor was adaptability. No one could predict how the return to work would evolve, so we wanted to build-in modularity and the ability to change the space as Hootsuite assessed their team’s engagement with the new office over time.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-20-1024x798.jpg" alt="Open workspace" class="wp-image-1367"/><figcaption>Open Workspace at Hootsuite's Office at 111 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

Give quoted text visual emphasis. "In quoting others, we cite ourselves." — Julio Cortázar

core/quote

Quote

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>No one could predict how the return to work would evolve, so we wanted to build-in modularity and the ability to change the space as Hootsuite assessed their team's engagement with the new office over time.</p><cite>Amber Kingsnorth, RID LEED AP</cite></blockquote>

<h3>Physical Spaces with a Primacy on Utility and Unique Materials</h3>

<p>We approached the design from the inside-out, identifying existing elements could work with and creating layers of functionality within the full floor space. </p>

<p>At the heart of the floor plan was a smattering of existing indoor ‘cabins’ which we wanted to keep in place to help divide the space and create a meandering path through the office floor. </p>

<p>The cabin interiors went from traditional meeting space to a mix of closed lounges, collaboration spaces, and team huddle rooms with updated technology for inclusivity of those working remotely. On the exterior we created a modern look based on the idea of Shou Sugi Ban - Japanese charred-wood siding.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-11-1024x906.jpg" alt="Meeting room Hootsuite" class="wp-image-1366"/><figcaption>Cabins converted <meta charset="utf-8">to closed lounges, collaboration spaces, and team huddle rooms with updated technology (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

<p>Throughout the space we layered soft seating for open break-out areas, lounges, and quiet work zones with bursts of colour as well as living walls and plants to purify the air and reinforce a connection to nature. </p>

<h3>The Space is All about Supporting the Team...and the Vibe</h3>

<p>To promote natural light in areas where windows were not accessible, we added intelligent skylight panels that mimic the sun's movement. </p>

<p>A wellness room was also added to the office program, functioning as a mother’s room, prayer space and isolation area for quiet moments.</p>

<p>From a high-level perspective, we kept the key architectural elements neutral, layering color and texture to create a space that offers moments of inspiration, wonder, rest, and restoration. It's a space that truly supports Hootsuite’s return to work and is ready to adapt to the evolving workplace.</p>

<h3>About the Author: Amber Kingsnorth at <meta charset="utf-8">Māk Interiors</h3>

<p>For more information about this project visit our featured space for <strong><a href="https://techoffice.io/projects/hootsuite-at-111-east-5th-avenue">Hootsuite Vancouver at 111 East 5th Avenue</a></strong>, or reach out to <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-kingsnorth-rid-leed-ap-a03ab619/">Amber Kingsnorth</a> of <a href="https://makinteriors.ca/">Māk Interiors</a></strong></p>

<p>Amber is a Registered Interior Designer and LEED Accredited Professional. She founded Māk Interiors in early 2012 based on the idea of providing thoughtful design and approachable, engaging service.</p>

<p>As studio Principal, Amber empowers and supports the team to do their best work. A passionately curious person, her favourite part of her job is connecting with clients and learning about their brands, cultures, and lifestyles.</p>

Hootsuite’s Return to Work in Vancouver

About the Author

Māk Interiors
linkedin email

Join our Mailing List

Hootsuite’s Return to Work in Vancouver

Related Posts

What New Tech Space Looks Like in a Post COVID World

Transforming Vision into Reality – How Elemental Post Found and Designed Their Dream Commercial Space

About the Author

Māk Interiorslinkedinemail

Join our Mailing List

Māk Interiors
linkedin email