When tasked with designing the interior office space of Wellington-Altus—a financial firm with locations all over North America—our team was ready for the challenge. The firm is opening two new locations here in British Columbia and we were thrilled to take on both spaces.
As with every project, we began by crafting a mood board that laid out their vision clearly. The client wanted a space that was modern but had an elegant boutique vibe, reminiscent of a stylish hotel lounge you might find in cities like New York or Chicago. We had previously built another project in that same office and were familiar with that particular space.
Financial firms have the reputation of feeling cold and corporate, which is what the client wanted to avoid. To execute their vision, we utilized unique and contemporary elements throughout, from the appliances and finishes to the furniture and artwork. The result is a space that is approachable yet elegant, with a nod to British Columbia’s beauty and welcoming vibe.
Being the first room you see, it was crucial that the reception area of both locations captured the essence of the client’s goals. The moment you enter, the space feels instantly welcoming, utilizing white porcelain tile with a black inlay border, a white Margranite stone reception desk, and floor-to-ceiling glass frames. Black was purposely chosen for the frames, offering just the right amount of privacy.
Stylish soft seating and a textured carpet were also added to create warmth and an approachable ambience. On the wall, modern, colourful artwork ties the space together and gives it the quintessential “boutique-hotel” vibe the client was looking for.
For lighting, we opted for simple and professional potlights, with the exception of the Kelowna location’s reception, which features a stunning Constellation Ursa Major chandelier from SONNEMAN Lighting.
On the walls, vinyl wood-look wall panels seamlessly blend with concealed barn doors to keep the space minimal and uncluttered, without sacrificing warmth and charm.
One of the keys to creating a truly “boutique” space is to add uniqueness wherever you can, which is exactly what our team accomplished. In multiple rooms, trendy artwork and finishes were included to add elegance and make each space feel truly enjoyable to work in, including textured carpeting and wallpaper.
In keeping with the client’s vision, our team carefully designed an office space for Wellington-Altus that not only feels approachable and stylish to the advisors and staff, but comfortable and inviting to clients and guests alike.