When we think of corporate offices, our imagination often takes us to dark, cold spaces with rows of desks and no natural light (we blame the movies for that one); but the modern-day corporate world is, in fact, quite the opposite. Professional services face an ever-growing challenge when designing thoughtful, innovative workspaces to attract and retain top talent, as well as offering a welcoming client experience.
When redefining the headquarters of BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP, chosen architects DNA WORKSHOP was tasked with designing the flagship client-facing office on behalf of the DIFC based firm. DNA WORKSHOP, known for its innovative design, wanted to focus on creating individual workplace experiences alongside technology while also appreciating the evolving corporate culture and the importance of client confidentiality.
Can a corporate law office ever look like a Netflix series would have us believe?
New economic realities, advancements in technologies and ways of working, global talent and client pressures are colliding with a new suite of expectations and working styles from young professionals – the reimagined space needed to reflect all of these changes.
The project, completed in July 2020, has recently been awarded the ‘Breakthrough Project of the Year’ at the recent By Design Middle East 2020 Awards, and it’s easy to see why.
DNA WORKSHOP crafted a fresh approach to law firm perception and how to do business using design and colour to create a youthful space. A play on transparency, space versatility, and a natural aesthetic create an open space where all parts are connected and visible to each other, offering endless networking possibilities.At the same time, each section can have its privacy when required with a simple fold of uniquely designed revolving and collapsible glass frames.The new BSA flagship headquarters has put law firm practice within a new frontier of professional service providers’ possibilities.
The project has been awarded the ‘Breakthrough Project of the Year’ title
Upon receipt of this prestigious award, Partner at BSA, Michael Kortbawi said, “BSA is a place where investors and business owners come to grow their business through our connectivity and outreach. Networking plays a major part in the business of BSA and is a key element in our growth. The new space presents us with fluid, integrational opportunities for both work and development. The award from By Design Middle East is testament to both the vision of DNA WORKSHOP and innovation of our business leadership – looking towards the growth and future of our client and colleague needs.”
Fadi Naccour, Architect at DNA WORKSHOP, continued, “The new BSA office design had to be both fit for purpose and help attract a broader network, locally and internationally, to open doors to a broader reach and business possibilities for their clients. We wanted to break the stereotype that a law firm space should be rigid, closed and where everything has to happen behind closed doors. Utilising flexible louvre partitions, obviously soundproofed, provides the flexibility required whilst retaining a modern and welcoming feel with the use of natural elements throughout the space.”