Blending Hospitality with an Elevated Client Experience

Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning redesigned Stikeman Elliott's new workplace. The project seamlessly blends hospitality with an elevated client experience, while also introducing innovative workspaces that entice employees to return to the office. This forward-thinking project has garnered significant recognition, winning the 2024 Canadian Interiors 'Best of Canada' award, as well as the prestigious Shaw Contract Awards for 'Best of Region – Canada', and 'Best of Globe – Worldwide' in 2024.

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

The 40,000-square-foot workplace enhances the employee and client experience through a variety of multifunctional spaces, along with the addition of an internal staircase. The interior features a rich, timber-heavy, hospitality-inspired aesthetic, modernizing the previously dark and moody cherrywood walls and flooring modelled after the Ritz Carlton.

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Glazing along the front of meeting rooms brings light into client areas, with film adding a layer of privacy. The client-facing front of house is treated as more than just an office space with the addition of multipurpose rooms that can be easily converted from hosting meetings to entertaining. The back of house is treated as a more economical and functional space.

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Beyond the main area, on level 42, is the lawyers’ lounge, as well as a student articling area, and breakouts to facilitate collaboration and interaction. Above, on level 41, is the law library, open collaborative area, and central café. Amenity space was a key consideration for staff and partners working late hours who often gather and have dinner in the dining room.

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

The main design driver is the u-shaped internal staircase and gold-gilded canopy structure with its gridded pattern. Making it a focal point of the function and meeting area, the canopy with powder coated golden metalwork encases the opening portion of the staircase, extending down to level 41 as a curtain wall. The bankers wire makes for a beautiful structural element that also meets fire code requirements. Beyond its high visual impact, the challenge was encouraging its use by installing a functional handrail to facilitate movement between levels.

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Suspended from the canopy across the two floors and adding detail to the ceiling is a sculptural light fixture by Dutch furniture designer Moooi. Other custom light features include decorative wall sconces. The well-lit space provides the perfect backdrop for displaying the law firm’s art collection.

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Photo credit: Eymeric Widling

Beyond the use of stone and selection of custom furnishings, back-painted glass and LVT flooring instead of real wood makes the space look premium, while remaining within the client’s budget. The office’s prime location offers iconic views of the city, including the reflection of the Calgary Tower, as well as views to the river valley and out to the mountains from the reception and client-facing areas.

Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning

Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning is a global architecture, interior design, and planning practice. They believe that the power of design can create a better world. As architects, designers, and planners, they champion people and apply design solutions that improve lives and create a deeper connection between people and place. With an insatiable curiosity for the world, they leverage their in-between thinking to make the invisible visible. Operating globally from offices across Canada, and partnering with their visionary, passionate, and courageous clients, together they achieve results that make a difference to entire communities.