The Vision

Thorsteinssons LLP envisioned a workspace that provides both a welcoming ambiance and a professional tone tailored to meet the needs of clients and staff. With the move to a new office space offering breathtaking views of Coal Harbour, Thorsteinssons wanted to make the most of this feature by integrating it into the design. A key focus was maximizing the client experience, particularly in the reception and front-of-house areas, to create a sophisticated and modern impression for visitors. Internally, the firm recognized the need to optimize storage solutions and reconfigure workspace layouts to support efficiency and functionality for their team, as well as create an engaging and welcoming employee lounge space for lawyers and staff.

The Design Strategy

Aura shaped the design strategy around Thorsteinssons’ vision of a workspace that embodies professionalism and sophistication while maximizing functionality. The design team chose a bold, modern aesthetic to reflect the firm’s status as an industry leader, envisioning the reception area as a dramatic front-of-house experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. They meticulously selected high-performance materials, seamless finishes, and advanced glazing systems to balance aesthetic appeal with durability. The strategy also prioritized flexibility, incorporating multipurpose spaces that adapt to the firm’s evolving needs.

The material palette was curated to exude a sleek and professional aesthetic. Concrete flooring flows seamlessly from the reception area into the staff lounge, creating continuity and allowing for a conversion into a client-facing event space when needed. Full-scale slab wall tiles were incorporated throughout the reception and behind the reception desk, enhancing the space with a clean and sophisticated look. Dark wood millwork and black accents provide striking contrast against the bright white walls, while subtle integrations of Thorsteinssons’ signature blue add a bespoke touch.

Key Features and Design Solutions

Event Space Adaptability

Adaptability was a cornerstone of the design. Aura incorporated four skyfold partitions in the reception area, enabling five individual meeting rooms to transform into a single large event space. This flexible solution supports Thorsteinssons’ need for versatile spaces capable of hosting client receptions, staff meetings, and internal gatherings without compromising the day-to-day functionality of the workspace.

Smart Film Technology

The new office incorporates Smart Film technology in the meeting rooms adjacent to the reception area. This advanced glazing system enables instant privacy through an electronic switch, transitioning from transparent to opaque as needed. This feature ensures client confidentiality while maximizing openness when privacy is not required. The use of Smart Film also enhances the visual connection to Coal Harbour, emphasizing the office’s prime location and creating a memorable client experience during events.

Enhanced Staff Lounge

The staff lounge was meticulously designed to enhance the employee experience and foster a sense of community. Multiple seating configurations cater to different preferences, from relaxed lounge seating to counter stools and dining tables. A dedicated beverage center and ample storage make the space highly functional while maintaining a polished aesthetic that reflects the office’s overall design strategy and the ability to be utilized as a client facing space when needed.

Optimized Storage Solutions

Optimizing storage solutions was a priority in the workspace design. High-density rolling filing systems, strategically placed secondary storage, and workstation-integrated wardrobe towers significantly improved organization while maximizing space utilization. These wardrobe towers also double as transaction surfaces for legal document review, demonstrating the integration of multipurpose furniture to streamline operations.

The Outcome

The completion of the Thorsteinssons LLP office renovation achieved a balance between form and function, delivering a workspace that embodies the firm’s stature as a leader in its field. The bold, high-contrast design elements create an immediate sense of professionalism and class, enhancing the client experience from the moment they enter. Functional improvements, such as optimized storage solutions and adaptable spaces, ensure the workspace meets current and future needs.

This project highlights Aura’s capability to deliver high-impact workspace solutions tailored to every client’s needs.