The Long-Term Impact of a Hybrid Workplace Renovation at FirstService Residential
More than a year after Aura helped FirstService Residential (FSR) consolidate from two floors into a unified 13,600 sq. ft. floorplate tailored for hybrid work, the results are clear. The renovation maximized space and created a workspace that genuinely reflects FSR's brand and values. Today, the environment is dynamic, inviting, and aligned with the team's way of working.
In 2024, FSR sought Aura’s expertise in creating hybrid workplaces to renovate its Vancouver head office. The previous office was spread across two floors, resulting in inefficiencies and a fragmented employee experience. FSR sought to consolidate its team into a single, highly functional floorplate that would better support how the organization works today.
The project required careful planning to accommodate approximately 100 seats on a single floor while maintaining flexibility, brand alignment, and long-term usability. Aura addressed these challenges through a comprehensive workplace renovation focused on space optimization and hybrid-ready environments. The result is a workplace that maximizes efficiency, reflects FSR’s brand and values, and encourages a more purposeful return to the office.
As part of Aura’s commitment to client success, the team conducts post-occupancy check-ins and workplace observations to validate design decisions and assess their real-world impact. This ongoing engagement ensures the workplace continues to perform as intended and delivers measurable value to the client and their teams.
A Hybrid-Centric Design That Drives Engagement and Culture
FSR’s renovated workplace demonstrates how a well-designed environment elevates employee experience as teams split time between home and office.
Aura recently followed up with FSR to evaluate the long-term impact of their renovated office. According to FSR, “The renovation has significantly improved our company culture, boosted morale, and enhanced the overall workplace experience.” Since moving into the transformed space, the team has also noticed “a rise in employee engagement.”
The new open kitchen best illustrates this impact. With sweeping views and ample space, it has become a central hub for team gatherings, monthly meetings, and informal social interactions. FSR recently shared, “The open, spacious kitchen—with its beautiful views—has quickly become a favourite gathering place… an ideal setting for staff meetings, social events, and casual breaks.”
In hybrid environments, these communal zones serve as essential spaces: they encourage purposeful in-office time, help rebuild culture, and support the social interactions that remote work often lacks.
The kitchen also serves as a wellness and productivity space. Employees now pause and recharge in a dedicated area—an important driver of morale and long-term engagement. The client noted, “It’s always nice to see team members taking a moment to relax and enjoy the views.”
Purpose-Built Technology Spaces that Support Hybrid Communication
Hybrid work requires focused, private, and tech-enabled environments.
The renovation also introduced dedicated video rooms, which have made an immediate impact. As FSR puts it, “The addition of video rooms has greatly supported our property managers by making virtual meetings more accessible and providing the privacy they need.”
For hybrid teams, these spaces are critical infrastructures that continue to support flexibility and scalability as work patterns evolve. They improve meeting quality, reduce disruptions, and support uninterrupted work, directly improving performance.
An Open Workspace That Encourages Natural Collaboration
One of the biggest functional changes was the removal of traditional cubicles. This eliminated barriers and created a more welcoming, flexible environment where communication happens naturally.
The result is a space that encourages quick problem-solving, cross-functional support, and spontaneous idea sharing. For hybrid teams, these interactions make in-office days more impactful and help maintain alignment.
The ROI of a Hybrid-Optimized Workplace
FSR’s experience shows a clear message: workplace investments add value when aligned with modern work models.
Key outcomes include
- Higher engagement: Employees are more energized and connected to the environment.
- Improved morale: Staff report feeling more positive and supported in the redesigned space.
- Better support for hybrid work: Video rooms, social zones, and open work areas make in-office time more purposeful.
One year later, the renewed workplace is a proven example of how strategic design can optimize a workplace for hybrid work and create long-lasting organizational benefits. The successful collaboration between Aura and FirstService Residential has resulted in a hybrid-ready workplace that continues to elevate culture, engagement, and everyday experience.
