Mott 

MacDonald

Aura's design strategy centers around creating an inviting and productive environment that authentically reflects the Mott MacDonald brand and culture. The aim was to design a space that embodies the company's values, friendly, supportive, open, and fair, while integrating a distinctive West Coast ambiance. Designers incorporated elements reminiscent of the ocean, forest, and mountains to create a space that merges company values with the local community's essence.

Aura developed areas facilitating collaboration and focus to achieve a compelling and flexible workplace. The strategic use of acoustic barriers ensures a balance between neighbourhood zones and workstations, allowing for concentrated individual work while providing dedicated team brainstorming and collaboration spaces. This approach encourages a cohesive and dynamic work environment where employees can easily connect and work together.

While adhering to Mott MacDonald's comprehensive brand guidelines, which included specific elements like a particular carpet colour and pattern, Aura's team proposed innovative design enhancements to elevate the overall look and feel of the space. This collaborative effort resulted in a unique office that maintains the high standards of Mott MacDonald's global locations while offering a distinct and vibrant Vancouver workplace.

Staff Lounge/Lunchroom

The staff lounge/lunchroom is a multifunctional area meticulously designed to serve as both a dining space and a collaborative event hub. This dynamic room features versatile booth seating, ideal for lunch gatherings, team huddles, and informal meetings, enhancing the space's adaptability. The design incorporates vibrant pops of colour throughout, prominently showcased in the dining chairs and booth seating along the room's exterior, creating an inviting and energizing atmosphere. This thoughtful blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal fosters community and employee collaboration.

Lobby/Waiting Area

Positioned on the 19th floor to introduce visitors to Mott MacDonald's brand, this lobby/waiting area ensures guests immediately recognize the company's presence upon exiting the elevators. Although the main reception is located on the 18th floor, the 19th-floor lobby serves as an additional branded entrance area, reinforcing the company's identity. The space features a custom millwork piece that doubles as a collaborative area, creating an innovative and welcoming atmosphere.

Collaboration Spaces

To address the client's need for enhanced collaboration, designers emphasized creating numerous opportunities for employees to meet, collaborate, and innovate. The workspace features a large boardroom, a medium-sized meeting room, a small AV meeting room, and several quiet rooms dedicated to focused work. Additionally, the new workspace includes various enclosed booth units strategically placed amidst workstations, providing private areas for collaboration. These booths have integrated work surfaces and panel-mounted monitors, facilitating seamless teamwork. Furthermore, multiple areas, including the lobby and lunchroom, are designed to double as collaborative spaces when needed, ensuring that employees have a variety of settings to support their collaborative efforts.

The Mott MacDonald office renovation by Aura successfully addresses the client's need for a refreshed, efficient, and brand-aligned space. By creating a design unique to Vancouver and consistent with global office standards, Aura has delivered a workplace that supports growth, enhances collaboration, and attracts top talent.