PPI
After the successful renovation of PPI’s Vancouver office, Aura partnered with PPI to deliver a complete design-build renovation for its Calgary office.
Size
8,800 SQFT
Industry
Finance
Location
Calgary
Completed
2025
PPI is a national leader in supporting independent financial advisors through specialized insurance expertise, sales ideas, knowledge development and tools to power their practice. With over 10 collaboration centres across Canada, PPI emphasizes both excellence in service and a strong sense of purpose. Aura previously partnered with PPI in 2022 to deliver its Vancouver office and was re-engaged for the Calgary location based on the project’s success.
The Vision / Challenge
The Calgary office renovation was driven by three key factors: the expiration of PPI’s lease, significant headcount growth, and the desire for a space that reflected both the brand and its evolving needs. The existing office presented an opportunity to better support the client’s evolving operations and align the Calgary location with the refreshed visual identity and workplace standards established in other PPI offices.
Process
The design approach evolved around the idea of “bridging heritage and modernity”. The new office bridges PPI’s national presence with Calgary’s unique character by integrating local architecture styles, materials, and cultural style.
Aura developed a concept that draws from the region’s natural environment and cultural history, integrating subtle Western elements into a refined and contemporary space. The palette features deep neutrals and warm earth tones, complemented by organic materials and metal accents that evoke Alberta’s rugged terrain and mountain heritage. Inspired by the Elbow River’s fluid form, the layout incorporates curved elements and natural flow throughout the workplace.
- Reception Area: A welcoming front-of-house that anchors the brand experience and introduces the regional design language through materials, lighting, and custom finishes.
- Staff Lounge: A central amenity designed for informal interaction, wellness breaks, and cross-team connection, furnished with a balance of comfort and function.
- Training Room: A flexible and tech-enabled space that supports Advisor education, workshops, and group sessions, reinforcing PPI’s commitment to professional development.
- Advisory Centres & Offices: A balanced mix of open-plan workstations and enclosed offices to support various workstyles, ensure acoustic privacy, and maintain operational efficiency.
- Materials & Detailing: Contemporary leather seating, locally inspired artwork, geometric textiles, and Western motifs bring a sense of place, while maintaining design consistency with other PPI offices.
The new office enhances the employee experience with a modern, collaborative environment that supports both client interaction and internal operations. By integrating local identity into the fabric of the design, Aura successfully created a space that aligns with PPI’s national brand standards while celebrating the unique character of Calgary. The result is a cohesive, thoughtfully executed renovation that positions PPI for continued growth and success in the region.
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