The redesign of Stikeman Elliott's new workplace by Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning 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.

For the update, Stikeman Elliott moved its offices at Bankers Hall in downtown Calgary two floors down, making room for the expansion of a major tenant, while enabling continuity of operations.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Updated audio visuals and flexible technological capabilities further contribute to the vison for Stikeman Elliott’s law office of the future.

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.

“Our contemporary and timeless office design now conveys a refreshed sense of professional yet collaborative hospitality that was already a part of our brand,” says Catherine Grygar, Partner, Design Committee Member at Stikeman Elliott LLP. "It captures and reflects the firm’s identity, reputation, and our renewed commitment to client comfort and experience in a new and distinctive way.”

About Stikeman Elliott LLP 

Stikeman Elliott is a global leader in Canadian business law, delivering high-quality counsel and creative solutions to clients worldwide. Since its founding in 1952, the firm has been committed to excellence, innovation, and partnering in clients' success. With offices in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, New York, London, and Sydney, Stikeman Elliott provides clear, proactive advice and bespoke legal solutions grounded in business realities. The firm’s deep expertise and passion for what they do make them the go-to choice for complex legal issues in today's challenging marketplace. 

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