MODERN, FUNKY, ECLECTIC SPACES THAT ARE STILL FUNCTIONAL.

walls and windows gets creative juices flowing. Streamlined furniture infuses energy throughout the reception area, main pitch room and well-stocked café with beer tap, all of which can be combined for meetings and socializing.

With people spending so much time together, culture and branding — in art, inspirational sayings or cool hues — play into a startup’s psyche. As Lynn Ferron, vicepresident, practice leader (interiors) at HOK Ottawa, puts it: “They need colour, branding and comfort to produce a desirable space. Since they may be new, they understand the value of being memorable and want their brand and culture to be heavily reflected in their space. It’s important to uncover and reflect their cultural DNA.”

ICF Olson’s playful culture is evident. Client logos made of Lego in the modern lobby make clients feel like participants in the space. A brick accent wall pays tribute to the firm’s annual Brickie staff awards. Employees, who zip around the office on scooters, chose boardroom names after their favourite historical innovators, and compete in friendly challenges to create new concepts using VR headsets and video game consoles.

Gazzola urges startups seeking new digs to think long-term before signing a lease. Make sure the space has good bones, feels open and airy and has enough places for privacy. But above all else, make sure there’s room to grow.

“In the startup world, your world changes very quickly so your office of 10 often needs to be reconfigured to accommodate an office of 15 or 20 in the same space within a couple of months,” she says. “So if you design your space to be ready to move in that way — with flexible furniture choices and a more open concept — it will help you in the long run.”

Mike Brown, president of ICF Olson’s Canadian subsidiary, is convinced that the firm’s invigorating space has catapulted its growth.

“When you have that moment where you can plant a real flag,” he advises startups considering a move, “spend the time touring other offices…. Dig in and really listen to how things work. And make sure your people are part of the decision-making. Where you are, when you need things, the traditions that you try to embrace become part of your living environment. They’re better when they come from the ground up than the top down.”