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<h2><meta charset="utf-8">Māk Interiors gave Tech Office a behind-the-scenes look into the recently improved Hootsuite Vancouver HQ, with some key insights on their return to work strategy.</h2>

<h4><meta charset="utf-8">Partner Post: <strong>written by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-kingsnorth-rid-leed-ap-a03ab619/">Amber Kingsnorth</a> of <meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://makinteriors.ca/">Māk Interiors</a></strong></h4>

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In a village of La Mancha, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind, there lived not long since one of those gentlemen that keep a lance in the lance-rack, an old buckler, a lean hack, and a greyhound for coursing.

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<p>For a team like <a href="https://www.hootsuite.com/">Hootsuite</a> with employees in offices around the world, the pandemic offered a chance to rethink their workspace. </p>

<p>Focusing on their Vancouver headquarters, Hootsuite reached out to <a href="https://makinteriors.ca/">the team at Mak Interiors</a> to reimagine their space at 111 East 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue; we partnered with <a href="http://fusion-projects.com/">Fusion Projects</a> to execute this unique construction project.</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-2-1024x742.jpg" alt="Hootsuite Front Entrance" class="wp-image-1363"/><figcaption>Hootsuite Lobby Entrance at Hootsuite's Office at 111 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

<h3>Employee Surveys showed a desire for Collaborative Workspace in the Office</h3>

<p>Hootsuite’s leadership surveyed employees throughout the pandemic to gauge their interest in returning to a communal workspace. </p>

<p>They certainly weren’t alone in wondering what percentage of their team would want to come back at all - a big debate at most companies since 2020. </p>

<p>What the leadership team at Hootsuite discovered is that most people were interested in collaborative work; they had a desire to gather in an office, while continuing to work from home for more solitary tasks.</p>

<p>This resulted in a 180 degree shift from the current office model (one that most tech sector companies have subscribed to), moving away from a workstation-focused environments to a more varied workplace landscape. </p>

<p>Hootsuite’s leadership wanted an increased focus on wellness and inclusivity, going beyond social distancing guidelines to create a health-focused space. </p>

<p>Our objectives were clear; reinvent the office as a collaborative hub with supporting elements to promote accessibility, inclusivity and health for the team. We couldn’t wait to dive in!</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-27-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hootsuite Meeting and Collaboration Space" class="wp-image-1368"/><figcaption>Meeting and collaboration Spaces at  Hootsuite's Office at 111 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

<h3><meta charset="utf-8">Workplace and Design Strategy for Hootsuite's Return to Work</h3>

<p>The concept that emerged was the idea of ‘welcome interruptions’ – creating moments of both wonder and respite throughout the work day. </p>

<p>This would balance dynamic features such as colourful furniture and mural graphics with restful elements like living walls, natural light, and quiet cozy spaces. </p>

<p>Another important factor was adaptability. No one could predict how the return to work would evolve, so we wanted to build-in modularity and the ability to change the space as Hootsuite assessed their team’s engagement with the new office over time.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-20-1024x798.jpg" alt="Open workspace" class="wp-image-1367"/><figcaption>Open Workspace at Hootsuite's Office at 111 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>No one could predict how the return to work would evolve, so we wanted to build-in modularity and the ability to change the space as Hootsuite assessed their team's engagement with the new office over time.</p><cite>Amber Kingsnorth, RID LEED AP</cite></blockquote>

<h3>Physical Spaces with a Primacy on Utility and Unique Materials</h3>

<p>We approached the design from the inside-out, identifying existing elements could work with and creating layers of functionality within the full floor space. </p>

<p>At the heart of the floor plan was a smattering of existing indoor ‘cabins’ which we wanted to keep in place to help divide the space and create a meandering path through the office floor. </p>

<p>The cabin interiors went from traditional meeting space to a mix of closed lounges, collaboration spaces, and team huddle rooms with updated technology for inclusivity of those working remotely. On the exterior we created a modern look based on the idea of Shou Sugi Ban - Japanese charred-wood siding.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wordpress-758785-2566078.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Upper-Left-Photography-Hootsuite-11-1024x906.jpg" alt="Meeting room Hootsuite" class="wp-image-1366"/><figcaption>Cabins converted <meta charset="utf-8">to closed lounges, collaboration spaces, and team huddle rooms with updated technology (Upper Left Photography)</figcaption></figure>

<p>Throughout the space we layered soft seating for open break-out areas, lounges, and quiet work zones with bursts of colour as well as living walls and plants to purify the air and reinforce a connection to nature. </p>

<h3>The Space is All about Supporting the Team...and the Vibe</h3>

<p>To promote natural light in areas where windows were not accessible, we added intelligent skylight panels that mimic the sun's movement. </p>

<p>A wellness room was also added to the office program, functioning as a mother’s room, prayer space and isolation area for quiet moments.</p>

<p>From a high-level perspective, we kept the key architectural elements neutral, layering color and texture to create a space that offers moments of inspiration, wonder, rest, and restoration. It's a space that truly supports Hootsuite’s return to work and is ready to adapt to the evolving workplace.</p>

<h3>About the Author: Amber Kingsnorth at <meta charset="utf-8">Māk Interiors</h3>

<p>For more information about this project visit our featured space for <strong><a href="https://techoffice.io/projects/hootsuite-at-111-east-5th-avenue">Hootsuite Vancouver at 111 East 5th Avenue</a></strong>, or reach out to <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-kingsnorth-rid-leed-ap-a03ab619/">Amber Kingsnorth</a> of <a href="https://makinteriors.ca/">Māk Interiors</a></strong></p>

<p>Amber is a Registered Interior Designer and LEED Accredited Professional. She founded Māk Interiors in early 2012 based on the idea of providing thoughtful design and approachable, engaging service.</p>

<p>As studio Principal, Amber empowers and supports the team to do their best work. A passionately curious person, her favourite part of her job is connecting with clients and learning about their brands, cultures, and lifestyles.</p>

Hootsuite’s Return to Work in Vancouver

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Hootsuite’s Return to Work in Vancouver

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