In 2024, Cossette, one of Canada’s leading ad agencies, and its parent corporation Plus Company embarked on an ambitious project: bringing their Montreal team together in a single downtown campus after the pandemic scattered remote workers. The answer came when Shopify vacated a prime office floor, offering an opportunity for reinvention. To make the office an irresistible draw, they teamed up with LAAB architecture to design an innovative space that does more than just look cool—it enhances collaboration, creativity, and productivity.
A Workspace Built Around the Employee Experience
What set this project apart from the beginning was LAAB’s focus on designing for the user experience (UX). Instead of top-down directives from upper management, the redesign centered on the needs and work habits of Cossette’s teams. LAAB recognized that creativity thrives in environments tailored to the people who use them. Some teams preferred open spaces, others needed closed rooms, and hybrid work configurations were also considered. This approach ensured that every workspace was not just functional but optimized for its users.
The workplace was designed to promote interaction and synergy among Plus Company’s various business units. Siloed teams were brought together by opening spaces along the exterior walls, allowing informal connections and giving everyone access to natural light and views of downtown Montreal.
Hospitality Meets Office Design
To avoid the typical corporate look and playful office tropes (think foosball and bean bags), LAAB sought inspiration from hospitality and wellness design. The result? A sophisticated, lounge-like atmosphere with hushed lighting and a dark, dramatic palette. Instead of “homey” decor, the office exudes a polished and professional feel, yet it’s far from sterile. It feels like a space designed for creative professionals to gather, collaborate, and recharge.
One of the highlights is the reception area, which features a striking dichroic, mirror-wrapped desk that changes color depending on the viewer’s angle. This feature subtly references Plus Company’s multicolored logo and its ethos of inclusivity and creativity.
The Bistro-Park: A Social Hub with a View
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the redesigned office is the Bistro-Park. Located at the prime corner of the floor, this area offers stunning views of downtown Square Victoria and serves as a central social hub. More than just a lunch spot, it’s a relaxed work area and a meeting space for both formal and casual interactions. Staff and clients alike are drawn to this vibrant area, making it a key feature of the office’s culture.
The recording studio hub, designed with a dynamic range of hues from white to charcoal, also adds a creative touch. It’s a client favorite, complete with brightly lit portals signaling when sessions are in progress.
A Resounding Success: Bringing Workers Back
The results of this design overhaul have been nothing short of spectacular. Despite various back-to-work predictions, Cossette’s Montreal employees have returned to the office in droves. The biggest challenge now? Finding enough meeting rooms and seating in the Bistro-Park. The space has exceeded expectations, with staff, clients, and management praising its design and functionality.
In the end, LAAB’s redesign proves that strategic, thoughtful office design can create a space that not only brings workers back but also inspires creativity and fosters collaboration. It’s a case study in how great design can drive great business outcomes.
