All Photography by Joel Klassen

Boston Consulting Group Canadian Headquarters by HOK

Toronto, Canada

Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Toronto Team has recently unveiled their new Canadian headquarters, a space that is both technologically advanced and environmentally conscious. 

Keep reading to learn more about this project that won Best of Globe at our 2023 Design Awards!

BCG Group - Canadian HQ

by HOK

Design Inspiration

Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Toronto Team has recently unveiled their new Canadian headquarters, a space that is both technologically advanced and environmentally conscious. 

The 400-person team aimed to create a workspace reflecting their commitment to social, environmental, and governance (ESG) values while fostering a sense of community and inspiring its people. The space is designed to be compatible with BCG's values and sets it apart from its competitors.

The building that houses BCG's new office has earned a WELL Health-Safety Rating, LEED Platinum core and shell certification, and WELL Platinum Certification. These certifications are a testament to BCG's commitment to address climate change both in their client work and their own operations. 

Additionally, the space was designed to give back to its employees, with health and wellness being a primary goal.

Crafting the perfect workspace for Boston Consulting Group demanded a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and employee well-being. The team ingeniously designed an environment where productivity not only thrives but is also deeply intertwined with a commitment to wellness."

Caitlin Turner - HOK

The design of the space includes mechanical and electrical upgrades to increase the flow of fresh air, low-flow fixtures, and circadian lighting that minimizes disruptions to people's natural systems while enhancing productivity. With open spaces placed along the perimeter, daylight can come in and filter through the space. Electric lighting fixtures are high-end LED, with much of the lighting being user-controlled and dimmable.

I cast my vote for this project for several reasons. Firstly, the strategic layout prioritising natural light for all workstations within such a sizable project is truly impressive. The soft colour palette creates a soothing interior ambiance, with delicate colour accents thoughtfully directing our attention towards the captivating views. This harmonious integration with the surroundings is a crucial aspect that enhances the overall appeal.

The continuity in design elements is remarkable, evident in the subtle curves of the sofas mirroring the workstation layouts and lighting fixtures echoing the same round-cornered motif seen in the double-height spaces. This consistent design language is reflected in even the smallest details, particularly the lighting fixtures.

Another noteworthy aspect is the provision of relaxation areas that prioritise the views, a crucial consideration for enhancing workspace functionality and employee well-being. Additionally, the judicious choice of materials introduces a touch of residential luxury to the workplace, featuring textured fabrics, hints of gold, and touches of leather strategically placed to elevate the space without deviating from its core identity. This delicate balance struck in material selection is truly commendable."

Carina Lima / Design Director at Swiss Bureau Interior Design Company Dubai

BCG's commitment to employee health and wellness can be seen in a variety of features throughout the space, including a state-of-the-art gym and bike storage to encourage movement and physical fitness, nourishment stations stocked with healthy snacks, and wellness rooms that include shower facilities with towel service, a mother's room, therapy rooms, and sound therapy rooms. Other biophilic design elements, including graphics and the use of natural materials, create a sense of calm and connection to nature.

The space design also recognizes that one size does not fit all, with features that accommodate the needs of a neurodiverse population. The project was designed and built during the COVID-19 quarantine, demonstrating that the post-COVID office can enhance health and wellness, productivity, and innovation. BCG's new office is a testament to the power of design to create a functional and inspiring space.

This space exudes a distinctly human touch, striking an impressive balance within its vast scale while maintaining remarkable consistency. What truly sets this project apart is its innovative approach to material selections. It cleverly reimagines classics in fresh and unexpected ways, blending the traditional with the contemporary seamlessly. The artful fusion of classic and new elements, along with creative applications, was truly captivating.

This project's bold use of greys and charcoals immediately caught my attention. The skilful use of accents allows for effortless transformations. When colour does make its appearance in this predominantly monochromatic canvas, it elicits a truly joyful and remarkable moment."

Fernando Zabala / Design Director at Gensler LATAM

The standout feature of this project that truly captivated me was the double-height space, expertly leveraged by the designers to its fullest potential. The neutral and muted color scheme lends an ethereal quality to specific areas, making it incredibly visually pleasing. This aspect, in my view, defines the project's true essence.

Furthermore, the strategic harnessing of natural light, coupled with the creation of purposeful spaces around it, elevates this area into an exceptional office environment. Not only is it a visually stunning space, but it's also executed with utmost excellence"

Rachita Khanna / Associate Director, Design at SWBI Architects

Featured Products

Process Tile

By Community Collection

Explore Process Tile

Knotted Tile

By Community Collection

Explore Knotted Tile

Exchange Tile

By Community Collection

Explore Exchange Tile

Jacquard Tile

By Suited Collection

Explore Jacquard Tile

Design Awards 2023

View all 2023 Best of Globe Winners

With almost 650 entries from 40 countries around the globe, our 2023 Shaw Contract Design Awards program has truly celebrated the optimism of design and its ability to influence our everyday lives.