Ogilvy Montreal Agency

Ogilvy Canada is described as an “agency on the move”, and after several acquisitions and an identity change, the group wanted to make some organizational improvements.

The firm considered relocating but ultimately decided to optimize its existing offices, located in a Montreal neighborhood whose character gives the agency a strategic edge. Securing an adjacent space made it possible to proceed with the project.

With design help from FOR. design planning, the firm used its skill of creating original ideas as a starting point while focusing on Ogilvy’s identity and history to support the company’s talents.

The concept for the new spaces was built on two distinctive elements: the leitmotif is the founder, David Ogilvy; and the red background, the brand’s signature colour, is integrated into a sleek, minimalist environment underscored by a simple palette of contrasting black and white.

The goal of the planning process was to create connections and provide a platform for different kinds of teams to embrace the space in ways that fit their needs, according to the design team.

For. design planning developed a public space for hosting and collaboration, as well as private workspaces with different levels of privacy. The space is a multifunctional hub, sensitive to human needs, and fertile for discussions.

The reception desk and its boutique hotel-style quartz countertop are positioned to be more open to the outside. Visitors and clients are welcomed with a glance, a smile, and a coffee. The reception area does double duty as a lounge for discussion and collaboration, both formal and informal. It is a place where clients, employees from different departments, and partners interact daily. Classic furniture by Knoll and Herman Miller, sits under a custom-made black acoustic ceiling punctuated by accent lighting that provides a sense of intimacy. The finishing touch is Mohawk rugs, which dampen sound in the open space.

As we follow the directional element – the red core – the space is divided into progressively more private zones. These successive spaces are for formal meetings, creative work, and presentations; their capacity ranges from two to 20 people.

The new third-floor design includes a 50 per cent increase in floor space to host collaborative work ,and to be suitable for receptions and all-hands meetings.

Ogilvy’s Montreal offices span two floors. Because the fourth floor will remain operational for the medium-term, the rethinking of this space was done on an ad hoc basis, with the main focus being put on the third floor.

This choice helped highlight the firm’s values and made it possible to meet a need, while also optimizing both the use of the space and its visual impact. The production and creative teams have retained their existing dynamic in their upstairs work units and they have gained spaces for collaboration and interaction on the third floor.