The new 18,000-square-foot, two-floor Vancouver headquarters for Sage, a company specializing in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technologies, aims to redefine modern workplace design with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability. The design, by Vancouver-based Edit Studios Inc., reflects Sage’s “hybrid-first” approach, balancing spaces for collaboration, focused work, and employee well-being.
A key concept of the design is “flow,” which was achieved through curved architecture and lighting. Biophilic elements, inspired by the West Coast’s natural beauty, bring the outdoors in with greenery, natural materials, and a calming palette which aims to be reminiscent of British Columbia’s landscapes.
Upon entering the Sage space, visitors are greeted by an entry corridor featuring the building’s exposed concrete core, a branded Sage logo, and seating for guests.
On the 18th floor, the heart of the office is the social and collaborative café, which offers views of the North Shore mountains. This space includes barista-quality amenities, bleacher seating, and greenery.
The open office features central touchdown areas on both floors, designed for independent work. These spaces include a curvilinear harvest table and individually controlled task lighting for added comfort.
“Solve” rooms, located in prime view corridors, aim to support collaboration with flexible layouts. Quiet zones complement these creative zones, and include single phone booths, two-person pods, and booth seating, all positioned to showcase the city skyline.
The design also reflects Sage’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with amenities such as a wellness room, a mother’s room, quiet rooms, and a multi-faith room.
Sage’s signature green is subtly integrated into the design, and appears in custom light fixtures above the café island and the metal leg details of furniture.
The company’s brand identity is further showcased through bold supergraphics in meeting rooms, featuring characters that add colour and energy to the space. An artwork, crafted from hundreds of carved pencils, aims to highlight the company’s core principles, while colourful Playmobil figurines are grouped to represent the diversity of Sage’s clients and team.
Sustainability was prioritized throughout the design. By exposing the base building’s concrete walls and reusing existing ceiling systems, lighting, and flooring in the elevator lobbies on the 16th and 18th floors, Edit minimized waste while celebrating the building’s character.
Millwork and back-of-house rooms were repurposed, and local vendors were chosen wherever possible to support the surrounding community and reduce environmental impact.
The office has become a vibrant hub for work and connection. Thoughtfully designed spaces ensure seamless integration of remote communication and in-office work, supporting a hybrid workforce.
By blending functionality, sustainability, and design, the office brings a forward-thinking approach to the workplace, where employees can feel connected and motivated.
Technical sheet:
Contractor: PBMG
Consultants: Smith & Anderson
Landlord: PCI
Furniture:
- Knoll & Herman Miller
- Contemporary Office Furniture
- Demountable Doors by Hayworth
Lighting:
- Acoustical Ceilings: Lumenworx
- Table Lamps: And Tradition Flower Pot
Flooring:
- Carpeting Throughout: Shaw Flat Weave Tile
- Vinyl Wood Flooring: Mannington Spacia Collection
- Acoustical Wall Covering: Akustus
