Redesigning DKA’s Head Office: A Workplace That Brings People Together

Rather than maximizing the number of individual workstations, the design team focused on creating open, welcoming areas for work and exchange—spaces that naturally invite people to gather. 

DKA’s new head office, located on the sixth floor of a shared office building, reflects a contemporary vision of the workplace, one where comfort, flexibility and interaction take precedence. From the moment employees and visitors enter the space, panoramic views and a generous communal kitchen set the tone. As the social heart of the office, the kitchen draws people together and encourages informal encounters throughout the day. The layout supports fluid movement, while modular zones give occupants the freedom to choose how and where they work—whether in quiet, focused settings or open, collaborative environments.

Inspired by residential interiors, the design combines natural materials, inviting furniture and abundant greenery to create a warm, lived-in atmosphere. This approach supports the team’s day-to-day well-being while reflecting DKA’s inclusive, people-centred culture. Sustainability informed key design decisions throughout the project. By optimizing natural light, managing heat gain and organizing adaptable spaces, the team reduced reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. At the same time, the design maximized the use of existing surfaces and limited the need for new construction. 

The team also navigated the significant increase in material costs following the pandemic, adapting the design without compromising quality or intent. Thoughtful surface selection played a central role in balancing aesthetic ambition, performance requirements and budget constraints.

“The Formica^® brand laminate, in the Folkstone (927-58) design, helped soften the look of the workshops by introducing a neutral color while avoiding pure whites, which would have been too contrasting, while the FENIX^® surface in Nero Ingo (J0720) was used to create a conference table specifically designed for the angular layout of the space. FENIX^® surface’s unique appearance makes it a tactile object that engages both sight and touch,” says the design team. 

By reimagining the office around shared, open and inviting spaces rather than the sheer number of desks, DKA created an environment that naturally encourages people to return to the office, supports collaboration and strengthens connections—without imposing rigid structures. The result is a workplace that feels functional, refined and deeply human, where comfort and design come together to inspire and bring people together every day. 

Photo credit: Phil Bernard