Duncan Law Group is located in a post-and-beam building in downtown Toronto.
The original layout was highly compartmentalized, creating numerous light-deprived pockets. A subtle hierarchy was woven into the design, wherein perimeter offices monopolized windows and natural light while interior spaces were left dim and uninviting.
This floor-plan encouraged a siloed work structure, both spatially and organizationally, limiting visual and collective connection across the firm. The law group wanted to open the space to allow for a more collaborative environment while also integrating a small in-house contemporary gallery for the founder’s art collection.
Despite the presence of wrap-around windows, perimeter offices acted as barriers to the light. The studio's main challenge was to democratize this natural light throughout and to open the floor plan for spatial continuity.
The existing architecture and columns created a rectilinear grid which the studio integrated into the new plan, allowing this framework to guide the spatial organization and rhythm.
Where the posts were located, the studio inset entrances to the private offices. These doors are perpendicular to the corridor, and practically invisible from the centre space, while creating subtle porches into private offices. This approach minimized distraction, preserved clean sight-lines and allowed the studio to maximize light.
Beyond “democratizing” access to light, the new layout introduces spatial continuity, extends sight-lines and opens work zones. It fosters communication and collaboration across all levels of the firm.
The material and aesthetic language is pared-back and restrained, emphasizing simplicity and clarity. The studio used natural hues and materials to complement the building’s inherent character. To address the acoustics of a busy office, the studio incorporated fabric panels in the same colour of the painted walls, which also provided textual interest.
The contemporary art gallery is positioned at the front of the office, near the reception area.
