In response to its growth over the years and the evolving needs of its workforce, Scotiabank — one of Canada’s largest financial institutions — sought to create a new environment for its employees that “appreciates and leverages diversity to innovate, motivate, and build a performance-oriented culture.” This new environment would be a mature expression of the Scotiabank brand and establish for them a global workplace strategy. Understood as a long-term investment for the institution, it was imperative that design strategies and choices were long-lasting, durable, and timeless.
Employee engagement was a cornerstone of the design process, with workshops involving Scotiabank’s design team, employees, and consultants. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the design is hospitality-driven and tailored to post-pandemic workplace expectations. Accessibility, health, and wellness were prioritized across all 14 floors. The flexible design supports Scotiabank’s activity-based working model, offering a range of workspaces, including work studios, hoteling desks, quiet zones, and private offices. The furniture, technology, and layout were carefully chosen to cater to the needs of Scotiabank’s various business lines, from group treasury to corporate banking.
The concept of “hosting your employees” inspired the creation of unique third spaces. The third floor features a coffee shop, client lounges, and meeting rooms, with expansive city views, fostering a collaborative environment for team meetings and office events. Other communal areas, including bistros with varying color schemes, offer employees spaces to relax or meet. Scotiabank’s corporate colors are integrated in subtle, elevated ways, from wayfinding graphics to custom-designed light fixtures. The design includes bespoke terrazzo tiles and furniture created in collaboration with Neinkamper, tailored specifically for Scotiabank North.
Art plays a significant role in the workplace design, with an outdoor terrace and an art gallery on the 10th floor. Canadian art, biophilic graphics, murals, and pieces from emerging artists are displayed throughout the building, enriching the workspace with cultural and artistic elements. These art installations are present in lobbies, bistros, executive spaces, and a 10-foot-wide art gallery, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building. The Scotiabank North Flagship represents a strategic blend of functional design, employee engagement, and artistic integration, creating a workplace that not only supports diverse work styles but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
KPMB Team:
Marianne McKenna (partner), Steven Casey (partner-in-charge), Rachel Cyr (senior associate), Carolyn Lee (senior associate), Irene Jackiw (associate), Shlomi Ara, Samantha Hart, Arian Hussainzada, Donia Barai, Ramona Adlakha, Armine Tadevosyan, Nicholas Savage, Rejean Beaudin, Krisha Thakkar, Alice Huang, Matthew Jolly, Zahra Zarsanj, Jessica Kong, Katie Munroe, Kayley Mullings, Anmol Billa, Chang-Ping Pai, Lara Isaac, John Shin, Steven Ischkin, Darya Mishchenko Consultants
Consultants:
Entuitive (Structural), The Hidi Group (Mechanical and Electrical), ALULA Lighting (Lighting), Van Velzen + Radchenko Design Associates Ltd. (Kitchen), Swallow Acoustic Consultants Ltd. / Thornton Tomasetti (Acoustics), Cerami & Associates (Audiovisual), KJA Consultants Inc (Elevator), NAK Design Strategies Inc. (Landscape), Cynthia Colby (Graphics & Signage)
