The new Trulioo headquarters in Vancouver by Canadian architecture and design firm Edit Studios has been designed to encourage the team to 'return to work'. In the professional work environment, especially after the pandemic threw us all into a ‘work from home’ setting, immense value has been placed on hybrid and remote working structures. It is inarguable that these structures offer many positives to hold on to, such as less commuting, working from the comforts of one’s home, or even travel while working or work-cations. However, on the flip side, it means increasingly blurred boundaries between the personal and the professional, throwing the work-life balance we all tend to crave, out of order. In a climate like this, it is important for offices that require in-person work, such as Trulioo, a Canada-based fintech company known for its trusted identity verification platforms, to have an environment that advocates for in-person working through its spaces. 

The priority was to unite the 300 staff members into a 35,000 sqft. headquarters in Mount Pleasant, in a space that could be identified as a collaborative, functional, and productive environment that would drive interaction and teamwork. The headquarters has been envisioned not only as a workspace but as a catalyst for this return-to-work ethos; the office design aims to inspire the re-engagement of employees with their work environment. Edit Studios achieves this by seamlessly blending the comforts of home with modern office amenities that reflect Trulioo's global reach and identity.

An interconnected staircase adorned with unique mural art by local artist Rory Doyle becomes the core of the design. The mural celebrates Trulioo's most precious asset—its people. The art itself is meant to symbolise unity and inspiration, reminding everyone of the company's shared journey and purpose. Upon entering the reception area, one is greeted by an abstract representation of the world's continents on the wall, signifying Trulioo's global influence and reach. Spatially the staircase acts as a pivot with the mural wrapping it in a narrative of Trulioo.

The strength of the project's interior design lies in the fact that it is rooted in research. Instead of assuming the needs of the employees, Edit Studios conducted surveys and one-on-one interviews to gain insights into the evolving needs of Trulioo's workforce. Given the prevalence of virtual meetings, the need for acoustical privacy was paramount. To address this, the design incorporates private enclaves and phone rooms, creating concentrated work sanctuaries where focused tasks and virtual meetings can occur without disturbing others. Open collaboration zones have been strategically positioned to minimise interruptions and encourage productivity and community building.

"We became comfortable with tech being a numbers game over the last 10 years. How many open seats can you fit in one space? Through the pandemic, we saw a shift in sentiment towards having more control over private space. People want spaces with little distraction. The Trulioo space plan became an exercise not in the headcount but in optimising the number of private spaces teams can access without booking them," says Edit Studio's founder Janay Koldingnes in an official release.

Edit Studios employs the 'resimercial' design principle—a fusion of residential comforts and modern office functionality. The space exudes warmth and comfort through a layered lighting approach, soft furnishings, and a soothing colour palette. Every design element, from custom wall coverings to wayfinding signage, has been meticulously crafted to align with Trulioo's corporate rebrand, reinforcing the company's identity throughout the space.

With 60 per cent of Trulioo's headquarters dedicated to amenity and collaboration spaces, the overall design reflects the company's commitment to fostering a balanced work-play dynamic. The 1,500 sq. ft. library provides a serene environment for focused work, while the inviting 'living room' encourages social interactions and relaxation. The versatile café, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is the hub for town hall gatherings, fostering transparency and communication. For those seeking a nostalgic thrill, 'Arcade Alley' features vintage arcade games, epitomising Trulioo's commitment to employee well-being.

In an act of true representation, the design of the headquarters evidently celebrates architectural excellence and the company’s global influence, but at the same time also embraces the well-being of its employees, setting a new standard for the return-to-work ethos in the post-pandemic era while shaping the future of office environments.

Project Details

Name: Trulioo Headquarters
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: Edit Studios
Built-up area: 35,000 sq. ft.
Real estate developer: Westbank
General contractor: Turner Construction
Furniture Suppliers: Herman Miller, COI, Andreu World
Architectural walls: Faulkbuilt
Muralist: Rory Doyle
Feature Lighting: Linea Luxx Box Acoustical Linear Lights, Muuto Pendant Lights, RBW Wall sconces, Luke Lamp Co (suspended chandelier over stairwell), And Light, Slab linear
Flooring: Shaw Flooring, Collective In Common (Carpeting Throughout), Interface Flor, Lilting (Area Rugs, Plyflor, Grey Country Oak (Wood Laminate)
Custom Wall Covering: Edit Studios
Acoustical Wall Covering: Akustus