A Brighter Workplace in Waterloo

A major financial institution in Waterloo has recently completed a thoughtful, phased renewal of its office environment—an upgrade that enhances functionality, aesthetics, and the overall employee experience. Designed by Arcadis and delivered through a carefully executed in-situ renovation led by MARANT Construction, the project balances quiet sophistication with practical workplace performance.

The challenge was unique: transform an active office without interrupting daily operations. Working collaboratively, Arcadis and MARANT created a strategy that allowed approximately two-thirds of the workspace to remain operational throughout construction. Noise, shutdowns, and workflow adjustments were planned with precision, ensuring staff could continue working comfortably while the environment around them evolved.

A Modern, Connected Workplace

Arcadis’ design revitalizes the space with a warm, contemporary palette—layering wood textures, matte black details, soft seating, and abundant natural light. The result is a workplace that feels calm, elevated, and intuitively organized.

Key upgrades include:

• Refreshed private offices and glass-front boardrooms

• Open-concept work areas designed for flexibility and collaboration

• Barrier-free washrooms enhancing accessibility

• A hospitality-inspired bistro with rich materials and integrated millwork

• A new flex-space divisible by an operable wall for multi-use programming

Throughout construction, MARANT maintained a clean, disruption-free environment by conducting noisy work and electrical shutdowns after hours—allowing the design vision to come to life with minimal operational impact.

A Quiet Yet Meaningful Transformation

While the project remains confidential, the results speak clearly: a workspace that feels more connected, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed for the way people work today. Arcadis’ design direction paired with MARANT’s phased delivery approach ensured the renovation unfolded smoothly, on time, and with exceptional clarity.

The completed office is a testament to what’s possible when design and construction align around both vision and operational sensitivity.

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