Stikeman Elliott LLP Offices – Calgary
Kasian Architecture redesigned Canadian law firm Stikeman Elliott’s Calgary workplace with a focus on a u-shaped staircase, a gold canopy, bespoke lighting, flexible spaces, and a hospitality-inspired aesthetic.
Canadian law firm Stikeman Elliott’s new workplace redesign infuses hospitality into the client experience, while realizing new ways of working and attracting employees back to the office.
The main design driver is the u-shaped internal staircase and gold-gilded canopy structure with its gridded pattern. Making it a focal point of the function and meeting area, the canopy with powder coated golden metalwork encases the opening portion of the staircase extending down to level 41 as a curtain wall. The bankers wire makes for a beautiful structural element that also meets fire code requirements. Beyond its high visual impact, the challenge was encouraging its use by installing a functional handrail to facilitate movement between levels.
Suspended from the canopy across the two floors and adding detail to the ceiling is a sculptural light fixture by Dutch furniture designer Moooi. Other custom light features include decorative wall sconces. The well-lit space providing the perfect backdrop for displaying the law firm’s art collection. Beyond the use of stone and selection of custom furnishings, back-painted glass and LVT flooring instead of real wood makes the space look premium while remaining within the client’s budget. Updated audio visuals and flexible technological capabilities further contribute to the vison for Stikeman Elliott’s law office of the future. The office’s prime location offers iconic views of the city, including the reflection of the Calgary Tower, as well as views to the river valley, and out to the mountains from the reception and client-facing areas.
The 40,000-square-foot workplace enhances the employee and client experience through a variety of multifunctional spaces along with the addition of an internal staircase. The interior features a rich, hospitality-inspired aesthetic, modernizing the previously dark and moody cherrywood walls and flooring modelled after the Ritz Carlton. Glazing along the front of meeting rooms brings light into client areas with film adding a layer of privacy. The client-facing front of house is treated as more than just an office space with the addition of multipurpose rooms that can be easily converted from hosting meetings to entertaining. Amenity space was a key consideration for staff and partners working late hours who often gather and have dinner in the dining room.
The redesign of Stikeman Elliott’s workplace exemplifies a transformative approach to modern legal office environments by blending sophisticated design with practical functionality.
The striking feature staircase and golden canopy serve as a dynamic centerpiece, harmonizing with bespoke light fixtures and a thoughtfully chosen color palette to create an inviting atmosphere. This new space not only reflects the firm’s commitment to high-quality client interactions and employee satisfaction but also incorporates advanced technological capabilities and versatile spaces that cater to both professional and social needs. By revitalizing the workspace with a hospitality-inspired aesthetic and embracing multifunctional design, Stikeman Elliott is well-positioned to foster a collaborative, engaging, and efficient environment that stands as a model for the future of legal workplaces.
Design: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.
Photography: Eymeric Wilding Photography
