In an era where the traditional office environment is undergoing a profound transformation, the concept of “returning to the office” demands a compelling re-evaluation. Many professionals, myself included, harbor a longing for the camaraderie and structure that the physical workplace once provided, often overlooking the less appealing aspects of typical corporate interiors. However, a mere return to old routines is insufficient. Companies must now address a crucial question: What makes the office a place genuinely worth returning to?
Toronto Law Firm Embraces Innovative Office Design
In a forward-thinking move, McLeish Orlando Lawyers, a distinguished law firm located in the bustling heart of downtown Toronto, collaborated with Studio Ha/Wa to reimagine their workplace. Recognizing the need for more than a conventional break area, the firm sought to cultivate an environment that fosters engagement and collaboration.
On June 22, 2026, Studio Ha/Wa unveiled their latest project: a dynamic 685-square-foot lounge for McLeish Orlando Lawyers. This innovative space, born from the fusion of an existing 530-square-foot lunchroom and an adjacent office, is poised to redefine the office experience. Perched on the 18th floor of a towering corporate building, the new lounge transcends the mundane, offering a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a boutique hotel lobby or an exclusive members’ club. It is designed to accommodate a diverse range of activities, from tranquil morning coffee rituals and quiet moments of reflection to spontaneous team discussions, shared meals, and vibrant after-work social events.
This project stands as a timely and compelling case study in modern workplace design. As organizations worldwide continue to adapt their approaches to in-person work, Studio Ha/Wa’s creation for McLeish Orlando Lawyers provides invaluable insights. The design demonstrates how thoughtful planning and aesthetic consideration can transform transactional office spaces into magnetic hubs that draw employees back, fostering a richer, more collaborative, and inherently human-centric work culture. The lounge offers practical lessons for any company aspiring to make their return-to-office strategy genuinely appealing and effective.
The transformation spearheaded by Studio Ha/Wa centered on a conceptual shift, moving from a mere “break area” to a vibrant “social hub.” This change was realized through several strategic design elements. A dedicated lounge zone, furnished with plush seating, provides an ideal setting for relaxed conversations or moments of quiet introspection. Built-in banquettes offer flexible spaces for impromptu meetings and discussions. Dining tables cater to communal lunches and can be easily reconfigured for group work sessions. A thoughtfully designed kitchen area serves as the heart of the space, echoing the comfort and familiarity of shared domestic rituals.
Studio Ha/Wa strategically avoided rigid compartmentalization, opting instead for an open-plan layout that seamlessly integrates distinct dining, kitchen, and lounge areas. This approach maintains unobstructed sightlines and smooth circulation throughout the space, while still allowing each zone to possess its own unique character and rhythm. The definition of these zones is artfully achieved through various design elements, including purposeful furniture arrangements, carefully curated lighting, subtle shifts in material textures, and nuanced variations in scale. For instance, the perimeter banquettes in the law firm’s lounge are a clever space-saving solution, keeping the central area clear for movement. Rectangular dining tables offer versatility, functioning independently for smaller groups or uniting to accommodate larger gatherings. Counter stools are designed to tuck neatly beneath the kitchen island when not in use, and nesting coffee tables can effortlessly expand or contract to suit the needs of any group size.
A striking feature of the lounge is its ceiling, which elevates the space from mere functionality to an architectural statement. The previous, uninspiring acoustic-tile ceiling has been replaced with a sophisticated beamed ceiling crafted from rift-cut white oak. This design choice not only infuses the space with natural warmth and dynamic visual movement but also cleverly conceals overhead mechanical systems, creating a clean and refined aesthetic. The white oak material extends beyond the ceiling, wrapping around structural columns and seamlessly integrating into the kitchen millwork, thereby establishing a cohesive architectural language throughout the lounge. This meticulous attention to the ceiling underscores a crucial design principle: that ceilings should be viewed as integral components of a space’s atmosphere rather than just necessary infrastructure.
The lounge’s design masterfully balances aesthetic appeal with practical resilience. Studio Ha/Wa opted for a residential-inspired color palette, yet selected materials renowned for their commercial durability. This careful selection includes resilient porcelain tile flooring, robust quartz countertops, luxurious leather stools, hard-wearing vinyl banquettes, and high-performance fabrics, ensuring the space can withstand daily office use without compromising on style. The color scheme further reinforces this balance. A neutral foundation of crisp white walls, various shades of gray, classic black accents, and the warm tones of oak provides a serene backdrop. This base is then enlivened with thoughtfully chosen elements: vibrant green bouclé armchairs, elegant camel performance velvet swivel chairs, soft sage vinyl banquettes, rich rust leather stools, and captivating jewel-toned artworks by Toronto artist Alexander Jowett. These additions introduce personality and visual interest without creating a sense of clutter.
The kitchen within the lounge is ingeniously designed for dual functionality, serving both daily office needs and evening events with equal grace. During working hours, it operates efficiently, yet after hours, its design allows it to subtly recede, making way for the lounge to transform into a sophisticated event space. This versatility is achieved through several thoughtful details: integrated appliances are seamlessly hidden behind custom-matched oak panels, microwave drawers are discreetly tucked away beneath counter height, and an appliance garage conceals everyday items like coffee makers, kettles, and toasters. At the lounge's northern end, full-height fluted tiles crafted from Calacatta Gold marble create a compelling focal point, replacing traditional upper cabinets. The natural stone's elegant warm and cool veining harmonizes with the lounge's overall palette, while its curved profile adds a layer of texture and depth, beautifully complementing A-N-D Light's sculptural Column Pendant.
Studio Ha/Wa approached the lounge's styling with the same meticulous care given to a residential interior. The space is adorned with a curated mix of new and vintage accessories, original artworks, sculptural vessels, and an array of coffee table books chosen to resonate with the individuals who utilize the area. However, the styling is executed with careful restraint, ensuring an edited and sophisticated aesthetic rather than an overcrowded one. As Erin Hannon-Watkinson, founder and creative director of Studio Ha/Wa, succinctly states, “Despite being designed for multifunctionality within a corporate environment, the ultimate intention of the space was to serve as a sanctuary for the law firm’s staff and lawyers.”
The transformation of McLeish Orlando Lawyers' lounge by Studio Ha/Wa serves as an inspiring blueprint for contemporary workplace design. It demonstrates that an office can be more than just a place to perform tasks; it can be a vibrant community hub, a source of comfort, and a catalyst for collaboration and well-being. This project highlights the growing importance of human-centric design in fostering a positive and productive return-to-office experience. The integration of diverse zones, durable yet aesthetically pleasing materials, and thoughtful styling creates an environment that not only meets functional needs but also nurtures a sense of belonging and engagement among employees. This holistic approach to workplace design sets a new standard, proving that offices can indeed become spaces people genuinely look forward to inhabiting.