Office Snapshots has become the premier online destination for the global office design community. Founded in 2007, the platform meticulously curates and publishes new projects, spotlights innovative products, and analyzes industry trends to enhance workspaces worldwide, one office at a time. Originally envisioned by founder Stephen Searer, Office Snapshots was created to offer a unique peek behind the scenes of some of the world’s most intriguing companies. Over the years, with thousands of offices and tens of thousands of photos featured, the platform has evolved into an invaluable resource and inspiration for millions of individuals worldwide.
Headquartered in vibrant Santa Barbara, California, Office Snapshots embodies the spirit of cutting-edge office design and workplace innovation. Featuring over 400 carefully selected Architectural and Design firms, Office Snapshots serves as a unique blend of database, platform, and magazine. The high-definition images showcased not only capture exquisite attention to detail but also provide compelling perspectives from these extraordinary projects.
Join us on a visual journey through handpicked photos that promise to captivate and inspire, inviting you to explore the transformative world of office design.
SKYLAB ARCHITECTURE HEADQUARTERS, OREGON, PORTLAND
Skylab, a longtime occupant of a historic building in downtown Portland, needed a larger and more versatile space to accommodate their evolving design practice. After a three-year search, they found a triangle-shaped corner lot in the city’s Northwest Industrial area, which consisted of two steel buildings and an adjacent storage/work yard. The transformation of this 10,000-square-foot complex reflects Skylab’s design ethos of experimentation, collaboration, and community engagement, with an added opportunity to share space with PDX Contemporary Art.
Inside the venue, Skylab incorporated various functional spaces such as a full kitchen and dining room, listening lounge, 3D print space, and flexible meeting areas. The black themed industrial aesthetic is maintained with exposed concrete floors, aluminum windows, and an exposed steel roof, while natural elements like cross-laminated timber (CLT), wood cabinetry, and indoor trees were added to soften the interiors and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
The surrounding outdoor spaces were also revitalized to include garden areas, outdoor meeting spots, an event space, a cultivation garden, an outdoor cooking zone, and a fire pit. This transformation not only addresses Skylab’s functional needs but also aims to create a vibrant hub for designers, artists, and the community to come together for special events and meaningful discussions, fostering creativity and collaboration.
ULTRASTUDIO – BENGALURU
UltraStudio in Bengaluru by Ultraconfidentiel Design is a groundbreaking project that seamlessly incorporates nature into its design, resulting in a dynamic workspace that promotes creativity and well-being. The studio’s commitment to harmonizing with nature is evident in its design elements, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The incorporation of biophilic elements, such as a beautiful canopy and natural materials, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also fosters a harmonious environment that supports creativity and mental well-being.
One notable feature of the studio is the use of acoustic curtains, which not only add to the visual appeal but also serve practical purposes by improving acoustics and creating defined, private workspaces. These elements contribute to a comfortable and focused work environment, ultimately boosting productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction for employees. UltraStudio stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to creating functional, inspiring spaces that prioritize the holistic well-being of its occupants.
DIRECT OFFICES – cZech republic, PRAGUE
CAPEXUS undertook the design and transformation of Direct’s office space in Prague, resulting in a collaborative environment featuring a shared coworking zone, comfortable offices, elegant furniture, and sustainable elements. This extensive project, covering six floors of the building for Direct’s new offices, presented unique challenges in coordinating various professions, managing project documentation, and implementing building modifications. The transformation from a raw building into a modern headquarters required careful planning and execution.
Direct’s decision to relocate from the Old Brewery in Holešovice was driven by the desire to unite all its companies and foster collaboration among the Direct Family in an attractive and sustainable setting. Sustainability and environmental consciousness aligned with Direct’s values, particularly their ethos of “More with less.” The Port 7 site, where the offices are located, holds prestigious LEED and WELL certifications, emphasizing eco-friendliness and employee well-being.
The ground floor features a shared coworking zone named Direct Plaza, designed with thoughtful acoustics, cozy corners, and a café operated by Mezi řádky from the Etincelle group, known for its support of disabled individuals. The upper floors house offices designed for comfort, showcasing stylish furniture, designer lighting, live plants, and curated curtains. Each floor’s layout is tailored to accommodate the specific needs and focus areas of different teams, blending open spaces with meeting rooms and collaborative zones furnished with unique pieces.
Natural tones and carefully selected material combinations characterize the office spaces, contributing to a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The integration of sustainable elements not only reflects Direct’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also creates a conducive environment for productivity, creativity, and employee well-being throughout the workspace.
ARUP OFFICE – LOS ANGELES, USA
The decision to relocate to Los Angeles was a strategic move for Arup, aimed at closer proximity to clients, accommodating a growing workforce and services, and providing enhanced transportation options with a nearby transit hub. Collaborating with Bestor Architecture and SmithGroup, the design of Arup’s new offices in Los Angeles, California, was conceived as a reflection of the company’s capabilities and a vision for the future. The process was marked by deep engagement between Arup leadership, staff, and SmithGroup, with a clear focus on creating a workspace that not only supports expansion but also serves as an inspiring hub for clients, peers, and employees, reinforcing the Arup brand in the American market.
The office space itself is a testament to Arup’s expertise, showcasing its diverse services such as acoustic design, lighting solutions, and structural engineering. Designed around a central open stairwell, the three-story workplace fosters creativity, inclusivity, and employee well-being. Noteworthy features include an innovative circadian lighting system, strategic use of color, and nature-inspired graphics, creating a harmonious blend of nature and technology throughout the space. A standout addition is Arup’s pioneering SoundLab/ExperienceLab, a cutting-edge audio-visual VR laboratory for simulating built environments.
In addition to various workspaces like huddle rooms, niche areas, a maker space, and a comprehensive library, the office boasts a vibrant café area equipped with AV facilities for hosting community and industry events. The project also prioritizes sustainability, aligning with LEED Platinum V4 standards to ensure environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, further underscoring Arup’s commitment to sustainable practices in the built environment.
NEWS NETWORK OFFICES – BANGKOK, CHINA
Taak Interior & Architect has crafted a contemporary coworking haven in the heart of Bangkok, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western design influences to create a unique and inspiring workspace. Spanning approximately 300 square meters within a loft space overlooking Bangkok’s breathtaking skyline, this project was specifically tailored for a fintech startup seeking a harmonious blend of residential comfort and corporate sophistication.
Drawing inspiration from the modern oriental concept of East meets West, the design elegantly combines elements of traditional charm with modern aesthetics, symbolizing the essence of wealth management in a contemporary context that celebrates diversity and cross-cultural connections. The juxtaposition of technology and tradition is a central theme, reflecting the evolving landscape of the financial industry.
The interior features an open loft layout adorned with a fusion of oriental and modern furnishings, accentuated by antique pieces and captivating mural wall art. Soft neutral tones and natural materials like laminate wood and rattan create a warm and inviting ambiance. The strategic arrangement includes three private meeting rooms adjacent to an expansive central area housing a coffee bar, cozy seating arrangements, and a serene Zen zone inspired by Japanese rock gardens.
Designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and relaxation, the space caters to the needs of both staff and visitors alike. Employees are encouraged to engage, brainstorm, and unwind in a casual yet stimulating environment that promotes productivity and well-being. Meanwhile, the meticulously curated ambiance also serves as a reflection of the company’s values, projecting an image of trustworthiness and innovation to clients and guests who step into this modern financial establishment.
