The Challenge
From the outset, Douglas’s new headquarters was conceived as a responsible workplace revitalisation project. The space had previously been occupied by ING, with the original interior designed by MODE:LINA. The client provided an existing space plan that required only minor functional adjustments. Our primary task was therefore not to redesign the layout from scratch, but to develop a new interior concept that would transform the existing workplace into an environment reflecting Douglas’s brand identity.
Drawing on our experience from previous revitalisation projects, including Fortum and Lux Med, we were able to quickly determine which elements should be preserved, which could be refurbished or adapted, and which genuinely required replacement. The ability to maximise the value of the existing infrastructure became one of the defining aspects of the project.
Following a detailed site survey and a comprehensive review of the as-built documentation, it became clear that the office was in excellent technical condition. Existing ceilings, glazed partitions, most of the joinery, and several freestanding built-in elements were retained. The carpet flooring, selected lighting fixtures—which lacked the technical documentation required for updated lighting calculations—and the kitchen areas, which no longer met the operational needs of the new tenant, were replaced.
The greatest design challenge, however, was integrating the retained architectural elements into a completely new workplace organisation. The new arrangement of workstations, meeting rooms and support spaces required a careful dialogue between what already existed and the new design interventions. In many ways, the process resembled assembling two different jigsaw puzzles into a single, coherent composition.
From the very beginning, the entire project was guided by the principles of less waste. The priority was to preserve as much of the existing interior as possible, minimise demolition and construction waste, and allocate the budget where it would deliver the greatest value.
This approach reflected both FOURTH’s design philosophy—shaped through numerous workplace revitalisation projects—and Douglas’s ambition to deliver a fast, cost-effective and environmentally responsible office relocation.
An interior that reflects the brand
A second key objective was to subtly translate Douglas’s brand values into the workplace environment. As a leading beauty retailer with a workforce made up predominantly of women, the office was designed with their everyday experience, comfort and ways of working in mind.
The design draws inspiration from Douglas’s core values: a passion for beauty and people, inclusivity and freedom of choice, ethics and sustainability, and premium quality. Rather than expressing these values through branding alone, they became guiding principles that shaped every aspect of the workplace.
Passion for beauty and people
One of the project’s primary goals was to create an environment that supports employee wellbeing and encourages meaningful daily interactions.
The workplace was reconfigured to include open, light-filled kitchen and social spaces, a greater number of meeting rooms, focus rooms and phone booths—facilities that had been lacking in the previous office.
Lush planting, bespoke furniture designed around users’ needs, and carefully considered workplace solutions all contribute to a calm, elegant and highly functional environment. Every intervention was intended to enhance the everyday experience of employees, creating a workplace that feels welcoming, comfortable and inspiring.
Ethics and sustainability
Environmental responsibility informed every stage of the design process. Wherever possible, materials with a lower environmental impact were selected, including recycled composite worktops, recycled acoustic felt panels, carpet tiles free from bitumen backing, and sculptural layered paper ceiling installations.
Every material was evaluated not only for its aesthetics and durability, but also for its environmental footprint.
The revitalisation strategy also enabled a significant portion of the existing interior to be preserved:
– Approximately 80% of the existing ceilings were retained.
– Approximately 70% of the existing flooring remained in place.
– Approximately 60% of the existing built-in joinery was either preserved or carefully refurbished.
These decisions substantially reduced demolition waste while extending the life of high-quality architectural elements already present within the space.
Inclusivity and freedom of choice
The workplace was designed to support a diverse range of users and working styles.
The office provides full accessibility for people with reduced mobility, includes a dedicated parent-and-child room, and offers spaces that can be used for internal communication as well as initiatives promoting employee health and wellbeing.
Creating an environment that supports both focus and restoration was equally important. Carefully considered acoustics, thoughtfully designed lighting and a variety of work settings enable employees to choose the environment that best suits their activities throughout the day.
The result is a workplace designed not only for efficiency, but also as a place where people genuinely enjoy spending their time.
A sculptural paper ceiling
The focal point of the workplace is a distinctive ceiling installation inspired by the soft, layered qualities of paper. Suspended above the collaborative hub, the lightweight sculptural form gently diffuses natural and artificial light, bringing a sense of softness, movement and elegance to the interior.
More than a decorative feature, the installation defines the identity of the space, creating a memorable visual landmark and one of the project’s most recognisable design elements.
Design:
Design Team: Paweł Kołodziej, Olga Szadkowska.
Photography: Bianka Gajdzińska
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