We partnered with EY to redesign its Groningen office, optimising space to support productivity and collaboration. Our design solution creates an environment that makes teamwork effortless while maintaining dedicated spaces for focused work.
Previously, the office was split across two floors, limiting spontaneous interactions and making collaboration feel less natural. Bringing everyone onto a single floor helps EY collaborate more organically and ensures the workspace provides value.
Our planning strategy focused on maximising each area’s functional use for productivity, connectivity or engagement.
EY’s tax and legal teams often require deep concentration. Our design places quiet zones within the open-plan layout, allowing employees to easily shift between tasks when needed. For instance, we created ‘just in time’ rooms to offer space for short, intensive work sessions. Glare-free lighting and tinted glass reduce visual strain and distractions, creating a focused and accessible setting. Also, the translucent glass serves as a subtle visual cue, signalling the room’s purpose for temporary focus rather than long-term occupation.
The library is a dedicated space for team focus, providing essential reference materials on tax regulations, legal frameworks and industry case studies. While designed for quiet work, it remains an open environment where employees can engage in focused study, document preparation or quiet discussions.
For everyday work, the open-plan layout encourages togetherness, while acoustic panels, ergonomic furniture and bespoke joinery enhance comfort. Storage units form partitions to create subtle boundaries between work areas without isolating teams, maintaining a sense of openness.
A calming entrance greets people with soft lighting and birdsong to help employees transition from their commute to the office environment. This immediately defines the desired sensory experience and sets the tone for people’s interaction with the space.
Through a collaborative partnership, we reimagined the office experience, creating a space that naturally draws people in.
Ella Cain, Associate Designer at M Moser
As a university city, Groningen offers a deep talent pool, but competition for top graduates is high. To attract and retain the best talent, EY’s new office provides an engaging, social and purpose-driven environment.
The open layout removes barriers between teams, making it easier to exchange ideas naturally throughout the day, while a mix of collaborative zones and quiet spaces supports different work styles. Designed with the expectations of the next generation in mind, the space prioritises flexibility, connection, and a strong team culture—helping EY stand out as an employer of choice.
Sustainability was a core focus, limiting environmental impact at the same time as creating an efficient, durable, and cost-effective workspace. The design follows a circular approach to materials, integrating upcycled textiles for desk surfaces, repurposed wood for acoustic treatments and recycled carpet tiles. These decisions extend material lifespans and reduce waste.
Beyond materials, the space was designed to lower operational costs. Strategic use of natural light, low-energy LED fixtures and enhanced environmental controls reduce energy consumption. Additionally, retaining existing structural elements, such as ceiling panels, minimised waste and embodied carbon, aligning with EY’s global sustainability targets.
Feedback from staff highlights improved collaboration, greater comfort and an enhanced sense of community. The impact is clear. Employees are choosing to come in, even on traditionally quieter days, because EY has created a space where they want to be.
Completed
2025
Groningen
380 sq m / 4,090 sq ft
Chris Wharton
