ATI Office, Downtown Dubai

ATI, a multidisciplinary consultancy firm focused on architecture, engineering and interior design, recently moved into its new minimalist head office, which the firm designed itself. The new office perfectly blends biophilic and origami-inspired concepts with everyday functionality of a busy design studio.

“In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we decided to relocate our architecture and design team to a newer, larger space that better reflects our history, as well as our new brand vision, approach to design and creative work we do,” says Altug Ajun, executive director at ATI. “I’m so grateful that we had this opportunity to rethink our own workspace that now truly represents who we are, allowing us to work to both concentrate to collaborate and together as a team.”

ATI’s design team was tasked to create a new home base that would feel both millennial-friendly and catering to their younger staff members, as well as timeless. The 500 square metre space includes permanent and flexible workplaces, creative zones and relaxation spaces. The use of natural light throughout the space has been thoughtfully considered, alongside the adoption of natural and sustainable materials. From the recycled wood flooring to the extensive use of biophilic design concepts, a calm, peaceful vibe has been achieved for deep concentration and research. While the space keeps consistent with a raw, earthy palette, it also delves into the theory of colour psychology with subtle accents of red blended in to reflect ATI’s brand identity.

“The overall concept was inspired by the use of origami and paper, so often used and symbolised with the architecture practice,” says Dilara Ajun, ATI’s creative director. “The red colour can be quite aggressive, so we only used accents of the red to complement the overall colour palette.”

Private pods have been used throughout to symbolise small buildings, a design feature that pays homage to the nature of the practice. These workstations can also be adjusted to the employees’ needs, creating a collaborative atmosphere to connect, brainstorm and exchange ideas. Luminaires flood the space with adequate light, illuminate specific design features, and create an inviting and productive environment. Acoustic flooring and panelling have also been implemented to improve the soundscape, reduce noise pollution and facilitate communication between employees.