One of my greatest joys as a designer is creating spaces that do more than look good...they tell a story. I believe every environment, whether it’s a home or a business, should be an experience. It should feel intentional, connect people, and even improve wellness.
I recently partnered with ELUS, a progressive company. Together, we transformed their office into a space that reflects their brand and inspires clients and team members. This project was all about blending storytelling with design, and I can’t wait to share the details with you!
The Vision: Storytelling Through Space
When I first met with ELUS, we talked a lot about their brand story and how we wanted people to feel when they walked through their doors.
The goal was clear:
- Use their physical environment as a tool to tell their story.
- Elevate the way they present to clients.
- Create a space where their team feels connected and inspired.
We focused on visual cues that spark engagement. Whether it’s a client walking through for a presentation or a team member grabbing coffee, every moment should feel intentional.
Client-Focused Design
To create an unforgettable client experience, I started by mapping out their journey through their space. We designed visual “moments” to highlight the things ELUS does best:
- A Spotlight Wall: Right at the entrance, we created a wall that sets the tone the moment you step in.
- Award Wall: Instead of a typical “brag wall,” I styled this area like a cozy bookshelf—approachable, warm, and perfectly placed near the café where conversations naturally flow and designed to evolve, swapping out old and new awards.
- Territory & Logo Walls: These elements reinforce their market presence and identity—every design detail, from colors to signage, ties back to their branding.
We even explored the idea of using a digital frame to share photos from their client/partner trip—how cool would that be for starting conversations?
Culture-Driven Spaces for the Team
One of my favorite parts of this project was designing with the ELUS team in mind. They wanted a space that brought their inside and outside sales teams closer together—and we had several strategies we address that:
- The Café: This is not just a café. It’s a casual, non-conference space designed to encourage interaction and build camaraderie.
- “Where’s ELUS?” Map: We created an interactive map and pin system to track team travels, supported by photos in the café.
- Team Messaging & Art: We added meaningful touches with quotes, mission values, and even artwork created by people connected to the company (one piece was by the son of a former employee!). We’re keeping things fresh by rotating art quarterly.
- The ELUS Library: I love this idea—bringing in personal and professional books to share with the team. It’s a small but impactful way to build connections.
- Team Engagement with Personalized Artwork: We developed a small artwork budget for each office, had each team select several options for artwork they enjoyed, and the design team made the final selections based on creating a cohesive look for the office.
Designing Smart & Sustainable
We ensured that this space was not only beautiful but also practical and cost-conscious. While we used inexpensive photo frames and shelves in the private offices to encourage the team to share their own photos of family, vacations, etc. We also invested in higher-end base trim and branded, bright acoustic wall-boards to create a high-end look without breaking the budget. Additionally, we have built-in systems for sustainable updates, such as quarterly photo swaps, art refreshes, and trophy updates, ensuring the space continues to evolve in tandem with the team.
Why This Project Matters
This project wasn’t just about design. It was about people—how they connect, how they work, and how they feel in a space. Seeing the ELUS team light up when they saw their new environment was the best part of all.
Every project I work on is unique, but I always return to one belief: spaces have the power to tell stories, build connections, and improve lives.
Want to see how storytelling design could transform your home or business?
I’d love to help you create a space that feels as good as it looks. Let’s start a conversation.