An office place where ideas can circulate freely.

Some projects step outside your comfort zone and that is precisely why they matter.

When I was asked to rethink the offices of CIM in Brussels, I knew this would be different from my usual residential advice. CIM is a media advisory bureau active in radio, television, press and online. A creative brain at work behind the scenes of other creative worlds. Their workspace had to reflect that energy.

The starting point was an empty, rather uninviting rectangular space. Functional, yes. Inspiring, not quite. The challenge was to transform it into a warm, dynamic work environment that would support collaboration without becoming chaotic.

The office before I started designing ... an empty canvas

Designing for Many Voices

Unlike a private home, this project was not about one client but about a team. Different personalities, different working styles, different expectations. My role went beyond aesthetics. It was about listening, filtering, structuring and translating multiple wishes into one coherent concept.

The assignment covered everything. Spatial layout, materials, furniture, plants, wall finishes, flooring, lighting, typography and even graphic elements and signage.

Islands and Identity

We organised the office into several work islands, each hosting a group of employees. Open dividers and bookcases create subtle separation without blocking light or communication.

In addition, we designed several media rooms, each with its own theme. We developed pictograms and visual translations to give every room a clear identity. The function of each space becomes immediately legible through graphics and atmosphere rather than signage alone.

A coffee corner anchors informal interaction. A comfortable lounge area welcomes visitors while they wait, offering a softer counterpoint to the work zones.

A Playful Floor

One of the defining gestures is the flooring. Instead of a strict straight division between materials, we combined wood and carpet in a flowing, wave like movement. This subtle curve softens the rectangular shell of the building and introduces playfulness without excess.

The final workspace feels fresh and contemporary. Creative yet composed. No loud statements, no overdesigned gimmicks. Just a thoughtful balance between functionality and atmosphere.

An office that supports focus and exchange. A place where ideas can circulate as freely as the people who create them.