Canvas Worldwide, New York
Canvas Worldwide’s New York headquarters was ready for a new chapter. Following a brand-aligned build out of the agency’s Los Angeles office, its New York location was ready for a fresh take in look, feel and function.
As a dual-headquartered, full-service media agency, creating alignment and a clear connection between the company’s bi-costal offices was key. The NY brief called for a space that was playful, bespoke and balanced, global in tone yet unmistakably Canvas. It had to allude to its LA presence while delivering a fresh, sophisticated and distinctly New York identity. The space needed to invite creativity, collaboration and connection.
Our team was brought on board for our holistic and integrated approach. Design, build and VDC delivery all under one roof. Leveraging advanced visualisation tools and real-time cost modelling enabled us to offer maximum value from day one.
Our design and construction teams worked in tandem from concept through to completion, streamlining approvals and reducing scope disconnects. This methodology allowed us to balance creativity with cost. As a result, we helped Canvas make the most of its tenant improvement allowance without compromising vision or functionality.
Our design drew inspiration from Canvas’ LA space, incorporating signature elements like dichroic film and minimalist materiality. We layered in a New York sensibility through sharper contrasts, restrained colours and purposeful patina.
As summarised by Canva’s CEO, “Design is the blank canvas, consistency is the frame and the patina comes from the people who bring it to life.”
The result is a space that balances intention and spontaneity. It’s a blank canvas that reflects the company’s bold, full-service approach to bringing client stories to life. From the refined reception zone to versatile conference rooms, every detail supports its identity as open, adaptable and unpretentious.
We aligned the spatial program with Canvas’ content strategy framework, ‘Hero, Hub and Hygiene’, a model used to structure brand storytelling.
‘Hero’ content captures attention with high-impact moments. ‘Hub’ content builds ongoing engagement. ‘Hygiene’ covers the essential, always-on information. This framework guided how we shaped each space to support how they work, connect and create.
Hero: The entry and reception area sets the tone for the entire space. With dichroic film and glass detailing, it creates a striking first impression that reflects Canvas’ bold, creative identity.
Hub: We designed the pantry and social zone to be multifunctional for casual collisions, team meals and company-wide all-hands. It’s a heartbeat space with AV support for broadcasting and collaboration.
Hygiene: Functional spaces like meeting rooms, acoustic zones and focused work areas ensure smooth day-to-day operations. We overhauled these zones for better lighting, sound control and tech integration.
We designed every element to flex, transform and adapt just like Canvas does for its clients.
Sam Farhang, Director, M Moser AssociatesThis project showcases the power of applying targeted interventions where they deliver the greatest value and outcome.
Project success hinged on smart trade-offs to stay within budget. We prioritised high-impact areas, reused existing furniture and sourced new pieces only where they added the most value. Our end-to-end service approach allowed us to directly procure key scopes like lighting and flooring to reduce markup and speed up delivery.
Acoustics and thermal comfort were critical. The office’s proximity to the Holland Tunnel posed significant challenges, including noise pollution. We addressed these through targeted acoustic treatments and engineering services that included HVAC system recalibration, creating a far more comfortable experience for staff.
Canvas employees work in small, agile teams. We enhanced that dynamic by designing flexible ‘bullpen’ zones with sound buffers and shared amenities. We scaled back private offices to reduce silos, encourage interaction and promote transparency. Inclusive features like a mother’s room support the individual needs of staff while reinforcing the company’s people-first ethos.
Canvas’ New York headquarters reflects the brand’s spirit, supports its creative teams and delivers on essential workplace needs. Every design move we made had to work hard, providing form, function and brand all in one gesture.
Through our multidisciplinary service approach, we made every dollar count from design through to delivery, solving business challenges with creativity, clarity and confidence.
