Located in a historic 19th-century Erb Street Heritage building in Waterloo, Shopify’s expansion office stands as a testament to the region’s rich past and promising future. Housed within the former barrel warehouse of the Seagram Distillery, this remarkable space combines heritage charm with modern design elements. WalterFedy crafted the Shopify Waterloo office to ensure employees’ needs were at the forefront and aiming to optimize their productivity and well-being.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a grand atrium adorned with towering five-story-high rafters, filled with remnants of the building’s whisky barrel legacy. The interior layout reflects a thoughtful approach to workspace flexibility, recognizing that individuals thrive in different environments. Employees have the freedom to choose between communal open workspaces, serene quiet pods, traditional desks, cozy couches, or trendy bar stools. The design philosophy acknowledges the diverse ways in which humans work and find inspiration. The space itself boasts various amenities, including a full kitchen and café, a pub stocked with kegs of local craft beers, and even a dedicated yoga room.
WalterFedy provided end-to-end design services, seamlessly integrating architectural, interior design, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and met a tight timeline of just nine months for design, construction, and occupancy. In line with WalterFedy’s commitment to energy efficiency, the project incorporated sustainable design solutions, resulting in a reduction of 50,000 watts in annual energy consumption. To furnish the new space to suit Shopify’s unique work culture, WalterFedy collaborated closely with employees and strategic partners to source custom furniture, ensuring a harmonious blend of style and functionality.
One step into the Shopify office and you will be immersed in a workspace that seamlessly weaves together the past and the future—a space where creativity, collaboration, and productivity flourish within the walls of heritage and innovation.