Modern offices are no longer just workplaces; they are increasingly becoming spaces that foster relationships between employees. The latest project by SAAN Architekci is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can influence atmosphere and user comfort. The Fresha office, located in Central Tower in Warsaw, immediately impresses with its bold approach to color and materials. The entire space reflects the modernity, energy, and innovation that are integral to Fresha, a global company developing software for beauty salons.

The architects from SAAN Architekci, who have won multiple awards in Poland and abroad for their office interiors, set out to create a modern, dynamic, and inspiring environment for Fresha’s team of developers. The 470 m² open-plan office encourages employee interaction, with a clearly defined and well-thought-out functional layout. Vibrant colors, natural materials, and transparent glass partitions play a key role in maintaining a sense of spaciousness while ensuring separation between different company departments.

Project Details & Challenges

One of the most striking areas is the kitchen, seamlessly integrated with the communal space—the heart of the office. Dominated by a deep blue color scheme, this area creates a distinctive character that contrasts with the warmth of natural wood. A standout feature is the large wooden island with a suspended lamp-planter, which serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. This multifunctional space is not just for meals but also for informal team gatherings and company events.

Another eye-catching element is the lounge area, furnished with a large, plush seating arrangement, perfect for relaxation and socializing—whether for games, movie nights, or casual interactions. The project is also distinguished by neon accents, such as the motivational phrase “Make it happen”, which adds a youthful, edgy vibe to the interior.

SAAN Architekci drew inspiration from Fresha’s ideology and values—modernity, dynamism, and a fresh approach to business and teamwork. The abundant use of natural greenery, including hanging plants above the conference table, adds lightness to the interior and introduces elements of biophilic design to the Warsaw Ochota district office.

Working within the historic Central Tower building presented certain challenges, such as structural inconsistencies and aging infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the designers successfully crafted a contemporary space using eco-friendly solutions, including acoustic ceilings, vinyl flooring, and felt carpeting. A crucial aspect was ensuring ergonomic spaces for hybrid work and coworking, allowing for both individual focus and team collaboration.

The office interior merges two design styles: modern minimalism, characterized by clean lines and bold color accents, and soft loft aesthetics, featuring exposed technical ceilings. The hallways, painted in vibrant lime green, energize the workspace and uplift employees.

Areas dedicated to individual work maintain a muted color palette of white, natural wood, and green, fostering focus and productivity. Meanwhile, meeting rooms and creative workspaces feature intense orange accents, which enhance the dynamism of business discussions.

Attention to acoustic comfort is evident in soundproof phone booths, ensuring quiet and privacy for employees’ conversations. Throughout the space, modern lighting effects such as mirrors, neon lights, and backlit stretched surfaces further emphasize the contemporary character of the design.

Key Products 

Flooring – FORBO & IVC

Ceilings – Ecophon

Furniture – JUDAR Daniel Markiewicz & Pedrali

Plants/Greenery – Zielona Fabryka

Wall Finishes – Profit Line

Overall Project Results

SAAN Architekci has designed a space that goes beyond a traditional office —it reflects Fresha’s organizational culture, where shared breakfasts, lunches, and team-building activities play a significant role. Through a well-thought-out concept and meticulous attention to detail, the architects have created an environment that inspires, motivates, and ensures comfort for everyday work. This project demonstrates that, when entrusted to the right architects, an office can become a vibrant, creative, and uplifting place.

Main Contributors:

Dominika Ogłoblin, Viktoria Piatruchyk, Karolina Wojenka, Natalia Sękowska, Agnieszka Kubsik, Martyna Blaśkiewicz

Meet the Design Team

Iga Sawicka & Aleksandra Niedużak

Photography

Tom Kurek 

The post Fresha’s Warsaw Office Redefines the Modern Workplace with Bold Color, Connection, and Creativity appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

The redevelopment project of the Citi Bank management building, located in the historical Jabłonowski Palace at Teatralny Square in Warsaw, is a testament to creating a modern workplace that respects its heritage. The investor’s primary objective was to elevate employee well-being through improvements in lighting, air quality, acoustic standards, and social spaces while maintaining the building’s prestigious character.

Key elements include a glass-roofed central patio, which serves as the heart of the building, providing employees and guests with a serene, green escape from the urban environment. The patio’s glass ceiling ensures sunlight for the lush greenery, emphasizing sustainability and comfort. The reception area reflects the bank’s gravitas through the use of quartzite stone symbolizing stability, while the interplay of white surfaces and glass walls conveys modernity and transparency. The design incorporates bleached oak and American walnut wood for warmth, felt ceilings for acoustic optimization, and tailored glass partitions for both soundproofing and privacy. Bioadaptive lighting, photovoltaic panels, and the integration of greenery throughout underscore the building’s environmental commitment, earning it the prestigious BREEAM Excellent certification.

This project successfully bridges history and innovation, providing flexible spaces such as a café, energy room, and Town Hall area, encouraging collaboration and hybrid working. Automated systems manage lighting, ventilation, and energy use, ensuring operational efficiency. With enhanced acoustic, ecological, and aesthetic standards, the project redefines the workplace experience for Citi Bank employees.

Project Planning

The redevelopment involved input from investors. There was the need for flexible, hybrid-ready spaces and a focus on sustainability. A unique challenge was balancing the building’s historical significance with modern functionality. Research into acoustic materials, bioadaptive lighting, and energy-efficient systems ensured the project met high standards of comfort and ecological responsibility.

Project Details

Health and wellness were integral to the design. Bioadaptive lighting adjusts to natural daylight, improving circadian rhythms. Acoustic felt ceilings, carpets and woolen acoustic panels enhance sound quality. The patio, with its glass roof and abundant greenery, serves as a calming refuge. Materials, such as quartzite, bleached oak, and sustainable fabrics, underscore the commitment to wellness. 

Unique features include: Fluted glass partitions for confidentiality and style; glass writing boards integrated into meeting room designs; central automation for lighting, HVAC, and energy use; flexible Town Hall space with mobile glass walls connecting to the patio.

Products 

Overall Project Results

The project overcame challenges such as balancing historical preservation with modern requirements. Post-occupancy surveys revealed high employee satisfaction, particularly with acoustic comfort, lighting quality, and flexible spaces. Employees noted a significant improvement in collaboration and well-being, with the patio and Town Hall space being frequently highlighted as favorite features.

Design

Lead:

Iga Sawicka

Aleksandra Niedużak

Team:

Dominika Ogłoblin

Kinga Wiercioch

Viktoria Piatruchyk

Martyna Blaśkiewicz

Agnieszka Kubsik

Photography

Piotr Krajewski 

The post Infusing Wellbeing into the Design of Citi Bank in Warsaw, Poland appeared first on Work Design Magazine.