Pinterest was founded on the notion that inspiration can be tangible -- something that can be saved, shared, and circulated. The company's global offices take that thinking one step further, boasting awe-inspiring designs that serve to inspire, packed with bright colours, trailing plant life, and evocative imagery.
In September, Pinterest unveiled its newest digs in the historic Richmond-Adelaide Centre in downtown Toronto, following a 14-month renovation that left the space completely transformed.
“Pinterest has had a presence in Toronto since 2018, and our business has grown since then,” says Dave Gunter, Global Head of Workplace at Pinterest. The new location in the City’s Financial District, spanning three floors and 50,400 sq. ft, was opened to accommodate the company’s growing sales, marketing, and communications operations.
“We’ve also expanded the office to include an engineering hub,” Gunter adds. “The quality of engineering talent in Toronto is some of the best in the world and is an ideal match to Pinterest’s unique engineering needs.”
The design of the new space -- courtesy of global design and architecture firm, Gensler -- is a celebration of “everything Canadiana,” says Gunter, pointing out the themed meeting rooms and greenhouse space inspired by Toronto’s own Allan Gardens.
“Driven by the curatorial nature of the platform, our team worked hand-in-glove with Pinterest to curate the workspace,” says Annie Bergeron, Principal and Design Director for Gensler. "The resulting design feels like a 3-D version of the platform: a fun and quirky space that’s full of surprise and delight presented through a uniquely Canadian lens.”
But beyond the polar bears in plaid and nods to iconic Canadian franchises, like Smoke’s Poutinerie and Fran's Restaurant, both Bergeron and Gunter say that the space was curated to nurture the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
“Developed over the pandemic, Pinterest’s new design is rooted in the idea that people are now the number one workplace amenity," says Bergeron. "Spaces that foster connections, networks, and relationships, and support employee health and wellbeing became foundational to the design."
The space includes a cafe, micro-kitchens, a games room, and plenty of (real) greenery. Flex spaces have been mixed in for employees to use as they see fit, including a glamping area and a library with a hidden speakeasy. Meeting rooms are outfitted with semi-circular tables and cutting-edge audio-visual equipment to facilitate seamless interaction between in-person and hybrid attendees.
“In today’s hybrid environment, employees have diverse needs when it comes to a workspace. The space was designed with this in mind,” says Gunter. “We set out to create a space to inspire creativity and collaboration and where Pinterest employees are inspired to do their best work.”
Photography: A-Frame Studio (courtesy of Gensler)
