Rooted in place: creating authentic workplaces that feel local, human and alive

Our Managing Director, Guenaelle Watson, has visited countless workplaces across multiple countries and in some of them, you could be anywhere - it's the ‘Starbuckification’ syndrome of the workplace!

The corporate brand may be strong, but the local culture and heritage are nowhere to be seen.

Globalisation has slowly removed authenticity. Granted, it is not always the case but I do think we have a duty to consider the local culture and architecture when creating a destination space for a client.

Authenticity and culture comes in many forms, and showcasing what is special about a country creates a unique environment.

There are many ways to honour place and create genuine belonging, some are easy to implement, some might be longer terms considerations but they all contribute to curating an authentic experience.

One of the most meaningful ways to bring culture into a workplace is simply to involve people. We work closely with local teams every day and they are full of ideas on how to shape a workplace that truly feels like theirs.

Let users of the space help shape the environment.

Weether that’s through workshops, surveys, a culture committee or by choosing local artwork, furniture or accessories that reflect who they are and where they work. Showcasing local stories through photography, artwork, craft helps keep neighbourhood identity alive, and incorporating native plants or landscaping can bring a hint of the climate and biodiversity indoors.

Think of materials too: regional colours, patterns, craftsmanship and climate-appropriate finishes like Middle Eastern limestone, Scandinavian timber or clay textures from Southern Europe all add a sense of place and authenticity.

Food culture can set the tone just as powerfully. Local rituals, from coffee bars to tea traditions and communal tables, create warmth and connection. Arrival areas that mirror local hospitality help people feel at home from the moment they step in, and storytelling through signage or room names is a great way to subtly introduce history, geography or local character.

Working with local social enterprises, especially those focused on community or upcycled design, can add purpose and social value at the same time.

Spaces themselves can tell a regional story: think small destinations inspired by neighbourhood landmarks or architecture, with rotating features like maker markets, seasonal pop-ups or showcases of local artists. Traditional craft techniques such as weaving, carving, terrazzo or metalwork bring texture and human touch to a space, while cultural immersion events: food tastings, storytelling sessions or meet-the-maker lunches. Help people experience the culture rather than just view it. Even small touches like using local languages or dialects for wayfinding can make a difference.

Celebrating regional festivals, sports, music or creative culture adds colour throughout the year, not through logos or clichés, but by sharing the stories and meaning behind them. And by opening up to the outside world with community-facing spaces like cafés, galleries or multipurpose areas, workplaces can become active parts of the neighbourhood rather than operate in isolation.

Authenticity isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about connection. And when people feel connected to their surroundings, culture becomes something they live, not just something they see.

And the beauty of it is that it does not always need to be expensive. But it starts with listening.