This newly designed space is entirely staff-centric, providing an environment where employees can reach their full creative potential throughout the innovation and product development process. With customer visits not a priority for this space, Maris Interiors focused entirely on designing a workspace that prioritized the needs and comfort of Lacoste’s team, setting a new standard for their working environment. A broad variety of different spaces contribute to this, whether it be the communal kitchen and lounge + space with the view to the balcony, or the diverse work environments, all are designed in a way that is dynamic to cultivate a strong community spirit.

The Lacoste studio is comprised of many rooms as part of the process of creation, such as the 3D room where products being worked on are displayed for all the team to view progress, focus rooms where people can escape the open plan office space when they need, for a more concentrated and independent spot and the showroom where the previous years’ products are displayed and stored in a retail-style area. A very visually captivating space, rich in vibrant hues and layered textures which create a striking interplay of colour, depth, and materiality, is the colour and materials room. This hub is thoughtfully curated with organization to allow for flexibility as a key priority, and the aesthetic of the space was inspired by the tailors of Savile Row.

As part of this office with a variety of spaces, where creatives may move around a lot during the day to discuss ideas, gather inspiration, collaborate and spend quieter time working on their projects, personal storage is necessary for the assurance that belongings are safe and so that everyone knows where their personal items are. Spacestor were excited to bring HotLockers in black, with white numbering in the distinctive Lacoste font. Besides providing a storage solution, they were customized completely to blend in flawlessly with the aesthetic of the office, and in black they add to the bold pieces that are throughout.

The office space, inspired by a New York warehouse aesthetic, is a striking blend of industrial aesthetics and modern design, with raw, exposed surfaces and clean, sharp lines that define the environment. Concrete forms the backbone of the space, while bold red steel pillars inject a dynamic burst of color, seamlessly maintaining an industrial loft feel. The design embraces openness, with expansive windows and glazing that invite natural light into every corner, especially around the open atrium/gallery at the heart of the space. This openness creates an airy, welcoming atmosphere, allowing the space to breathe. It also enhances the sense of connection between teams and colleagues, around this focal point in the office, where everyone is equally involved.

To ground the design, deep black accents are used throughout—bold black typography, furniture, and fittings—contributing to a sleek and contemporary look. Acoustic panelling is thoughtfully integrated, absorbing sound while maintaining the visual energy of the space. The strategic incorporation of biophilia throughout softens the sharp edges, bringing in a touch of nature that contrasts beautifully with the industrial elements.

Signature branding and vibrant pops of color tie the design together, ensuring that the space is not just a functional office but a true reflection of the brand’s personality. Imagery and vintage sports equipment from when Lacoste played tennis in the 1930s decorate and characterise the area, as well as a number of crocodile visual references, reflecting the heritage of the brand story. This includes a couple of large model crocodiles around the office, branded green storage boxes, as well as personalised branded mugs for every colleague in the kitchen. The branding even extends to the detail of crocodile-shaped pincushions in the colour and materials room! Contributing to the community feel, and capturing the inclusive, global culture, is the phrase ‘Crocodile is spoken here’ up on the wall in 16 different languages, as a playful touch.

The New York warehouse cross loft studio aesthetic means that there is a relaxed feel, with features such as the couch in the main office, and the carpeted focus rooms shut off with curtains, all helping the homely loft studio vibe. These focus rooms also have the cool feature of branded tennis balls up on the wall, reminding employees of their roots, wherever they are. With these fun brand features, and the spacious, open walkways and work areas, it is certainly an inviting workplace!
The result of this elevated design is an inspiring and balanced workspace where creativity thrives amidst a harmonious mix of bold materials, natural light, and meaningful details.

Photography: Maris Interiors