Monica Arango, the visionary behind C’est ici Design, embarked on a transformative journey to craft a new office for her firm in Dubai’s bustling Sheik Zayed Road. With the goal of creating not only a functional studio but also an inspiring hub for collaboration, the renovation project saw the merging of two office spaces into a unified 1,800-square-foot sanctuary for creativity. Arango’s design seeks to eliminate barriers, both physical and metaphorical, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Monica Arango
Firm: C’est ici Design
Location: Dubai, Sheik Zayed Road
Area: 1,800 square feet
Style: Understated Luxury
Collaboration: More than 30 global brands
At the heart of the new office design is an open-plan layout punctuated by floor-to-ceiling windows and 3D-printed perforated panels. These elements work together to dissolve the boundaries between different areas within the office, promoting interaction and fluid communication. The space is divided into distinct zones, maintaining a cohesive visual connection without resorting to conventional wall separations. Forgoing a traditional reception desk, Arango opts for a welcoming lounge area adorned with luxurious furnishings, embodying the firm’s ethos of understated luxury and setting the tone for the entirety of the office.
Collaborating with over 30 global brands, Arango ensures that every corner of the office is a testament to her sophisticated design philosophy. Her private office, strategically placed next to the entrance lounge, is complemented by a high-tech conference room equipped with the latest multimedia tools and interactive design software. These innovations empower the team to translate their creative ideas into tangible expressions. The strategically positioned co-working area connects various zones, serving as a focal point for tasks that demand concentration, while another lounge doubles as a sample room and informal meeting hub, equipped with flexible furnishings and writable surfaces for spontaneous brainstorming.
Further enhancing the office environment is a state-of-the-art kitchen that serves as a social heart where employees gather to share meals and conversations. Cleverly concealed storage solutions maximize the kitchen’s functionality, while the use of rich materials like marble, wood, wool, and leather invites tactile interaction. The carefully curated color palette of chocolate, terracotta, burgundy, and olive hues harmonizes with the firm’s newly updated branding, conceived by Arango during the renovation, creating a vibrant yet cohesive aesthetic that ties the space together.
The studio transcends the typical commercial atmosphere by integrating warmth reminiscent of a hospitality setting, reflecting the studio’s evolution and serving as a welcoming second home for its employees. Arango’s personal involvement and collaborative approach allowed the team to contribute ideas and feedback, making them an integral part of the project’s development. As a result, the new office not only enhances creativity but also enriches the daily lives of those who work there. Arango expresses that this transformation has sparked a positive change, fostering a deeper connection between team members and their work environment.
C’est ici Design’s Dubai office stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and cohesive vision of its founder, Monica Arango. By redefining the conventional office space, she has created a future-driven studio that embraces technology and design in symbiotic harmony. This project is a celebration of collaborative creativity and is sure to inspire both the firm’s clients and collaborators. For more about C’est ici Design and its innovative projects, interested individuals can visit cesticidecor.com.
