Inside VERVE’s Dublin Offices
Ireland’s leading live communication agency, VERVE, has found a new home on Erne Street, just off Merrion Square, Dublin.
After a two and a half-year hunt for the perfect office space, the move comes as they celebrate their 23rd year in business. With a client portfolio of prestigious brands like Google, Coca-Cola and Diageo, VERVE sees firsthand the tangible benefits that an inspirational work environment can bring to a business. VERVE sought to relocate from a cellular office structure to a new innovative space that would foster greater collaboration and creativity within the team while attracting emerging talent.
The Erne Street building started life as a candle factory in the 20th century, and in the 1990s architect Gerry Cahill remodeled it into a contemporary gallery space. After an overhaul by the previous tenant, no major structural refurbishment was required by VERVE and it was the perfect blank canvas for Creative Director John O’Shaughnessy to make his mark.
Walking in, you are immediately greeted by the company motto ‘WE ARE LIVE’ brought to life in huge, internally lit marquee letters. Visitors can enjoy a coffee on a sky blue Noghuci inspired sofa and ottoman by CA Design under stencil cut trees while taking in the sleek surroundings. Inspired by ‘”the places we go in our imagination”, a treehouse sits on high up above sleek white desks on the back wall. Each workstation has a padded pedestal encouraging informal collaboration.
A key feature of the office is a vintage 1973 Citroen DS remodeled as a cozy four person meeting space. Verve’s MD Ronan Traynor originally bought the car for himself as a 30th birthday present, but when three little girls arrived in the family, a more family friendly vehicle was needed and the car has been in storage until now. Deep cushioned seats and a smell of old leather evokes a more glamorous world – in fact, the car itself serves as an experiential example of a Verve event or brand experience.
The first floor mezzanine space is divided with colourful glazed walls housing the agency studio, meeting spaces and the MD’s office. A pop-art inspired ‘quiet room’ acts as a retreat from the energy of the buzzing work environment. The boardroom was fashioned from the open plan mezzanine using colourful striped glass panels that read ‘Live and Plugged In’.
Design: Gerry Cahill + John O’Shaughnessy
Photography: Donal Murphy
