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M Moser’s Toronto living lab project was more than an office relocation; it was a strategic move towards an innovative, sustainable future. Like other M Moser living labs around the world, this workplace acts as a catalyst for transformation by creating a space for testing, measurement and evaluation.

M Moser’s Toronto team designed this workplace to embody an ethos of experimentation, actionable insights and ‘walking the talk’. They did this by incorporating elements like adaptive settings and focusing on employee wellness and ESG goals.

Key highlights
• Targeting WELL and net zero certifications.
• Considering typography, colour, symbols, materials and spatial organisation to support connection, promote cultural resonance and enhance overall wellbeing.
• A shift from traditional workplace design to conserve resources and practise environmental stewardship.
• Tailoring space to meet employee and business needs, enhancing creativity, collaboration and connectivity.

Approach to discovery
The design process was deeply collaborative from the outset. Over ten months, they engaged extensively with our team to understand their needs and how different spaces could support their daily activities. The firm’s previous office was a pilot site where various settings were tested and refined based on feedback. This process enhanced the design of the new space to ensure it supports creativity, collaboration and connectivity.

Diversity of space
Areas are supported by flexible, ergonomic workstations, sound lighting and acoustic interventions. Each space prioritises employee wellness and productivity alongside the client-centric nature of M Moser’s work.

The power of sustainable design choices
The office is on the 11th floor of the Balfour Building, a Toronto landmark and designated heritage building. Adapting to the physical characteristics of the building while striving for net zero certification presented unique opportunities at every turn. To minimise any modifications to the base building, they decided to utilise and work around existing architectural elements, such as the 100-year-old parquet floors, HVAC units and some of the existing partitioning.

The team consciously adapted their approach to align with net zero and WELL principles. They continually questioned the necessity of each addition, sought environmentally conscious alternatives and prioritised the design for adaptability, longevity and recyclability.

A shift from the traditional
Traditionally speaking, a designer’s role is typically to overhaul existing spaces completely, discarding elements that don’t align with the new vision. M Moser’s team has intentionally shifted from this mindset in redesigning workspaces. Instead, they leverage existing infrastructure and investments – an approach that resonates deeply across industries.
Their approach conserves resources and honours a space’s history and identity, creating a workspace that feels both renewed and familiar. At the same time, this approach enhances initial investments rather than erasing them.

Engaging and adapting
Continuous engagement through surveys and feedback channels has been essential. This ongoing dialogue with employees allows for continuous, iterative changes to the space based on real trials and experiences. For instance, areas found to be underutilised are re-assessed and redesigned to meet team needs better, embodying M Moser’s living lab’s ethos of continual testing and adaptation.

The office also serves as a hub for learning and mentorship, crucial for the growth of younger team members. Integrating this educational focus into the spatial design, they have several designated training and collaborative learning areas.

A future-forward direction
The form’s Toronto living lab allows M Moser’s team to reimagine the workplace and reshape the future of work itself. It is a prime example of how thoughtful design, aligned with the needs of people, business and the planet can result in a space that meets current needs and is poised to adapt to future changes.

Design: M Moser Associates
Photography: Ben Rahn | A-Frame Photography