American Express (Amex), a globally integrated payments company, faced two critical challenges in transforming its workplace.

Firstly, they aimed to create an unforgettable office experience that welcomed and inspired their workforce, reflecting Amex's timeless values and future visions.

Secondly, they needed a resilient space that could adapt to the volatile nature of the business world, accommodating changing business needs while fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the brand.

Applying design thinking, with empathy as the first step, we understood the users' aspirations, aiming to instil a sense of pride in the brand and encourage inclusivity. Our design principles prioritised providing choice and autonomy to employees, enhancing connections, and fostering a human-centric and inclusive environment. Flexibility in technology and space, along with the strategic use of branding, became essential tools to create a workplace that enabled peak performance and wellness, in line with Amex's Bluework Approach.

To create a vertical micro-campus experience across five top floors of the building, we strategically spread various amenities across different floors, encouraging employees to interact with all levels throughout their workday. The concept of Hear, Nourish, See, Speak, and Sow became design attributes for each floor, guiding the focus of social spaces and artworks.

Resilience was built into the space through modular planning, allowing for maximum flexibility. One workstation served as the basic unit, expanding into clusters of workstations, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and scrum spaces, all interchangeable based on business requirements. The Mother Floor on the 9th floor housed common amenities and critical rooms, while other floors served as typical work floors with floor-level amenities.

The transformation of Amex's workplace yielded outstanding results, surpassing expectations. The space experienced a remarkable increase of four times in alternate work points, promoting flexibility and autonomy for employees. Additionally, there was a threefold increase in meeting points and community spaces, fostering collaboration and connections among the workforce.

The office design not only instilled a sense of pride and belonging among employees but also reflected Amex's brand ethos and values. The resilient and adaptive space addressed the dynamic needs of the business world, providing a seamless experience for employees and visitors alike

The implementation of the Bluework Approach and strategic use of branding created a cohesive and inspiring atmosphere, encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work. With a focus on wellness and sustainability, the workplace empowered individuals to perform at their best, promoting both individual well-being and overall productivity

Amex's new workplace stands as a testament to our industry-leading expertise in workplace design, exemplifying our commitment to crafting innovative and human-centric solutions for our clients. The successful outcome showcases the enduring impact of our visionary approach and unwavering dedication to shaping exceptional workspaces for companies worldwide.