Cool offices in Vancouver: McCarthy Tétrault's open space defies stuffy law firm stereotype (PHOTOS)

McCarthy Tétrault Vancouver is an inventive client-focused business law firm, located in the downtown core’s 745 Thurlow Building.

The space is comprised of a three-floor layout spanning 62,266 square feet. It’s panelled with immaculate windows, each one made of soundproof glass flown in from Italy. Australian architecture firm BVN designed the new space with the vision of an office that inspires collaboration, creativity, and productivity for all staff. 

“The new space has changed the office, how we work, and how we communicate,” says Sven Millelli, Regional Managing Partner of McCarthy Tétrault Vancouver.

“Although it’s smaller than the last, we’ve grown closer in a very noticeable way. You’ll see people chatting, leaving their offices to work in different spaces, more collaboration – all in line with the latest technology. We’ve gotten exactly what we asked for.”

Millelli began his exclusive tour of the new McCarthy Tétrault Vancouver office.

Company: McCarthy Tétrault, forward-thinking business law firm
Size: Three floor layout of 62,266 square feet
Employees: 150 
Location: Southwest corner of Thurlow and Alberni Streets

Lobby

The McCarthy Tétrault Vancouver lobby deviates from the usual constrained office entrances that make you feel locked in. You’ll feel overwhelmed by your ability to move in what’s more of an expansive and contemporary space.

Seating

The seating area is inviting but not forced. With all the open space you can simply choose to relax on the cushions, but only if you’d like to. You’ll spot plush lounge chairs right next to the floor to ceiling glass windows.

Plant life

Walk right out of the elevators and try to figure out if the plant laden walls are real. Yep, they are – rooted in fertilizer and a water system to keep them alive and well.

Open kitchen

This isn’t your average kitchen. Located within the lobby area, it’s open to visitors or anyone passing through.

Get your sugar fix with some gummies, grab an energy bar, snack on some fruit, and make yourself at home.

Meeting spaces

These are anything but boardrooms. Back to the open space concept yet again – each boardroom is surrounded with floor to ceiling windows. Peep outside to marvel at a panoramic view of Vancouver’s urban landscape.

McCarthy had more than just a space upgrade in mind while designing the new office. Its technology transformation means that employees can use their own tech to max their productivity. Amongst many other functions, they can bluetooth projects onto a TV screen in various rooms.

The staircase

The open yet narrow staircase allows lawyers to easily scale up the office’s three floors while encouraging them to chat.

Work spaces

Gone are the days of traditional law firm workspaces – at least for the McCarthy Tétrault Vancouver office. Each desk area gives employees lots of space to breathe and dividers are kept to a minimum.

Lawyers work in sound proof offices with floor to ceiling walls. Desks are adjustable, so you’ll see staff standing or sitting as you stroll by.

McCarthy takes it easy with regular walls and in several cases, uses interesting dividers for the perfect amount of privacy, but also a collaborative, interesting environment. You’ll find bookcases like this one throughout the entire office. Peak around the corner and you’ll be surprised at all the things you can find.

Lunch room

Social spaces are provided on every floor of the office. Eat your lunch or have a laugh whenever you need a break.

Unconventional working areas

Seating invites you from many corners and sides of the room.

Seating alongside walls, inside booths, and between bookcases encourages employees to get creative with their work. Lawyers fuel their passion with a breathtaking view of Vancouver.

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