Locally based firm ARCHITECTS OFFICE (AO) has unveiled its design for the São Paulo branch of global law practice White & Case. The 7,900-square-foot office is crafted to embody an exploration of both the Brazilian identity and corporate character within an international context. The result is a design evoking tradition, contemporaneity, and a humanized sense of place. “The goal was to create an atmosphere that welcomes, stimulates, and engages, allowing guests and employees to feel both a strong sense of place and a connection to the firm’s global identity,” says AO founder Greg Bousquet. “The experience was intended to be human-centered, authentic, and free from stereotypes, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional resonance.”
Domestically sourced materials as well as artwork and furniture made by Brazilian craftsmen and artists establishes a sense of cultural authenticity and sustainability for the project. An organic palette of wood and stone softens the corporate aesthetic, with darker materials and tones at the core giving way to lightness along the perimeter. The layout is configured as a continuous flow linking social areas like the reception, cafe, and landscaped terrace with private workstations and meeting rooms. A sense of openness is maintained with acoustic solutions accenting integrated workspaces, along with phone booths and rotating rooms for flexibility and privacy as well. Retractable partitions equip meeting rooms with a seamless transition into integration or separation as needed. Curvaceous partitions throughout the interior recall the work of Burle Marx, imbuing fluidity and an expression of Brazilian identity. “This project stands out through its seamless blend of Brazilian cultural identity with global corporate sophistication,” Bousquet adds. “By merging architecture, art, and culture, the Brazilian headquarters establishes a distinct identity that both honors its local roots and embodies a forward-thinking, international vision.”
