Greenery, nature and Danish hygge – Zendesk’s Krakow office

This office is like taking a stroll through one of Denmark’s charming small towns. We, as architects from The Design Group, are proud to present the Zendesk office in Krakow, a space that surprises visitors with its impeccable organization and the seamless integration of modern and timeless design elements. The office is dominated by nature and greenery, creating a tranquil environment that soothes the mind and captivates the senses. It is a testament to our expertise and creativity as we were responsible for the design of this remarkable space.

Zendesk, an international technology company based in San Francisco, made the decision to acquire Base, a Polish-American startup operating in Krakow, in 2018. As the branch in Krakow continued to expand, the need for a new office space became evident. Zendesk chose the MK29 office building located on Vistula Boulevards in Krakow as the location for their new headquarters. To bring their vision to life, they sought the expertise of our Warsaw-based architectural studio, The Design Group, renowned for our specialization in designing innovative office spaces. The collaboration between our architects and Giuseppe Cariello, the Design Lead from the Zendesk Design Team, was instrumental in shaping the final design of the office.

Creating a Home-like Atmosphere

The Zendesk office in Krakow spans two floors of the MK29 building, encompassing an impressive area of over 3,200 sqm. Our main goal, as designers, was to cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a cosy home, with unexpected design elements that captivate the senses.

Giuseppe Cariello, Design Lead from the Zendesk Design Team, expresses our design philosophy:
„Each Zendesk office we create is intended to be a cohesive, multi-sensory brand experience for our employees, customers, and stakeholders. It is a tangible expression of Zendesk’s core values and must reflect our distinctive aesthetic. In recent years, we have reimagined how we work and connect, placing a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of togetherness, embracing a digital-first workplace model while preserving the benefits of in-person interactions, and prioritizing collaboration to attract top talent. Additionally, we aim to celebrate the exceptional employee experience that has long been synonymous with our company culture. In addition to these foundational design principles, we dedicate significant effort to shaping each space and crafting a unique experience. Establishing a close creative collaboration with local design firms and artists is crucial when conceptualizing a Zendesk space in a specific location, such as Krakow.”

Designing for Community and Integration

Aligned with Zendesk’s requirements, our designers at The Design Group focused on creating spaces that foster creativity, community, and integration. We seamlessly blended modern solutions with innovative approaches to workspace design while preserving classic elements that stand the test of time.

Konrad Krusiewicz, CEO and architect at The Design Group, emphasizes the importance of reflecting Zendesk’s brand aesthetics and personality in the office design:
„For Zendesk, the office is a powerful expression of their identity. The interiors we have meticulously designed accurately reflect the brand’s aesthetics and personality. Zendesk was committed to creating office spaces that felt like home – natural, inviting, and memorable. It was crucial for the office to transcend the traditional corporate environment, even in the choice of lighting. We opted for a warm shade (with an intensity of 2700 Kelvin) to deviate from the typical lighting found in office spaces.”

Diverse Zones for Work and Leisure

Although the Zendesk office in Krakow accommodates nearly a hundred employees, you won’t find a single traditional office space within its walls. Instead, what you’ll discover are a myriad of innovative zones designed to cater to various work styles and leisure activities.

The lower floor features an open space with staff desks, promoting collaboration and communication among team members. On the upper floor, themed zones have been created to cater to individual work, relaxation, and creative group activities. These include a creative corner with bleachers designed for training sessions and team meetings, a wellness zone where employees can unwind and engage in physical activities, and the centrepiece of the office, the garden zone. The garden zone is an open space dedicated to relaxation, divided by built-in pots filled with live plants.

The garden zone seamlessly connects with the fountain space located on the lower floor, which serves as both a canteen and a space for company town halls. The highlight of this area is the grand staircase-tribune that connects the two floors, creating a captivating architectural element. This grand staircase-tribune was the most significant technical challenge of the project, but the end result is truly remarkable, as Alicja Zielińska-Popiela, TDG architect responsible for the concept and design of the Zendesk office interior, confirms.

Beyond the stairs, on the upper floor, Zendesk employees can enjoy a bar area, a game room, a library, and even two coffee shops strategically located within the office. One of the coffee points is conveniently situated next to the front desk, welcoming visitors and employees alike.

Cosy and Secure Spaces

The interiors, meticulously crafted by The Design Group, are characterized by clean lines, harmonious geometry, and the use of natural materials. These design elements pay homage to the timeless Danish design style and create a friendly and neutral ambience in line with the hygge philosophy, which promotes cosiness and a sense of safety. This design approach aligns perfectly with Zendesk’s commitment to ensuring their employees’ comfort and well-being at work.

Nature-Inspired Interiors

The various zones within the Zendesk office in Krakow are adorned with neutral colours, natural wood and wood veneers, wool, and an abundance of plants. The presence of plants creates a sense of harmony with nature, purifies the air, and provides employees with a feeling of security and proximity to the natural world. Additionally, the soothing green colour promotes focus and relaxation.

Alicja Zielińska-Popiela, a TDG architect, explains the purpose of incorporating plants into the design:
„We intentionally incorporated a large number of plants throughout the office, creating zones that encourage communication and integration among users. Plants not only purify the air but also impart a sense of security and closeness to nature. The calming effect of the green colour enhances relaxation and concentration. Our design takes inspiration from the meandering Vistula River and the surrounding greenery, which is reflected in the organic shapes of the pots in the garden area and the arrangement of acoustic curtains that evoke the rhythm of waves.”

Paying Homage to Polish Heritage

In addition to creating a harmonious blend of nature-inspired elements, The Design Group integrated accents that pay tribute to Polish architecture. These include the incorporation of communist-era glass bricks in the reception area, as well as the use of woven checkered tiles, reminiscent of the interwar period, in the bar. We believe it is essential to celebrate the regional identity in each of our projects. A notable homage to Krakow’s heritage is the stained glass window, inspired by the works of Stanislaw Wyspianski and designed by a local artist. The modern style of the stained glass window harmonizes seamlessly with Zendesk’s colour palette for this particular office element.

At The Design Group, we take great pride in crafting exceptional office spaces that transcend the conventional and create unique experiences. The Zendesk office in Krakow stands as a testament to our commitment to design excellence, incorporating elements of nature, timeless design, and regional influences. We are honoured to have collaborated closely with Zendesk and brought their vision to life, shaping a truly remarkable workspace that embodies their brand identity and fosters a sense of community, innovation, and well-being for their employees.