The Art Of Work: C’Est Ici Design And Cosentino Show Us How To Create A Chic Office Space
C’est ici Design’s latest office space transforms the way its creatives work and collaborate
Think about how much entering a beautifully designed workspace versus a dull and uninspiring one impacts your mood for the rest of the day. Well, research confirms that it sets the tone for how productive you are. A study by the UK’s Design Council found that the workplace is responsible for 24 per cent of job satisfaction, which can influence staff performance by five per cent for individuals and by 11 per cent for teams, reinforcing the idea that our surroundings shape our creativity as well as efficiency.
The light, the textures, and the way the furniture is arranged all build-up to a comfortable workspace. But behind that seamless aesthetic is a meticulous attention to detail, one that can have a profound impact on the way we work. It’s a principle that was key for Monica Arango, founder of C’est ici Design, when she was planning a new studio for her team.
Spanning 1,800 square feet in the Kia Flagship building on Sheikh Zayed Road, the new space marks a significant milestone for the firm. For Monica, the office needed to be a carefully curated space designed to foster creativity, collaboration and inspiration.
“I locked myself in for two weeks to create something that meant more than a space,” says Monica. “I wanted to design the ultimate experience in a working space –something that gives my team lifestyle, inspiration and, most importantly, elements that improve our day-to-day work and efficiency as a team.”
DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION
C’est ici Design’s philosophy of understated luxury and minimalism is woven throughout the new studio. An open-plan layout, softened by floor-to-ceiling glass partitions, encourages movement and interaction.
For an interior design firm, the first impression is everything, so the entrance needed to reflect C’est ici Design’s aesthetic values. Guests are welcomed into a lounge area that showcases sculptural furniture from Edra and Cassina, lighting from Vibia and a touch of Dekton Laurent wall cladding, adding depth to the space.
Beyond that, Monica’s private office, the conference room and co-working stations are strategically placed to foster fluidity and productivity. The conference room, which is fitted with cutting-edge multimedia tools, serves as a hub for creative discussions, while the co-working space – fitted with sand-hued Dekton Danae flooring – balances comfort with functionality.
BLENDING FORM WITH PRACTICALITY
More than just a workspace, the studio serves as a living mood-board for the firm’s global collaborations. Partnering with over 30 international brands, including global architectural surfaces company Cosentino, C’est ici Design has curated a space that merges high-end materials with innovative applications.
The state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, featuring a Dekton Laurent waterfall island countertop, is also a focal point. A Sensa Orinoco backsplash adds depth, while Dekton Ukiyo Bromo elegantly frames the shelving unit. Throughout the studio, materials like Dekton Marmorio, Neural, and Ukiyo Nacre wall claddings add layered textures to the interiors.
For Monica and her team, the new studio represents more than just a change in address, it’s the starting point in their next chapter. By blending minimalist elegance with contemporary luxury, C’est ici Design has created a workplace that fuels creativity.
Images supplied.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Interiors’ Spring 2025 Issue