Co-operators, Guelph
The Co-operators’ new headquarters is a modern, welcoming, and sustainability-driven workplace that brings their core values to life—an environment that truly embodies their commitment to making “a better place for you.”
Co-operators (225,000 SF) consolidated its Guelph, ON operations into a state-of-the-art headquarters at 101 Cooper Drive, reflecting its deep roots and commitment to the community. The new building is designed to support sustainability and employee well-being, targeting LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, and Zero Carbon certifications—an unprecedented achievement in Canada.
This project aligns with The Co-operators’ vision to be a catalyst for a resilient, sustainable society. The building will showcase how compelling workspaces can be created without harmful emissions, demonstrating leadership in the industry. Since 2020, The Co-operators has been carbon neutral, and this new facility supports their goal of becoming net zero by 2040, with a 45% emissions reduction by 2030.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the building, from Canadian-made products and energy-efficientsystems to a 282 kW rooftop solar array and advanced water recovery technologies.
Employee well-being is prioritized through features like ergonomic workstations, biophilic design elements, and wellness amenities, including fitness facilities and natural light throughout the space.
Diversity and inclusion are integral, with accessible design features and spaces for neuro-diverse employees, parents, and multi-faith needs. The headquarters also supports hybrid work, with technology-enabled spaces designed for collaboration and innovation.
HOK has developed a strong client relationship with The Co-operators, delivering workplace designs for their offices in Calgary, Regina, Toronto, Montreal, and Guelph. The Calgary and Toronto teams worked closely together, bringing a collaborative approach to each project.
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Interior Design
Furniture
Stylization
Experience Design
Wayfinding & Signage
WELL Consulting
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Caitlin Turner
Kristina Kamenar
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Confidential
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Completed in 2024
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Calgary (40,000 SF)
Regina (125,000 SF)
Montreal (25,000 SF)
Toronto (5500 SF)
Guelph (225,000 SF)
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A Transformation Story…
HOK has partnered with The Co-operators for over five years, helping the company evolve its workplace strategy across Canada. The culmination of this ongoing collaboration is their new 225,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Guelph, Ontario. The headquarters consolidates operations from multiple locations into a unified workspace that blends the company’s legacy with its forward-thinking vision for flexibility, sustainability, and employee well-being. This project serves as a transformative milestone in The Co-operators’ workplace evolution.
Workplace Strategy Evolution
Previously, The Co-operators’ offices were characterized by assigned private offices and high-panel workstations. The new headquarters represents a significant shift toward an open and team-based environment. The design integrates smaller assigned workstations with unassigned private offices for leadership, enabling greater visibility, accessibility, and cross-team interaction. Despite this shift, the design carefully preserves structure for long-tenured employees who value privacy and familiarity.
To support this transformation, HOK introduced a modular kit-of-parts—an adaptable system of interchangeable workspace components. This modular approach ensures that the design can be scaled and adjusted across the company’s national portfolio, ensuring consistency while also allowing for flexibility as needs evolve.
Gradual Transformation, Cultural Sensitivity
Rather than implementing a radical transformation, the approach was to evolve The Co-operators' workplace gradually. New workplace models were introduced in a way that aligns with the company’s established culture, avoiding sudden disruption while making strides toward greater flexibility. By reallocating square footage from private offices to collaborative hubs, the company made room for innovation, without alienating employees who valued the structure of traditional office settings.
This evolution was crucial in maintaining morale while fostering a culture of flexibility. The incremental change allowed employees to embrace new ways of working while staying connected to the values and systems that had shaped the company’s culture over the years.
Technology and Flexibility
A cornerstone of the Guelph headquarters is its seamless integration of technology to support both in-office and hybrid work models. Equipped with state-of-the-art video conferencing tools, collaborative technologies, and activity-based workspaces, the headquarters allows teams to effortlessly transition between in-person and remote collaboration. This flexibility supports diverse work styles and ensures that all employees, regardless of location, remain connected and productive.
Sustainability and Employee Well-Being as Catalysts for Transformation
Sustainability and employee well-being were driving forces in the transformation of The Co-operators’ workplace. The headquarters was designed as a beacon for attracting talent who are passionate about sustainability and employee health. Sustainable design features, combined with spaces that promote physical and mental well-being, ensure that the building contributes to a positive work environment that supports both individual and organizational success. By prioritizing these elements, The Co-operators is not only preparing for future growth but also establishing itself as an employer of choice for the next generation of leaders.
Lessons Learned
The Co-operators project reinforced three key lessons that we would apply to the TC Energy project:
Aligning with ESG Vision: Early alignment with the client’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) vision allowed the design to communicate the client’s values clearly, building internal pride and strengthening the company's identity.
Flexibility and Adaptability: The integration of hybrid-ready technology, adaptable layouts, and multifunctional spaces was essential in supporting the company's evolving needs. This flexibility is crucial for creating workspaces that can evolve over time, ensuring long-term value.
Stakeholder Engagement: Throughout the process, we engaged stakeholders from various levels of the organization, ensuring that the design was culturally resonant and reflected the needs of employees. This inclusive approach led to a more intuitive, successful design outcome.
Reference and Tour Confirmation
HOK has collaborated with The Co-operators on a number of workplace projects across Canada, including locations in Calgary, Regina, Toronto, Montreal, and Guelph. We invite you to visit the Guelph headquarters to experience firsthand how the design supports the company’s evolving workplace strategy. Please contact HOK to arrange a tour and learn more about how this transformation aligns with the company’s goals and future vision.