I was very lucky to win a copy of the Where We Work: Creative Office Spaces book a few weeks ago via Twitter. I know, how awesome is that! I think by now you all must realise that Twitter is something you definitely need to start getting into, if you haven’t already. Great things await you there, you just need to “work it out” for yourself – promise. But back to the book. I was so excited when my copy arrived courtesy of Ian McCallam, who is the creator of This Ain’t No Disco (It’s Where We Work).
Ian’s new book is based on his popular site that showcases workspaces of advertising and media agencies from around the world. Where We Work: Creative Office Spaces features a selection of 45 creative firms’ interiors from around the world.

If you are an interior designer who is in the business of designing creative workspace interiors (like me – in fact, I’m working on an ad agency fitout right now), or you are simply after some inspiration for your own office space, then this is the book for you. In it you will find lots of inspiration and fantastic examples of some of my favourite creative workplace interiors from around the world (check out a selection of images I scanned in for you to whet your palette… Mmmm, yummy).



Ok, sure, there are a few massively “out there” workspace examples in this book as well. And just to make it super clear, this is in no way a criticism of the book at all, but more of a comment on the advertising agency “interior stereotype”. I mean, what is it with creative business who need to scream at the top of their lungs – “Look at us, we are soooo creative! So we have a foosball table in the middle of the office, oh and a pool table, and lots of mismatched furniture, and a bar. Yeah, we are too cool for school man.” Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love ad agency fitouts. I love them a lot. In fact – some of my personal favourite projects to date are those I have done for creative agencies (those who know me, know exactly the projects I have in mind). All I’m saying is that these interiors often scream “I am an ad agency interior!” by ticking expected boxes, they are whacky just because they can be, where the final result bears no relation to the work philosophy of the agency they are designed for. I think that workplace interiors for creative businesses ought to be intelligent, sophisticated and crafted for their specific needs and context – a building or a city in which they exist. This is precisely why I love so many fantastic examples shown in the Where We Work: Creative Office Spaces.

Again, sorry, I’m off on a tangent here. I can’t help myself. Tangent is my middle name.

In case you are not already convinced that you should be getting yourself a copy of this book, you can have a little browse through it right here. Check out the listing of retailers that stock the book, or bag yourself a copy from Amazon.

And here’s the super fun part – GIVEAWAY time!! Ian McCallam has generously offered to give away a copy of the Where We Work: Creative Office Spaces to one lucky reader. Hooray! To be in the running, please leave a comment by midnight next Thursday 4th November. The winner will be selected at random and contacted via e-mail on Friday 5th November.

Good luck everyone and have an ace weekend!

x dana



UPDATE – This competition is now closed. Thank you  so much for all your comments, especially the super creative poems. Amazing. I swear, yellowtrace readers are the best and the coolest people ever! You guys rock! Alas, there can only be one winner and the Random Number Generator has spoken once again.

The winner will be contacted by e-mail. Thank you again everyone for entering the giveaway. One day I’ll be able to reward all of you. One day.



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

37 Responses

  2. Lena

    Fingers crossed! A wish has been sent that this book will make it all the way to my bedside table.

    And, I am happy to have discovered this blog that entered my Look Good List a couple a days ago. So much inspiration!

    Lena, Konfettiform.

    Reply
  4. c-los

    WORK POEM

    Friday is most certainly the greatest of days.
    The reasons it’s great are too many to say.
    But with that said, I’ll try to explain
    Why Friday is better than a day without rain.

    You see on Friday, you can work with a smile.
    You need only work, for a little while.
    For the weekend is near and then you can play.
    Much fun to be brought by the most generous of days.

    So join with me and laugh and cheer.
    The work week’s end is drawing near.
    Join with me and praise this day.
    I’ve said what I’ve said, and I’ve nothing more to say.

    Reply
  8. Luke

    Way cool. Don’t apologise for your tangent, Dana… They always give me something interesting to read while sipping coffee in the morning! Great book, I’m definately in need of some end-of-year inspiration, pretty please :)

    Reply
  9. Lisa

    i love the “we love it loud” graphic – love the black and red colours, love the hanging lights too. It must be awesome to design these spaces – so much bigger than decorating a room in a house.

    Reply
  12. Nathan Swan

    Would be a great book to have! We are currently re-furbishing our studio, Fusion, in the unpredictable weather changing land of Australia!
    Cheers,
    Nathan

    Reply
  13. Ryan

    I wish every owner cared knew the difference a well designed office can make for their employees. I guess wishes do come true. Now I just need the book to show them.

    Reply
  14. Ed @ Giant

    Looks tops! I’m too tight to buy it but if it’s free.
    Thanks Yellowtrace, ‘you are the man’….or not in this case!!

    Reply
  18. Felicity

    Such a great looking book! It really shows a variety of spaces which have been creatively designed for the businesses needs whilst considering their sphere if work and the context of their place.

    Reply
  20. Pina

    Oooooooo – well I’m a graphic (with an interior degree also), working with industrial designers on exhibitions. This would be nice to add to my collection!

    Reply
  22. Nancy Constandelia

    OMG Dana..what a fabulous giveaway ! This would inspire me to redesign and restyle my terrible, dingy office. Wish me luck xx

    Reply
  31. Sebastiaan

    This book is the perfect inspiration for interior decorating my own ‘office’ space!

    Reply
  32. Kirsty Pryer

    You’ve got to be in it to win it! Book looks great – loving the giveaways, Dana. Fingers crossed.

    Reply
  35. lauren

    Work, sleep, work, sleep,
    Work, sleep, work, sleep,
    Work, sleep, work, sleep,
    Work.

    Oh free me please with gentle ease
    From work, sleep, work, sleep, work!
    This odium, pounding tedium
    Of my work, sleep, work, sleep, work.

    Just whisk me off to lands afar
    From work, sleep, work, sleep, work –
    That grinding train of rhythmic pain
    Called ‘Work, sleep, work, sleep, work.’

    Reply
  37. This Ain't No Disco

    Congrats Luke on winning the book. We hope you like it! It’ll be in the post next week. Thanks everyone for leaving a comment on Dana’s fab review of the book. Follow us on Twitter (@aintnodisco) and keep your eyes on Yellowtrace – as we might just be doing another giveaway soon!

    Reply

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