Collaborative Effort
A defining characteristic of the project was the highly collaborative relationship between Hesse Kleinloog, Spotify’s Workplace Design & Build team and Trend Group. Working closely together, the project team developed the workplace through an integrated design process, allowing technical requirements, design development, sustainability objectives, lighting strategies, acoustics and furniture procurement to evolve simultaneously rather than sequentially. Spotify’s Workplace Design & Build team remained closely involved throughout, helping to frame and steer the design while ensuring alignment with the company’s global workplace standards and regional aspirations.
Trend’s delivery model was instrumental in coordinating the many moving parts. The project involved extensive coordination between mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, lighting, acoustic, sustainability, and AV specialists. Weekly design and site coordination meetings ensured that decisions could be made quickly and that challenges were resolved before impacting programme delivery.
City Inspiration & Local Talent
Technical requirements as design features
The Spotify headquarters necessitated a sophisticated level of technical integration, particularly within the listening room and performance stage area. Acoustic performance, lighting design, AV infrastructure, HVAC systems and workplace functionality all needed to meet Spotify’s international standards while supporting the overall design narrative. A large-scale mural by acclaimed South African artist Yay Abe further reinforces the African narrative.
Sustainability & flexibility
Sustainability was embedded into the project to support Green Star principles, with sustainability consultant input. Local procurement formed a key component of the strategy, and some existing furniture was refinished, reupholstered, and incorporated.
Spotify’s well-known ‘Work From Anywhere’ philosophy also informed the design. Rather than creating a workplace centred around assigned desks and traditional office hierarchies, the team focused on flexibility, collaboration, and user experience. The completed headquarters reflects Trend Group’s ability to manage highly collaborative, technically demanding workplace projects while delivering environments that remain deeply connected to place, culture, and community.
