Saudi Heritage through Design for Oliver Wyman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Roar blends Saudi culture and innovative design to create a functional and authentic space for Oliver Wyman‘s Riyadh headquarters.

The Riyadh headquarters for Oliver Wyman, designed by Roar, represents a blend of modern functionality and cultural authenticity. Completed in 2024, this space serves as a testament to the integration of Saudi heritage into contemporary workspace design. From the falcon wing-inspired reception to bespoke artworks and textured columns, the project celebrates local traditions. Developed with employee well-being and operational efficiency at its core, the headquarters combines wellness features, such as a prayer room and a wellness space for new mothers, with flexible, collaborative areas like a hotel-style café. The project emphasises artistry and research-backed choices, ensuring it not only resonates with the culture of Saudi Arabia but also promotes productivity and satisfaction.

Project Planning

Oliver Wyman’s leadership worked closely with Roar to ensure the design aligned with the firm’s values and the cultural context of Saudi Arabia. Extensive focus groups and employee surveys informed the final design, incorporating feedback on functionality and aesthetic preferences. A cultural consultant played a key role in embedding Saudi heritage into the design through art and craftsmanship. This collaborative approach ensured the design met both emotional and operational needs, while promoting employee engagement during the transition to the new space.

Project Details

The Riyadh office prioritises wellness through features such as natural lighting, a wellness room for new mothers, and prayer rooms. Branding is subtly integrated through custom artworks and motifs reflecting Saudi heritage. Key highlights include the calligraphy sculpture by Hazem Kurdali and textured columns inspired by traditional jewellery. Custom sadu stitching adorns office dividers, blending cultural elements with modern functionality. These thoughtful touches create a serene yet dynamic environment, promoting employee well-being and productivity.

Products 

Furniture: Haworth, West Elm, Jaipur Rugs 

Lighting: Neko Lighting AG, Lambert & Fils, Intra Lighting, Bover Barcelona Lights, Santa & Cole, Davide Groppi 

Floor Finish: Ege Carpet

Wall Finish: Jotun

Joinery: Local wood veneer, Egger laminate, Staron Corian, Local najdi fabric (Sadu)

Tech Solutions

The office employs advanced technology to support hybrid working styles. Features include agile workstations equipped with collaborative tools and screens for video conferencing. Privacy screens incorporate functional glass with integrated poetry, serving both artistic and practical purposes.

Overall Project Results

Employee feedback has highlighted the balance between functionality and cultural authenticity as a key success. The integration of Saudi heritage has been praised for fostering a sense of belonging and pride. The wellness-focused design features and versatile workspaces have contributed to increased satisfaction and adaptability in work styles. Collaborative efforts in change management minimised disruptions and ensured a smooth transition.

Contributors: 

Ultra Arte: Anna De Florian 

INC: Nermeen Zeineddine, Raghad Erake, Padraig Crowley 

4Front: Ahmad Abu Zeinab, Mahmoud Aldahdooh 

Haworth: Tarek Amin, Nadeen Shwaikeh 

Savills: Waleed Alaiwan, Omar Marakby 

Design Team 

Roar: 

Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director 

Tamara Taamneh, Senior Interior Architect

Photography

Yasser Ibrahim