Case study AHK Polska

This was the first full relocation project that the Chamber had to face comprehensively. The previous headquarters was located in a tenement house under the protection of a conservator, which limited modernisation and arrangement works. An office layout with individual rooms located on two floors resulted in its large space not being effectively used and hindering communication and integration of the team, which became even more noticeable in the hybrid model. It was anticipated that a new headquarters had to provide space for meetings with member companies, partners and diplomats. This required consistent arrangements and a smooth pace of action without diluting responsibilities in a process involving many parties.

We treated the project as a business model change, not focusing solely on office relocation. Together with the client and partners, we developed a process that took into account the organisation’s actual needs and target work model. We recommended conducting a workplace survey to understand the Chamber’s genuine needs and expectations and translate them into specific functional requirements. We then integrated the location arrangements and lease terms with the office programme, incorporating a greater proportion of open spaces, meeting rooms, collaboration and chillout zones, while also maintaining dedicated focused work areas. We coordinated the client and partners’ arrangements, ensuring adherence to the schedule, consistent decision-making and reduced organisational risks.

AHK Polska opened its new office in the Concept Tower at 87 Grzybowska Street in Warsaw, completing the relocation after 27 years spent in one place. For the team, this was a significant change. They had to adapt to the transition to a work environment with a different layout, new rules in using space and a hybrid work model that required more collaboration and flexibility. The new space better supports communication and team integration and can be adapted to current needs; it also offers space for focused work. The headquarters also strengthens the image of the Chamber as a partner in business and diplomacy, ensuring a standard adequate to the role of the organisation and the nature of meetings with stakeholders.