Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa by GRAU.ZERO Architecture

Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa by GRAU.ZERO Architecture is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award in Mewnol Competition Category.

EfyddMewnol· 2026

Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa

by GRAU.ZERO Architecture

Client: GRAU.ZERO Architecture

Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award Winner in Mewnol Category

4,553

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #181937

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa

Mae Forvis Mazars yn ddyluniad mewnol swyddfa sydd wedi'i leoli ar un llawr o adeilad Icon Douro yn Porto, Portiwgal. Mae'r gweithle yn ymestyn dros tua 700 metr sgwâr ac yn cynnwys gorsafoedd gwaith unigol, bythau ffôn, ardaloedd cydweithredol, ystafelloedd cyfarfod, derbynfa a mannau cymorth. Mae'r cynllun yn cefnogi model gweithio cwbl hyblyg sy'n seiliedig ar arferion desg lân a swyddfa yn unrhyw le. Cyfunir plastr gweadog wedi'i grefftio â llaw a charreg naturiol â phaneli pren argaen ac arwynebau sy'n adlewyrchu golau. Mae deunyddiau wedi'u hailgylchu a phalet lliwiau niwtral yn creu awyrgylch tawel a bythol.

The Recognition

About the Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award

Mae Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa yn enillydd Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award, cydnabyddiaeth hynod fawreddog a roddir i ddyluniadau rhagorol sydd yn nodedig am greadigrwydd, dyfeisgarwch a chraffter. Mae enillwyr Efydd yn arteffactau medrus iawn a thrawiadol o greadigol sydd yn dilysu profiad helaeth, dychymyg a dyfeisgarwch eu dylunwyr. Disgwylir i Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa fod yn wrthrych uchel ei fri, a edmygir ac a anwylir, sydd yn nodedig o broffesiynol ac arloesol. Mae'r dyluniad buddugol hwn o Wobr Efydd A' Design Award yn ymgorffori arferion gorau mewn celf, gwyddoniaeth, dylunio a thechnoleg, ac yn rhagorol am ei sylw i fanylion. Mae Forvis Mazars Dyluniad Mewnol Swyddfa yn bodloni anghenion yn odidog, yn cyffwrdd â dyheadau, yn swyno teimladau ac yn apelio at chwilfrydedd.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: For Forvis Mazars' new offices in Porto, our aim was to make the company’s core values the guiding thread of the physical space, reflecting its identity, positioning, and ambition.
To avoid the conventional appearance of a workspace and create a timeless spatial identity, we embraced a concept based on full flexibility, in line with the company's existing clean desk and anywhere office practices. The result is a rich yet calm sensory environment that evokes emotion and encourages focus.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project spans approximately 700 square meters, located on a single floor within the Icon Douro building in Porto, Portugal. The spatial programme comprises individual workstations, phone booths, collaborative areas, meeting rooms, a reception and support spaces. All designed to support a fully flexible working model based on clean desk and anywhere office practices.
Tags: Office Interior, Workplace Architecture, Portuguese Architecture, Porto
Production Technology: The project is characterised by a layered material strategy, juxtaposing handcrafted textured plaster and natural stone with veneer wood panels, and light-reflecting surfaces. The use of recycled materials contributes to its sustainability by reducing the environmental impact associated with virgin raw materials. The colour scheme features a neutral palette with subtle accents of colour. Flexibility and collaboration in the use of space were also key, as was a strong visual identity.
Design Challenge: The primary challenge was to move away from the traditional, rigid, institutional image typically associated with audit and advisory firms while reflecting the global stature and identity of the company. The solution was a concept built on duality that embraced imperfection as an aesthetic value by juxtaposing contrasting materials and finishes. This balance of opposing qualities transformed the conventional corporate space into a timeless, human-centred environment.
Research: The team analysed the company's existing offices, values and brand identity as a global leader in audit, tax and advisory services. Given its presence in over 100 countries, the aim was to strike a balance between precision and subjectivity. The result is a flexible, human-centred environment that challenges the traditional appearance of a workspace. It is sensorially rich yet calm, creating an emotionally engaging and focused setting.
Inspiration: Given the global nature of Forvis Mazars, the conceptual approach was built on duality, aiming to strike a balance between technological precision and artisanal subjectivity.
Handcrafted, bespoke, natural and organic elements coexist with rational, precise and technological elements. Reflective surfaces are juxtaposed with coarser materials, such as textured plaster and stone. This creates a narrative in which this constant dialogue between opposites enriches the space with depth and emotion.
Project Duration: The project was completed in 2024 and is located in Porto, Portugal, at the Icon Douro building.
Operation Flow: In pursuit of a spatial identity that aligns with the organisation's values, we embraced the concept of full flexibility, incorporating clean desk and anywhere office principles. The spatial proposal integrates collaborative areas and cutting-edge technology, with a particular focus on people’s well-being. Despite the increasingly digital nature of the workplace, our goal was to create an environment in which productivity, mental health, innovation and human connection can coexist.
Team Members: Main Architect: Sérgio Manuel Nobre
Collaboration: Renata Caetano Pereira
Stefani Goulart
Builder: Fantoffice, Lda
Mechanical engineering: Eng. Fernando Oliveira (Master Eletric)
Lighting Design: Eng. Marco Gomes (Amperengenharia)
Mechanical Engineering: Eng. João Silva Ferreira
Electrical Engineering: Eng. Marco Gomes (Amperengenharia)
Image Credits: Image #1: Ivo Tavares Studio - Architectural Photographer
Image #2: Ivo Tavares Studio - Architectural Photographer
Image #3: Ivo Tavares Studio - Architectural Photographer
Image #4: Ivo Tavares Studio - Architectural Photographer
Image #5: Ivo Tavares Studio - Architectural Photographer