Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi by GRAU.ZERO Architecture

Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi by GRAU.ZERO Architecture is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ingaphakathi Competition Category.

IbhulonziIngaphakathi· 2026

Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi

by GRAU.ZERO Architecture

Client: GRAU.ZERO Architecture

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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The Design

About Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi

I-Forvis Mazars iyindawo yangaphakathi yehhovisi etholakala esitezi esisodwa sesakhiwo se-Icon Douro e-Porto, ePortugal. Indawo yokusebenza imboza cishe amamitha-skwele angama-700 futhi ihlanganisa izindawo zokusebenzela zomuntu ngamunye, amabhokisi ocingo, izindawo zokusebenzisana, amagumbi emihlangano, indawo yokwamukela izivakashi kanye nezindawo zokusekela. Uhlelo lwendawo lusekela indlela yokusebenza eguquguqukayo ngokuphelele esekelwe emikhubeni yedeski elihlanzekile neyehhovisi lanoma yikuphi. Ukhonkolo onezimbila owenziwe ngezandla kanye netshe lemvelo kuhlanganiswe namaphaneli okhuni ane-veneer kanye nezindawo ezibonisa ukukhanya. Izinto ezisetshenziswe kabusha kanye nemibala engathathi hlangothi kwakha isimo esizolile nesingapheli isikhathi.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Forvis Mazars Idizayini Yangaphakathi Yehhovisi iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

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