Corporate Office Reception Rebrand

Project Overview

• Client / Sector: Corporate Head Office / Corporate / Commercial Office

• Location: Greater Toronto Area

• Scope: Main reception, entry corridor, elevator lobby, glass partitions

• Services: Architectural film resurfacing, feature wall, signage, environmental graphics, installation

• Duration: Completed in planned phases outside of peak business hours

Overview

The existing reception area was clean but dated: dark wood tones, aging laminate, and standard directory signage that felt more “back office” than brand flagship. The company had recently updated its visual identity and wanted the space to:

• Make a strong first impression for clients and visitors

• Reflect new brand colors, typography, and messaging

• Improve the experience for staff who pass through the space every day

• Avoid a long construction schedule and major disruption

  
  

AFF was engaged to reimagine the reception environment using architectural finishes, signage, and graphics instead of demolition.

The Challenge

• No major construction. The client wanted a transformed look without tearing out existing millwork, floors, or walls.

• Active building. Tenants, staff, and visitors needed to move through the lobby and reception during normal hours, so work had to be quiet, clean, and phased.

• New brand, existing architecture. The refreshed identity needed to integrate with the existing layout, lighting, and structural elements.

• Durability and maintenance. Surfaces had to withstand daily traffic, rolling bags, deliveries, and regular cleaning.

The central challenge:

Deliver a high-end, branded reception experience using enhancements, not rebuilds.

Our Approach & Solution

AFF focused on high-impact, low-disruption interventions that leveraged existing structures.

1. Discovery & concept development

   • Conducted a site walkthrough to understand traffic flows, sightlines, and key touchpoints.

   • Reviewed the client’s updated brand standards (colors, logo, photography, tone of voice).

   • Identified priority areas for visual impact: reception desk, main feature wall, elevator lobby, and glass partitions.

   
   

2. Feature wall & brand focal point

   • Designed a new feature wall behind the reception desk to anchor the space.

   • Combined dimensional logo signage with architectural finishes and subtle lighting effects to create a strong, on-brand focal point visible from the entrance.

   
   

3. Resurfacing key surfaces with architectural films

   • Wrapped dated wood and laminate on the reception desk, wall panels, and accent columns in modern wood-grain and matte finishes using architectural film.

   • Chose patterns that paired well with existing flooring and ceiling elements, avoiding the need for broader renovations.

   
   

4. Signage, wayfinding & messaging

   • Updated main identity signage at reception and elevator lobby with the new logo and typography.

   • Designed clean directory and wayfinding graphics for visitors navigating meeting rooms and office suites.

   • Introduced subtle brand messaging panels to communicate the company’s values and services without turning the space into an “ad.”

   
   

5. Glass films for privacy & aesthetics

   • Applied decorative glass films to meeting room and office partitions off the reception area.

   • Used patterns that added privacy while allowing light to pass through, reinforcing the new brand aesthetic.

   
   

6. Phased installation plan

   • Scheduled work in evening and early morning windows to keep the lobby functional during the day.

   • Coordinated with building management on access, protection of adjacent finishes, and cleanup after each phase.

Materials & Methods

• Architectural Films

  • Wood-grain and neutral matte finishes for reception desk and wall panels

  • Accent finishes for columns and key architectural elements

  
  

• Signage & Logos

  • Dimensional logo signage at reception feature wall

  • Branded directory and wayfinding signs in elevator lobby and corridors

  • Wall-mounted messaging panels with brand story and values

    
    

• Glass Treatments

  • Frosted and patterned glass films on meeting room and office partitions

  • Stripe and banding solutions for safety and privacy

    
    

• Production & Install Approach

  • Detailed site measurements and templates to ensure precise fit

  • Surface prep of existing millwork and wall panels prior to film application

  • Careful edge finishing to support long-term durability and easy cleaning

Results & Impact

• A reception that finally matches the brand. Visitors now arrive into a space that feels aligned with the company’s updated visual identity and positioning.

• Modern look without demolition. By resurfacing and overlaying finishes, the client avoided the cost, mess, and downtime of a full build-out.

• Improved first impressions. Staff reported more positive feedback from clients and guests, with the space described as “fresh,” “professional,” and “welcoming.”

• Better wayfinding and flow. Updated signage and glass treatments make it easier for visitors to navigate, while still maintaining privacy where needed.

• Repeatable approach. The finishes, signage standards, and glass treatments used here can be replicated at regional offices to create consistent brand environments.

Scope of Work

• Site survey and brand standards review

• Design of reception feature wall and focal signage

• Architectural film selection and application to existing millwork and wall panels

• Fabrication and installation of dimensional logo signage

• Design and production of directories, wayfinding, and brand messaging panels

• Design and installation of decorative glass films on partitions

• Phased, low-disruption installation and on-site coordination

• Final inspection and touch-ups