RBC Wealth Management
Creating a dynamic space across 11 floors
Understanding what drives the need for change
When RBC Wealth Management decided to establish their new U.S. headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, they faced a significant challenge: creating a workspace that would reflect their status as one of the world's largest banks while meeting the evolving needs of nearly 89,000 employees across 30 countries. The 265,000 square foot space at 250 Nicollet Mall needed to serve as more than just office space—it had to become a beacon for innovation and collaboration in the heart of Minneapolis.
The timing added complexity to the project. Beginning in 2020, RBC needed to design a workspace that could adapt to the changing nature of work, supporting both in-office collaboration and remote work integration. The challenge was creating an environment that felt equally welcoming and functional for employees whether they were working on-site full-time, part-time, or visiting from other locations. RBC wanted their new Gateway Tower location to demonstrate their commitment to employee experience while maintaining the professional standards expected of a global financial institution.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram partnered closely with RBC and Perkins+Will architects to transform all 11 floors of the Gateway Tower into a thoughtfully designed ecosystem of work environments. Rather than creating a traditional corporate office, the design team focused on crafting diverse settings that would inspire different types of work and interaction. The approach centered on creating a light, bright atmosphere that would energize employees while providing the flexibility modern teams require.
The furniture strategy drew from contemporary brands including Steelcase, Viccarbe, Blu Dot, Coalesse, and West Elm to create distinct zones throughout the space. Work cafes encouraged informal collaboration, while dedicated team hubs provided focused project spaces. Social exchanges fostered spontaneous connections, and formal auditoriums and training rooms supported learning and development. A beautiful outdoor terrace was designed as a unique amenity for events and gatherings. Every decision was made with both budget optimization and employee experience in mind, ensuring that each investment would deliver maximum impact for RBC's diverse workforce.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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