Banda Agency Office

English description provided by the architects.

The designers were tasked with creating a space for people whose work revolves around generating ideas.

Known for its bold campaigns and progressive culture, Banda wanted an office that would serve not simply as a workplace but as a manifesto, a physical expression of its values.

"The clients wanted a cozy space that felt more like a bright, spacious apartment than an office," says Yulia Tkachenko, architect and co-founder of ater.architects.

The office occupies the second floor of an early 20th-century building on Yaroslaviv Val Street in Kyiv's historic center.

Visitors enter through a classic wooden door fitted with vintage glass chosen for its natural imperfections. Oak wall panels immediately set a restrained, traditional tone while hiding generous storage, and a glass-fronted cabinet brings natural light deeper into the interior.

The waiting area combines red vintage Dietiker armchairs, a Kint coffee table, and a naive painting by contemporary artist Danik Manzhos.

The main hall is arranged like an eclectic studio apartment, with soft seating groups and custom communal tables that support both focused work and collaborative conversations.

A raised podium transforms into a stage for events; mobile tables and lightweight folding chairs allow the layout to shift easily. Vintage armchairs, sofas, and a glass table create relaxed meeting areas.

"Vintage pieces helped us create the lived-in atmosphere the client wanted," Tkachenko explains. "We sourced finds across Europe, from Soloform leather seating to Frag Canouan armchairs and classic folding chairs by Chairworks."

Dedicated workstations with monitors are located on a mezzanine above one of the cubic blocks, which also houses bathrooms and technical rooms. The bathrooms feature ochre walls, round sconces, a quartzite sink, and a mirrored ceiling that amplifies natural light.

Their upholstered interiors enhance acoustics and add warmth. Above them, a mezzanine lounge accessed by a pool-style steel ladder is lined with sky-printed mats — a playful retreat for staff to recharge.

The kitchen-dining area centers on a stainless-steel island, a sculptural wavy bar, and Magis stools.

A dedicated workshop fulfills the team's need for hands-on experimentation. Brushed aluminum pegboards organize tools and materials, while the agency's awards displayed here reinforce the connection between process and result.

Above the worktable, a long light fixture assembled from three Ikea lamps proves that simple solutions can be surprisingly effective.