Words By Emily Martin
Images By Ruth Maria
PROJECT INFO
Client Etsy
Architects Gensler www.gensler.com
Completion 2024
Size 12,200ft2
ETSY ENLISTED GENSLER to create a transformative workspace in Dublin that brings the brand to life through creative partnerships with local artisans. The new European hub is a dynamic environment that nurtures collaboration and community for this global e-commerce leader.
As part of Etsy’s strategy to reimagine its global hub offices and following the 2016 relocation of Etsy’s HQ within Brooklyn, New York, Gensler was chosen to design a purposeful workplace in Dublin, Ireland. Nestled on the top floor of a newly constructed building, the space is a vibrant hub for Etsy’s European operations. The office doesn’t just help attract and support creative talent; it stands as a beacon for integrating local culture into a global brand. The design team focused on creating a workspace that celebrates local craftsmanship and the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
‘Etsy’s Dublin office is a reflection of its mission to “keep commerce human”,’ comments Megan Dobstaff, design director at Gensler. ‘By collaborating with local artisans and integrating thoughtful, flexible design, we created a space that feels both deeply personal and globally connected. This workspace not only supports Etsy’s team but also tells a larger story about the power of design to bring people and ideas together.’
Etsy’s commitment to community engagement was key to the project’s success. The design features craftsmanship from local Irish artisans, including handmade furniture, installations and artwork, providing an opportunity to showcase work created by makers from their own platform.
The reception desk, meeting tables and workstations were crafted by both Irish and British woodworkers, and the library lounge is encased in hand-knitted sweater panels, representing the different cable knit patterns historically originating in the Aran islands. The ceilings in each of the meeting rooms are covered with wallpaper that features the leaves from native Irish tree species. These elements add unique character to the space, while supporting the local economy, reducing the project’s environmental impact and forging a sense of community in the space.
The Dublin office is also a testament to Etsy’s collaborative spirit. Gensler worked closely with the various teams across the project to ensure the space sustained Etsy’s needs while reflecting its values. This collaborative approach resulted in a workspace that is both functional and inspiring.
The office includes various flexible spaces, from quiet zones for focused work, to vibrant communal areas for collaboration and socialising.
Another standout feature of the Dublin office is its ability to facilitate hybrid working. Etsy opted for a single-floor layout that maximises flexibility. The office includes sitstand desks, multi-use furniture, and various meeting rooms to accommodate different work styles and needs. This ensures the space can evolve alongside the company and its employees’ needs. Creating a workplace where the space enables the people, and the people enable the space, the new office further amplifies the collaborative roots embedded in Etsy’s work culture.
A dedicated focus on sustainability is seen throughout the project, aligning with the brand’s broader goal of building long-term resilience for the future. Etsy has developed its own standards for sustainable design that go beyond typical certifications, and by sourcing materials and furnishings locally the project’s carbon footprint has been greatly reduced. By incorporating materials supplied by local businesses and artisans, the Gensler design team brought the brand to life in a unique and localised way.
The design incorporates biophilic elements, enhancing employees’ well-being by connecting them to nature and providing an engaging atmosphere for neurodivergent individuals. Natural materials, ample daylight, and indoor plants create a calming environment that supports mental and physical health, whilst the terrace space provides a comfortable outdoor space where employees can recharge.
Etsy’s Dublin office is a shining example of how thoughtful design can create a space that reflects a company’s values and mission. By celebrating local craftsmanship with a nod to Irish culture, fostering community, and prioritising sustainability, Gensler delivered a workplace that supports Etsy’s business as a leading e-commerce brand and enriches the lives of its employees, its makers, and the local community.
KEY SUPPLIERS
Sweater screens
Pearl Reddington www.pearlreddington.com
Meeting rooms ceiling wallcoverings
Superfolk www.superfolk.com
Stained glass makers
Rathmines Glass www.rathminesglass.ie
‘Dublin’ mosaic in reception
Opus Mosaic www.opusmosaicbelfast.com
Furniture
Orior www.oriorfurniture.com
Studio Harris www.studioharris.ie
