Harley-Davidson is a global icon. It has made its way around the world, celebrating the spirit of the open road round in countries and cultures far beyond its original debut in America in 1903.

For this mandate – designing Harley-Davidson Canada’s corporate headquarters – the cultural context we had to address was different than the typical challenges of crossing borders. At first glance the words “Harley-Davidson” and “office” do not look like they belong in the same sentence. Taking a brand that’s built on the spirit of the open road and capturing it inside corporate walls is a unique challenge. Added to that, the desire to reflect local Canadian nuances also came into play. Bringing the vastness and beauty of Canada to life inside office walls, in a way that used respected Harley-Davidson’s history and ethos without becoming a museum, was a unique challenge in crossing cultures.

Taking inspiration from the brand’s history and Canada’s most spectacular rides, the office design delivered the Harley-Davidson experience through a Canadian lens.

Since first impressions matter, the lobby treatment was dominated by wooden slats, evoking the Wisconsin shed where William Harley and Arthur Davidson rolled up their sleeves and created a legend.

Each space was inspired by a unique Canadian ride. The boardroom evoked the Trans-Canada Highway, while smaller meeting rooms were dedicated to regional rides such as B.C.’s Sea to Sky Highway or the Georgian Bay Loop. Powerful photography by Harley-Davidson owner groups showed the rides Harley owners dream about.

Common spaces displayed cues and symbols of the brand in larger-than-life fashion. The café featured a large custom wall sculpture that reads, “Let’s Ride”, made from 1,100 Harley-Davidson hand grips. Black leather seating is found throughout the office, and a feature wall of the most legendary engines provides inspiration.