Part of a continuing Bisnow series, we're looking at the coolest offices in real estate. According to Avison Young VP and director of research Bill Argeropoulos, when the company announced it was moving from 150 York St to the new PwC Tower at the NW corner of York St and Bremner Steet in Toronto’s Southcore Financial Centre (SFC) in 2011, it was looking to make a statement. AY was the first of the city’s big brokerage firms to move into a LEED Gold building in Toronto. SFC includes a second office tower and a 45-storey Delta Toronto hotel. AY’s global HQ is a bright, vibrant space marked by floor-to-ceiling glass so natural light reaches all parts.

The extensive use of interior glass walls adds to the open concept, says Bill. The PwC Tower was designed by award-winning KPMB Architects. AY also successfully endeavoured to make more economical use of the space—the number of offices increased from 23 to 35, and the number of seats from 55 to 68, while the employee per square foot ratio was reduced from 190 to 167. Usable office area was reduced by 1,000 SF. All three buildings will be connected by more than 14k SF or urban forest areas and pedestrian walkways.