Synopsys - Munich, Germany

Encouraging modern, activity-based hybrid workstyles with strategic workplace relocation and transformation

Synopsys, a leading semiconductor solutions tech company, faced a serious challenge with its previous office, located in a remote business park in Aschheim, Germany. This location, on the outskirts of the city, suffered from low occupancy and inadequate amenities and was proving ineffective in attracting and retaining talent. 

After an extensive seven-year search, Synopsys found a vibrant city-centre location and got to work creating a space specifically designed to boost the employee experience, increase brand visibility, and enable hybrid working practices.

After a successful prior collaboration, IE joined the project alongside renowned global interior designers Gensler and project management experts JLL, the new Synopsys office emphasised a transformative shift towards activity-based and hybrid working, characterised by shared spaces, breakout areas, mobile booths, and meeting rooms within rooms, designed to support each work function and typology.

IE’s expertise in furniture consultancy, procurement, and installation was pivotal in shaping a workplace that now intuitively encourages collaboration and innovation.

Synopsys fly-through courtesy of Steelcase & Olly Dickinson

Selecting and implementing modern furniture solutions

IE especially curated sustainable furniture solutions from leading manufacturers like Steelcase, Spacestor, Orangebox, Coalesse, Solidwool, Viccarbe, and Bolia. Notably, Steelcase provided adaptable workstations and ergonomic Karman chairs, while Spacestor’s innovative movable phone booths, railway carriages, and verandas significantly enhanced workspace flexibility. 

These solutions encouraged employees to use the space intuitively and effectively from the very first day, highlighting the success of IE’s thoughtful design and furniture integration. The new, multifunctional environment includes approximately 70 flexible desks for around 130 staff across HR, finance, engineering, and sales, promoting agile working and seamless transitions between various work activities.

The selection also conveys a strong material narrative, supporting Synopsys' environmental aspirations, and the project is now tracking towards LEED Gold certification.

IE successfully coordinated the installation despite challenging timelines, showcasing our adaptability and responsiveness to shifting project schedules. 

Key outcomes

The new Munich workspace is considered a strategic and modern European hub for Synopsys, significantly enhancing the company's ability to attract and retain top talent. Employees have enthusiastically adopted the intuitive layout and versatile spaces, demonstrating immediate positive impacts on productivity, collaboration, and overall workplace satisfaction. 

IE’s effective management, flexible, partnership-led approach, and forward-thinking solutions contributed to creating a dynamic environment that supports modern working practices and embodies Synopsys’ innovative brand identity.