Publication
Paving the way—together—for a new office culture
How global finance leader DLL is inspiring staff back to a modern, collaborative workplace
Dusseldorf, May 20, 2025 – Should we stay, or should we go? That was the question for De Lage Landen when it was time to renegotiate their office lease. The goal was to create a modern, agile work environment equally suited to creative as well as operational needs—a workplace that fosters DLL’s corporate structure and flat hierarchies but also inspires staff to choose the office desks over theirs at home more often. In the end, they took the decision to fully remodel the existing building and negotiate a new lease.
Kicking off in the summer of 2024, CSMM assembled a cross-section of 30 staff from all departments and ranks to define the company’s must-have features for the new workplace—both in terms of form and function. The gut renovation had its challenges: Staff had to huddle on one floor at a time as crews rebuilt the levels above or below. Thanks to proactive relationship management, CSMM liaised with all the trades to complete each phase as quickly as possible. Just a few rooms were left unchanged in the completely redesigned floorplan, but repurposing the existing glass partitions ensures daylight continues to flood every corner.
Bright spaces that spark conversation
With a total of 3800 m2 of multifunctional space, staff have 34 meeting options to choose from as well as cosy niches for solo deep work—an environment that fosters communication and concentration in equal measure. Every square meter is designed to inspire staff back to the office, from the state-of-the-art fitness studio to dedicated meetings and after-work event zones that are just as thoughtfully designed as the retreat and recreation areas.
“Thanks to CSMM’s expert guidance, we now have a vibrant, balanced workplace that fuels both creativity and connection,” explains Bianca Espinal, project manager at DLL. “We are particularly proud of the Carlsplatz—a communication hub where colleagues share ideas at lunch, brainstorming sessions or evening events—as well as our cutting-edge media wall that brings every presentation and event to life.”
Creating a workplace like this meant rethinking the entire office concept. CSMM introduced a novel, flexible way to structure work with versatile “home zones” for each project team as well as spaces allocated to the departments on their designated anchor days. Thanks to colour-coded foils and floor markings, teams find a sense of belonging in their “home” colours, while staff and visitors alike can easily navigate to meeting rooms named after well-known Dusseldorf landmarks.
“A sophisticated lighting scheme sets the mood in every room,” adds Tiziana Feighofen-Longo, architect und branch manager of CSMM Dusseldorf. “The prominent track lighting—which illuminates meeting and recreation rooms with movable spots—doesn’t fade into the background; it makes a bold design statement. And the stylish sound-absorbing panels, designed in partnership with Impact Acoustic, don’t just to improve ambient sound; they also enhance the décor.” A restrained colour palette of four signature hues creates a sense of calm throughout the office; the soft, rounded shapes of the furnishings counterbalance the building’s rectilinear design.
“The remodel has had a real impact,” says Andreas Kledtke, Head of HR DACH at De Lage Landen. “We are particularly pleased that so many co-workers are inspired to keep coming back to the office since the remodel. It just goes to show how a thoughtfully designed workplace can become an engine for hybrid work culture and still leave a lasting impression. Clients, guests and DLL associates, both local and international, consistently praise the design’s blend of function, flexibility and flair. DLL’s new Dusseldorf office doesn’t just give staff a place to work—it actually brings people together.”
Contact CSMM
Nina Eisenbrand, Head of Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)89 960 15 99-0
E-Mail: marketing@cs-mm.com
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