United Exports
Bold New Workplace for Agri-Export CompanyPaarl, Cape Town, South Africa
When global agricultural business United Exports outgrew its existing offices, there was an opportunity to make the new space more like their own. The new Paarl headquarters is more expressive of the brand and better accommodates the team’s needs, thanks to Design-and-Build by Trend Group.
The workplace interiors take design inspiration from the company’s agricultural roots, bringing elements of the farming environment into the workplace in a subtle way. The company’s brand colours were introduced cohesively throughout the space, with greens inspired by the brand’s leaf motif, coupled with dark blue hues and bespoke wallpaper elements reflective of the company’s blueberries export.
Bringing the Brand to Life
Bespoke joinery played a central role in shaping the workplace, alongside carefully selected finishes and custom features. A key zone of the workplace is the Innovation Station, with a playful circular entrance and a ball pit for team huddles, one-on-one conversations and collaborative brainstorming. Near the canteen, an industrial-style sink reminds the team of their agricultural roots while serving a practical purpose. Special attention was given to historically high traffic zones such as the kitchen.
Select locally sourced furniture items procured by Design Colab support relaxed branded spaces, such as colourful lounge furniture. Call pods and quieter spaces for focus were incorporated to support different personalities and working styles, based on insights into how United Exports’ employees use the workplace.
People-Centred Workplace Design
The result is a workplace that feels distinctly United Exports, bringing the company’s agricultural roots and brand identity into a space designed around the people who use it every day. More than a new headquarters, it gives the team a place that feels like their own, supporting connection, focus and collaboration while creating a workplace they can feel proud to belong to.
