Thinking Outside the Box: How Inhouse Forged a Dynamic Workspace for 99c

For a top-tier advertising agency like Ninety9Cents (99c), creativity isn’t just a department; it’s the currency of their business. When it came time to design their new 3000-square-meter headquarters in Cape Town, they needed a space that could not only house their 200-strong team but also fuel their creative fire. They turned to Inhouse Design Studio, leading workspace specialists in Cape Town, to take on the challenge. Under the leadership of directors Aidan Hart and Phillip Wyatt, the Inhouse team delivered an extraordinary, activity-based work environment that proves a beautiful office interior space can work as hard as the people within it.

A Brand You Can Inhabit

From the very first step inside, the 99c office is an immersion into the brand’s ethos. The most audacious and iconic feature is a bright red shipping container repurposed into a striking waiting room and meeting space. This bold move is a masterstroke of brand storytelling. As Phillip Wyatt might attest, it serves as a literal interpretation of “out-of-the-box” thinking while cleverly nodding to the agency’s purpose: shipping creative solutions globally, a concept visually reinforced by the office’s panoramic views of the Cape Town harbour. This narrative is woven throughout the three-level space, from the custom-branded steel gate at reception to playful floor graphics that guide and delight, creating a workspace that is a living, breathing extension of the 99c brand.

A Culture of Choice and Collaboration

Steered by Creative Director Aidan Hart, the Inhouse team conducted an extensive study into the daily activities of the 99c employees, leading them to implement an Activity-Based Work (ABW) model. This forward-thinking approach dismantles the rigidity of the conventional office, offering a fluid landscape of “high-focus” and “high-communication” zones. Staff can choose from individual desks for concentrated tasks or migrate to various collaborative “campsites.” These include informal plywood booths overlooking the harbour, a large bleacher-style seating area that doubles as a kitchen and presentation hub, and casual lounge areas complete with foosball tables. This flexibility empowers employees, fostering a culture of autonomy, collaboration, and productivity that is essential for a fast-paced creative agency.

Industrial Honesty Meets Sustainable Warmth

The design aesthetic celebrates the building’s industrial shell, leaving ceilings, ductwork, and concrete floors exposed to create a raw, honest backdrop. This industrial canvas is then layered with warm, sustainable, and cost-effective materials. Plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) are used extensively for custom joinery, wall cladding, and furniture, adding texture and a natural touch. The space is further softened by biophilic design elements, including living plant walls, planters brimming with greenery, and an abundance of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. This thoughtful blend of industrial grit and natural warmth creates a balanced, energetic, and healthy environment where creativity can flourish. Inhouse Design Studio has delivered more than just an office for 99c; they have crafted a strategic tool that embodies the brand, empowers its people, and enhances its creative process. It stands as a benchmark for office interior design in Cape Town, showcasing how a deep understanding of culture and brand can lead to a truly exceptional workspace.Ready to build a workspace that tells your unique story? Contact Inhouse Design Studio to see how their expert team can transform your office.