Banda Agency Office by ater.architects: A Creative Workspace in Kyiv’s Historic Center

The Banda Agency Office, designed by ater.architects, is a 300 m² creative workspace located in the historic heart of Kyiv, Ukraine. Completed in 2025, the project transforms the second floor of an early 20th-century building on Yaroslaviv Val Street into an innovative office environment that blends history, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Photographed by Yevhenii Avramenko, the office reflects the dynamic identity of Banda Agency, known for its bold campaigns and forward-thinking culture.

The design brief called for a workspace that goes beyond conventional office layouts, aiming instead to function as a physical manifesto of the agency’s values. The architects emphasized openness, authenticity, and craftsmanship, combining historical preservation with modern interventions to create a space that feels more like a bright, airy apartment than a traditional office.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a classic wooden door with vintage glass, setting a refined yet approachable tone. The restored oak wall panels offer hidden storage, while glass-fronted cabinets bring natural light deep into the interior. The waiting area combines vintage Dietiker armchairs, a Kint coffee table, and contemporary artworks, creating an eclectic and inviting atmosphere.

The office layout maintains a sense of openness, integrating two cubic volumes with mezzanines while preserving the floor’s original high ceilings and decorative moldings. The exposed historical details, such as friezes and cornices, contrast with modern stainless-steel reception desks, Luceplan lighting, and minimalistic furniture, achieving a balance between heritage and contemporary aesthetics.

A variety of work and collaborative spaces are embedded throughout the office. Flexible communal tables, modular seating, and movable chairs allow the environment to adapt to events, workshops, and daily agency life. The mezzanine houses dedicated workstations, bathrooms, and technical rooms, while the second cubic volume contains meeting rooms and Zoom rooms with rounded glass doors inspired by Kyiv trams, featuring upholstered interiors for enhanced acoustics.

The kitchen-dining area is a social hub, featuring a sculptural stainless-steel island, wavy bar, Magis stools, and cleverly concealed cabinetry. Vintage furniture, greenery, and designer lighting by Mario Bellini create a warm, casual ambiance for dining and informal meetings.

An essential element of the office is the dedicated workshop, designed for hands-on experimentation. Brushed aluminum pegboards organize tools and materials, connecting the creative process to the agency’s results. The thoughtful design combines playful elements, functional solutions, and attention to detail, reflecting the agency’s philosophy of balancing refined taste with self-irony.

Overall, the Banda Agency Office stands as a model of modern office design in historic contexts, demonstrating how preservation, creativity, and functionality can coexist. The project exemplifies Kyiv’s evolving design landscape, providing a flexible, inspiring, and collaborative environment for one of Ukraine’s most innovative agencies.

All the photographs are works of Yevhenii Avramenko