NBBJ designs Bark’s Ohio office for both humans and dogs

Photography is by Sean Airhart and Chuck Choi.

Bunkbed-style seating nooks and an indoor play area are among the features at this Columbus office, which was designed by architecture firm NBBJ for a company that creates dog toys and treats.

The Bark office is located in the Ohio city's Franklinton neighbourhood, a deprived district that is now being revitalised.

Spread across two floors, the office is situated within a large, mixed-use development that was also designed by NBBJ, a Seattle-based firm with offices around the globe.

Founded in 2012, Bark is a New York-based company that produces toys and treats for canines. The Columbus office houses its Barkbox division, which mails out boxes of dog goodies to monthly subscribers.

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NBBJ set out to create a pleasant work environment that aligned with the company's mission and branding. Because employees are allowed to bring their pups to work, the office needed to "withstand dirty paws and unplanned accidents".

"The design team worked to define an office space fit for the 200 hardworking employees that make up the company's Happy Team — their enthusiastic and friendly customer service group — and their energetic canines," the studio said.