office Relocation / WEtransfer AmsterdamA smaller, more central workplace for collaboration
Wanda Olivier’s in-house leadership experience at WeTransfer
Within just six months of identifying the site, I led WeTransfer’s move into a more central Amsterdam office as Director of Workplace Experience & Travel. Partnering with Woodalls, I ensured employee voices directly shaped every stage—from defining the brief and selecting furniture to creating a welcoming move-in experience.
SIX MONTHS FROM SITE IDENTIFICATION TO MOVE IN
A move with a clear purpose
The previous office was fragmented, limiting collaboration and connection. For a remote-first company, our new workplace had to make every in-person interaction meaningful: a hub for team building, focused work, and cross-functional connection.
Working on an ambitious timeline and mindful of costs, I developed the budget, secured executive buy-in, and personally oversaw purchasing decisions, supplier negotiations, and final design approvals.
Employees helped shape their workplace
We held workshops with teams to understand their needs, then worked hands-on with Woodalls to turn that input into the brief and design decisions. Engagement continued as the project developed.
After receiving the keys, I hosted a celebratory reception so colleagues could experience the new space firsthand and learn about its features. Employees co-selected the boardroom carpet and curated vintage furniture for communal areas, fostering ownership through active participation and transparent updates at every stage.
Making reuse part of the design
We prioritised sustainability by reusing 60% of existing furniture, as Woodalls confirmed in their published SBID interview. Thoughtfully chosen vintage pieces added character to shared spaces, reduced environmental impact, and strengthened the office’s unique identity.
The finished office blended dedicated focus zones with vibrant collaboration settings, a central café, and an adaptable gallery space that celebrated WeTransfer’s creative spirit. Upgraded lunch facilities, including hot food, transformed shared areas into lively, multifunctional hubs.
Clear ownership through delivery
Woodalls managed the turnkey delivery, from design to coordination with IT, security, and facilities and move management. Throughout, I maintained end-to-end ownership: approving spending and supplier changes, reporting progress, costs, and risks to senior leadership, and spearheading change management with employees at every level.
A workplace people wanted to use
We moved seamlessly within six months. Employee feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Colleagues reported stronger connection and engagement across teams.
In the first six months after opening, office attendance rose by about 20% compared to the prior year, reflecting the new space’s appeal. This figure comes from my project records and reflects attendance, not occupancy.
The project garnered two awards and two finalist recognitions, celebrating both the innovative workplace and Woodalls’ outstanding design partnership.
Project credits and sources
Project leadership for WeTransfer: Wanda Olivier. Turnkey partner: Woodalls.
London Design Awards 2025 — Gold, Interior Design – Office
Wonder Global Design Awards — Silver
SBID International Design Awards 2024 — Finalist, Office Design Under 2,000 SqM – Europe
Mix Awards 2024 — Finalist, Project of the Year – Workplace Interiors, 5,000–15,000 sq ft
The links below provide published project accounts and award recognition.
Woodalls Amsterdam project description
SBID interview including the 60 per cent furniture reuse figure
London Design Awards Gold recognition
“We partnered with Wanda on WeTransfer’s Amsterdam office relocation and New York refurbishment. In both projects, her strategic insight ensured we met business needs while keeping the employee experience at the forefront of every decision.
In Amsterdam, with Woodalls as the turnkey partner, Wanda shaped the project brief and actively engaged employees, ensuring their voices were heard. Her close collaboration with us drove effective space planning, innovative furniture reuse, and a seamless move. In New York, she maximised impact by expertly allocating a limited budget to the most meaningful improvements, delivering clear priorities and decisive leadership throughout the refurbishment.
Wanda was a reliable, solutions-focused partner who effectively aligned business needs with project delivery. She helped clarify budgets, coordinate with suppliers, and keep stakeholder communication straightforward. We appreciated her involvement and would be happy to work with her again.”
YOUR NEXT WORKPLACE DECISION
What needs to work better for your business?
Let’s talk about your priorities and the support you need to move them forward.