Bringing Canva’s values to life through design
“Be a force for good. Be a good human. Empower others. Make complex things simple. Pursue excellence. Set crazy big goals.”
Generally, these make for great values to guide any individual or company, but they belong to and have pushed a particularly influential one – Canva. Founded in 2012, Canva has become the world’s most popular visual communication platform, with over 35 billion designs created globally.
Since 2023, COX has been working with Canva on its Sydney campus, a 12,000sqm workplace in Surry Hills, Sydney. Set to open in 2027, our task has been to create a space that brings these values to life.
We have let the value, ‘be a force for good’, guide our approach to sustainability. By embracing our own commitment to doing more with less, we’ve focused on reusing much of the existing building, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximising energy efficiency. The campus is set to transition away from gas, running entirely on renewable electricity, and it will feature a green roof to foster permaculture and endemic biodiversity.
And it’s not just about sustainability—it’s also about empowering the community. Canva’s values of connection and collaboration are reflected in the design of communal spaces throughout the campus. Versatile areas, including cafes, event and community spaces, are designed to foster meaningful connections within Canva and the local community, and support well-being. From fitness areas and meditation zones to bike parking and e-charging stations, every detail has been considered to promote a healthier, more connected lifestyle.
Staying true to Canva’s roots in Surry Hills, the new campus will actively give back to the local community. Whether hosting workshops, providing event spaces for nonprofits, or offering meals from the rooftop garden to local charities, the campus will serve as a force for good, extending Canva’s impact far beyond its walls.
In designing Canva’s flagship campus, we’ve embraced the very values that have driven Canva’s success—creating a space that’s not only empowering but also one that leads by example.