Etsy Dublin: A Finely Crafted Workspace Rooted in Community and Creativity
Great craft starts with creativity—whether it’s shaping clay, carving wood, or designing a space that brings people together. For Etsy’s new Dublin hub, Gensler approached the design with the same thoughtfulness and artistry that defines the makers on Etsy’s platform. Unique details have been crafted through creative partnerships with local artisans, ensuring the space reflects Etsy’s values of craftsmanship and community. The result is a dynamic workplace that feels as curated and characterful as the products found on Etsy itself—an environment where creativity and collaboration can truly thrive.
Creating a community-driven space built on craftsmanship and connection
As part of Etsy’s strategy to reimagine its global Hub offices and following the 2016 relocation of Etsy’s HQ in Brooklyn, New York, Gensler was chosen to design a purposeful workplace in Dublin, Ireland. Nestled on the top floor of a newly constructed building, the space is a vibrant hub for Etsy’s European operations. The office doesn’t just help attract and support creative talent; it stands as a beacon for integrating local culture into a global brand. The design process began with a thorough understanding of Etsy’s mission to “Keep Commerce Human.” The design team focused on creating a workspace that celebrates local craftsmanship and the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
Etsy’s commitment to community engagement was key to the project’s success. The design features craftsmanship from local Irish artisans, including handmade furniture, installations, and artwork, providing an opportunity to showcase work created by makers from their own platform. The reception desk, meeting tables, and workstations were crafted by both Irish and British woodworkers, and the library lounge is encased in hand knitted sweater panels, representing the different cable knit patterns historically originating in the Aran islands. The ceilings in each of the meeting rooms are covered with wallpaper that features the leaves from native Irish tree species. These elements add unique character to the space, while supporting the local economy, reducing the project’s environmental impact and forging a sense of community in the space.
The Dublin office is also a testament to Etsy’s collaborative spirit. Gensler worked closely with the various teams across the project to ensure the space sustained Etsy’s needs while reflecting its
values. This collaborative approach resulted in a workspace that is both functional and inspiring. The office includes various flexible spaces, from quiet zones for focused work, to vibrant communal areas for collaboration and socialising.
Another standout feature of the Dublin office is its ability to facilitate to hybrid working. Etsy opted for a single-floor layout that maximises flexibility. The office includes sit-stand desks, multi-use furniture, and various meeting rooms to accommodate different work styles and needs. This ensures the space can evolve alongside the company and its employees’ needs. Creating a workplace where the space enables the people, and the people enable the space, the new office further amplifies the collaborative roots embedded in Etsy’s work culture.
A dedicated focus on sustainability is seen throughout the project, aligning with the brand’s broader goal of building long-term resilience for the future. Etsy has developed its own standards for sustainable design that go beyond typical certifications, and by sourcing materials and furnishings locally, the project’s carbon footprint has been greatly reduced. By incorporating materials supplied by local businesses and artisans, the Gensler design team brought the brand to life in a unique and localised way.
The design incorporates biophilic elements, enhancing employees’ well-being by connecting them to nature and providing an engaging atmosphere for neurodivergent individuals. Natural materials, ample daylight, and indoor plants create a calming environment that supports mentaland physical health, whilst the terrace space provides a comfortable outdoor space where employees can recharge.
Etsy’s Dublin office is a shining example of how thoughtful design can create a space that reflects a company’s values and mission. By celebrating local craftsmanship with a nod to Irish culture, fostering community, and prioritising sustainability, Gensler delivered a workplace that supports Etsy’s business as a leading e-commerce brand and enriches the lives of its employees, its makers, and the local community.
Photography by Ruth Maria