Gensler
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Overview

Rooted in Irish craft and culture, Etsy’s Dublin workplace transforms its “Keep Commerce Human” ethos into a vibrant, locally crafted environment.

Opportunity

Etsy wanted its new Dublin hub to reflect its global mission while creating a distinctly Irish workplace that supports creativity, connection and flexibility.

Gensler was challenged to create a Dublin hub that felt distinctly local while expressing Etsy’s global identity and “Keep Commerce Human” mission. The opportunity was to bring Irish culture and craftsmanship into the workplace, collaborating with local makers to create a space with genuine character and connection to place. At the same time, the design needed to support Etsy’s evolving ways of working, balancing focused work with collaboration, flexibility and community across a single-floor workplace.

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Why This Matters

  1. 01

    Bringing Etsy to Ireland

    Etsy needed a workplace that expressed its global identity through a distinctly Irish lens, creating an authentic connection to local culture, craft and community.

  2. 02

    Crafting A Sense of Community

    Working with local artisans gave Etsy an opportunity to celebrate the people and craftsmanship behind its platform, while creating a workplace rooted in genuine connection.

  3. 03

    Designing For Change

    As Etsy’s needs evolve, the workplace needed to remain useful and relevant. Adaptable furniture, flexible spaces and durable materials support long-term agility while reducing waste.

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Solution

The design puts making at the heart of the workplace, with local artisans shaping furniture, artwork and details that turn Etsy’s values into tangible experiences.

Gensler worked directly with Irish and British artisans to bring Etsy’s ethos to life through handcrafted furniture, artwork and detailing. The reception desk, shelving and workstations use locally sourced materials, while the library lounge features hand-knitted panels inspired by Aran sweaters. Native Irish leaves inform meeting-room wallpaper, while references to the Burren and Irish drystone walls appear throughout the detailing. Together, these elements create a layered sensory experience rooted in place, giving the workplace warmth, authenticity and a tangible connection to the people and traditions of Ireland.

Related Content

12.2K

Workplace Size · sqft

80%

Furniture and Finishes Sourced Within Ireland and the UK

LEED Gold/BER A2

Sustainability and Adaptability

From brief to build: how research into Irish landscapes, craft traditions and local making shaped a workplace where every material and detail tells a story.

Gensler began by exploring Ireland’s landscapes, craft traditions and the act of making, using these references to develop a material and spatial language for the workplace. Research into the Burren, native flora and Aran knitting informed patterns, textures and finishes, while collaboration with local artisans brought these ideas into physical form. The team worked with makers to develop bespoke furniture, artwork and details using locally sourced materials, creating a layered narrative that connects the workplace to its location and Etsy’s human-centred values.

Impact

The result is a workplace that makes Etsy’s values tangible, connecting people to Irish craft and culture while supporting collaboration, inclusion, sustainability and long-term adaptability.

The adaptable workplace supports different workstyles and collaboration, while 80% locally sourced furniture and finishes invest in regional craft, skills and independent makers.

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What Changed Because of This

  1. 01

    Workplace Experience

    Flexible zones, communal spaces and quiet areas give people greater choice, supporting collaboration, focus and different ways of working.

  2. 02

    Local Connection

    Working with local artisans makes Etsy’s community ethos tangible, celebrating Irish craftsmanship while investing in regional makers and strengthening the connection to place.

  3. 03

    Built For Change

    Reconfigurable furniture, durable materials and adaptable meeting spaces allow the workplace to evolve with Etsy’s needs while reducing waste and renovation cycles.

Megan Dobstaff

Celebrating the art of making shaped our approach, using local craftspeople and artisans to bring character, creativity and a genuine sense of place to Etsy’s Dublin workplace.

Megan DobstaffDesign Director, Principal

Recognition

01

Mix Interiors

Winner of the Mix Awards North 2024 – Project of the Year, Workplace Interiors 30-70k sq ft

02

Business Plus Ireland

Principal Megan Dobstaff explores how “celebrating the art of making” shaped the design of Etsy Dublin’s workplace.

03

Work Design Magazine

Feature on Gensler’s design approach to Etsy’s Dublin office, bringing the brand’s “Keep Commerce Human” mission to life.

FAQ

01

How large is Etsy’s Dublin workplace?

Etsy’s Dublin workplace spans 12,200 square feet on the top floor of a recently constructed building in Dublin.

02

What inspired the design?

The design draws on Ireland’s landscapes, craft traditions and the act of making, translating references such as the Burren and Aran knitting into materials, textures and patterns.

03

How does the design reflect Etsy’s brand?

Etsy’s “Keep Commerce Human” ethos is brought to life through collaborations with local artisans, with handcrafted furniture, artwork and details creating a workplace rooted in people, place and community.

04

How does the project address sustainability?

80% of furniture and finishes were sourced within Ireland and the UK, supporting the local economy, regional craftspeople and independent makers and artists.