Sachi: Best Commercial Design GOLD, Office Building – Wisma IJM

From high-end office spaces to luxury retail compositions, these award-winning works set new benchmarks in Malaysia’s unique design scene and its rising global influence

The winning projects at this year’s Designer of the Year Awards, commonly recognised as DOTY, are among Malaysia’s finest designs. In honouring and celebrating the works of leading visionaries, the platform has become the benchmark of excellence in the Malaysian and international design scene. With exceptional talent, these design studios are able to change the worlds that surround them into innovative spaces of being, living and breathing. Presenting — the recipients of the 15th installation of the DOTY Awards.

Gold Winner of DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design — Office Building

WISMA IJM by Sachi

In its own right, Wisma IJM stands as a nexus between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Located in the bustling heart of the satellite city, Wisma IJM’s recent redesign of its central nexus area is a striking example of how the principles of biophilic and human-centric design can seamlessly be integrated into creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply connected to the human experience.

The brainchild of Sachi, whose design ethos is rooted in creating vibrant & multicultural environments, this project was designed with a focus on health consciousness within a corporate workspace. Guided by the theme “Evergreen Nexus”, the team’s idea of an Open Indoor Garden Concept was formed to adapt a workspace sanctuary of innovation and well-being while ensuring a sustainable future. The concept blends natural elements with creativity and productivity into the contemporary Wisma IJM.

The team at Sachi also worked with the design philosophy of crafting a space that tells a story. With Wisma IJM, the team dived into the essence of nature, using Malaysia’s lush rainforests as a design inspiration and extracting minute details that can be integrated into the interiors. Aided by the advanced technology at their disposal, the team also drew inspiration from intricate patterns, textures and colors found in nature, combining and developing these elements into unique design features.

Biophilic roots run deep within the design concept, putting additional emphasis on the incorporation of natural elements into the built environment. This human-centric approach permeates every aspect of the workspace. From the strategic placement of air-purifying plants that enhance mood to the use of natural materials that evoke a sense of tranquility and connection, the design prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its occupants. The result is a workspace that feels organic, inviting and conducive to well-being.

One of the most striking features of Wisma IJM is the digital screen that spans across the lobby, displaying dynamic imagery inspired by the rainforest including lush greenery and a roaring waterfall. This screen, combined with the reflective mirror stainless steel surfaces, creates an immersive environment where the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors are beautifully blurred. The stretched membrane ceiling further amplifies this effect, mimicking the dappled light of a forest canopy, and adding a soft, organic touch to the space.

By seamlessly blending biophilic design principles with innovative technology, Sachi has created an environment that nurtures the well-being of its occupants while fulfilling the functional requirements to create a workspace that fosters a thriving and harmonious atmosphere.

From the thoughtful integration of natural elements, such as air-purifying plants and the use of sustainable materials to the innovative use of technology, Sachi’s commitment to a thoughtfully designed workspace shows that Wisma IJM can become a haven where creativity, productivity and human connection flourish within nature.