Mathers McHenry & Co

Mathers McHenry & Co., a boutique executive employment law firm, is a recent addition to Toronto’s legal scene but is already making waves. It has made the Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Best Law Firms and founder Jennifer Mathers McHenry was named one of Toronto’s Top Lawyers by Post Media and Streets of Toronto.

When the firm secured its first space in Toronto’s Financial District, it sought an office design that would reflect its brand. The 6,500 sq.ft. space, previously occupied by another law firm, featured elements like faux mahogany paneling—deemed too stifling and traditionally corporate for Mathers McHenry & Co. The team partnered with local designers Bartlett & Associates Inc. to create a new environment that is supportive, welcoming, and inclusive.

The layout was opened up to encourage easy flow while maintaining varying levels of privacy. A soft palette of greens, blues, and yellows adds character and establishes a warm, refreshing aesthetic. At the heart of the space is a central multifunctional lounge and lobby area—designed to transition seamlessly from day meetings to evening cocktails for the firm’s A-list clients.

“Lighting is always a very important part of a project’s branding,” said Inger Bartlett, founder and president of Bartlett & Associates. “People associate lighting intuitively as part of the project because it provides a cohesive element and infuses character throughout the space.”

Bartlett selected a variety of Eureka Lighting luminaires to make a statement in the central lounge. The focal point is a Berri-Hexagonal fixture suspended over casual couches, chairs, and coffee tables. Its unique combination of tubes and luminous spheres adds industrial elegance. The fixture is white and is suspended with white aircraft cables, so it is both complementary and contrasting against the white ceiling.

“The ceiling is quite low in this space, and Berri’s aesthetic actually makes it look a lot higher than it is,” Bartlett explained. “It creates a very interesting light and unifies the area.”

Separated by an open shelving unit, the adjacent space features a high counter and barstools. Associates use the counter during the day to meet, work on laptops, or read, and it doubles as a buffet in the evening. Bartlett selected three Kizi luminaires—delicate pendants with soft, contemporary hand-blown glass.

“The Kizi luminaires are translucent—you see them, and they have their own character,” Bartlett said. “But when viewed from the counter area, they don’t detract from the lounge setting or the custom topiary mural on the opposite wall.”

Mill acoustic luminaires are suspended over two booths in the employee café. The 14” diameter fixtures are made of Silver Gray felt panels that absorb ambient noise; the panels’ vertical lines echo the graphic in the booth fabric below, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Each luminaire provides both direct and indirect light.

A Henri pendant is suspended over a client room table. Its soft lines add a soothing presence, while the black finish provides playful contrast against the green chairs and neighboring wall. A translucent diffuser ensures uniform illumination without glare, even at a low suspension height.

For maximum flexibility, all Eureka luminaires were specified with a tunable white LED and 0-10V dimming. This allows for lighting to seamlessly transition from workday bright to a softer hospitality atmosphere at night.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since Mathers McHenry opened its doors. Bartlett notes that many visitors are surprised when they walk in, because it doesn’t “feel” like a law firm. Even the architectural photographer hired to shoot the space commented on its fresh, zen quality.

“There were significant human requirements for this project, and Mathers McHenry needed space and lighting to support that,” Bartlett concluded. “Clients walking in for the first time, perhaps during a very stressful moment, feel comfortable. The firm’s associates work in a fresh, enjoyable environment. And visitors attending events appreciate the warm, hospitable aesthetic. It’s a win-win-win.”

Project Name: Mathers McHenry & Co.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Project Completion: December 2024
Interior Design: Bartlett & Associates
Eureka Agent: Acuity Brands GTA
Photographer: Tom Arban