Aikido Security, Ghent

Before photo Aikido Security new office in Ghent designed by Space Refinery

After photo Aikido Security new office in Ghent by Space Refinery

Team size

60 workspots

Industry

Cybersecurity software

Objectives

Enhance productivity with flexible a workspace and support the team’s evolving needs

Space

Size: 913 m2

Location: Ghent

Year: 2025

Red bar area in Aikido Security new office in Ghent designed and built by Space Refinery

Aikido’s new workspace reflects the bold, energetic spirit of their team and supports their journey as a fast-growing tech scale-up. The design blends focused work zones with vibrant communal areas in a minimalist, Japanese-inspired style. Every detail was crafted to create a dynamic environment where people can collaborate, celebrate, and innovate.

Top 3 priorities

Create a flexible workspace that evolves with a rapidly growing team
Support a unique company culture and an ambitious growth path
Balance deep focus with collaborative energy

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Look & feel

Modern, with retro-Japanese influence

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Special touches

Striking bar area with a custom light box spelling “Aikido” in Japanese
Bold color accents to energize and define key areas
Custom-built communal table for team lunches, rituals, and events
Natural materials like rattan to bring warmth and texture, inspired by traditional Japanese design

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Tailored spaces

Custom bar for celebrations and team gatherings
Dual-kitchen setup: a back-of-house kitchen for catering, plus an open kitchen for daily team use
Dedicated gong niche for sales celebrations
Color-blocked lounge areas for informal meetings or focused individual work

Aikido Security helps developers keep their code safe from real threats. Their platform scans code, cuts out the noise, and explains issues in plain language. Developers can fix what matters, faster, and get back to building great software - without the security headaches.

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The Context

Imagine a fast-growing startup moving into its very first office, bringing big dreams, momentum, and constant change. Aikido Security wanted a space that captured their bold company culture through the lens of minimalist yet daring Japanese design.

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The team was scaling so quickly that they moved in while we were still designing. Their real-time feedback shaped the space week by week, allowing us to adjust layouts, functions, and flows based on how the team actually worked.

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Instead of slowing us down, these creative constraints pushed us to deliver faster, smarter, tailor-made solutions. The result was a workspace that evolved naturally alongside the people it was built for.

High table for meetings in Aikido Security new office in Ghent by Space Refinery

Gong area in Aikido Security new office in Ghent by Space Refinery

The Outcome

Walking into Aikido’s office today, you feel their culture immediately. The workspace has become a living ecosystem that grows with the team and adapts to their rhythms.

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The custom communal table transformed lunch into a daily ritual that brings everyone together. Japanese-inspired wallpapers tie all meeting rooms into one cohesive story. A lush indoor plant jungle boosts well-being and adds natural calm. The vibrant red bar has quickly become the heart of celebrations and after-work gatherings.

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Carefully placed color accents animate different work modes:

Bold reds for collaboration
Calming greens for focus
Soft pinks for slower, restorative moments

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Aikido’s new office amplifies their culture, supports their growth trajectory, and gives them a real advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.