The Norwegian Tax Administration, Lillehammer – "A good place to be – a good place to learn"
In December 2025, the Norwegian Tax Administration's Lillehammer office moved into newly renovated premises with room for around 125 employees. The goal has been clear from the start: to create a workplace that employees enjoy, and that strengthens the professional community and sense of togetherness.
A good place to learn
The ambition for the project has been "A good place to be – a good place to learn." This is reflected in everything from the floor plan to the choice of furniture. Employees have free choice of workspace, and the premises combine an open landscape, meeting rooms, a social zone, and multi-purpose rooms with varied furnishings – so that everyone can find the way of working that best suits the task at hand, whether that means quiet and concentration or collaboration and professional exchange.
"We have placed great emphasis on creating modern and functional premises that help strengthen our sense of community and the strong professional environments we have here," says Tonje Holten from the Norwegian Tax Administration's project group.
Local roots in colour choices and design
An interior architect from IARK has been involved in the project, and it shows in the details. The colour concept is well thought out and varies according to how the areas are used: in workrooms and multi-purpose rooms, the colour palette is inspired by the theme "calm in the snow-covered forest," while the social zone draws on "the warm, cosy living room."
Local roots and inspiration have been important in the design, and both GU and Ment have served as references in the work of giving the premises a local character. The premises come across as modern, welcoming, and thoroughly considered.
Reuse and repurposing take centre stage
Environmental impact and resource use have also been part of the project. Rather than buying everything new, emphasis was placed on reusing existing furnishings and furniture such as office chairs, chairs, sofas, and art. Furniture was reupholstered with fabrics from GU, and has now been given new life in the social zone. The reupholstered furniture fits with the Tax Administration's chosen colour palette and makes the pieces feel new again.
"It's both good economy and good for the environment to reuse what we already have, rather than buying everything new," says Tonje. Many of the pieces of furniture we no longer had a use for were given away locally.
The move and refurbishment were led by Johannes Snilstveit, who worked with a local project team. The result is premises that both employees and management are proud to show off – a place intended to support both a sense of community at work and professional development in the years to come.