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When the global accounting and advisory firm KPMG set out to build a world-class learning and innovation campus, it didn’t choose a financial capital like New York or a tech hub like San Francisco. Instead, it chose Lake Nona—a fast-growing community in Orlando with a reputation for embracing the future. The result is KPMG Lakehouse, a sleek, purpose-built facility that has redefined what corporate learning looks like and added a powerful new dimension to Lake Nona’s identity as a city of ideas.
KPMG Lakehouse officially opened in January 2020, but the story behind it goes back several years. The firm, one of the “Big Four” accounting companies in the world, recognized that the rapid pace of change in business and technology required a more agile, dynamic approach to workforce development. Traditional learning models weren’t enough. KPMG needed a place where its 35,000+ U.S. professionals could continually refresh their skills, share ideas across disciplines, and immerse themselves in hands-on, future-focused learning.
Instead of retrofitting an existing building or leasing space in a major metro area, KPMG made a bold choice: it would create its own campus from the ground up. Lake Nona, already home to Medical City and a growing number of tech-forward organizations, fit the bill perfectly. The community’s smart-city infrastructure, access to the Orlando International Airport, and alignment with health, innovation, and education made it a natural fit for the kind of experience KPMG envisioned.
The result was a $450 million investment in a state-of-the-art facility designed not just to teach but to inspire. The 780,000-square-foot campus was built on a 55-acre site and features 800 guest rooms, 90 learning and classroom spaces, and a massive innovation gallery that showcases emerging technologies and client case studies. The architecture blends modern materials, open-space concepts, and biophilic design that emphasizes wellness and focus. There are walking trails, outdoor meeting areas, fitness spaces, and curated art installations throughout the property—all intentionally designed to spark creativity and collaboration.
At the heart of the Lakehouse experience is what KPMG calls "purposeful learning." Employees don’t just attend seminars—they participate in immersive simulations, cross-functional problem-solving sessions, and leadership labs. Much of the learning is scenario-based, built around real-world challenges that KPMG professionals are likely to face in the field. The goal is not just to learn new skills, but to practice applying them in a safe, dynamic environment that encourages experimentation and adaptability.
The facility incorporates the latest in digital learning infrastructure. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, voice-activated assistants, and real-time data dashboards. Virtual and augmented reality tools are used in certain programs to simulate client environments and complex decision-making situations. Even the campus-wide app plays a role—it allows employees to customize their schedules, connect with peers, provide feedback, and track their progress over time.
One of the most unique features of Lakehouse is its commitment to connection. Every design element—from communal dining areas to flexible meeting zones—was created to encourage employees from different offices and disciplines to talk to one another. It’s not uncommon for a new hire from Denver to spend a week working on a case study alongside a senior partner from Atlanta or a technology consultant from San Francisco. These connections are intentional, and they’re part of KPMG’s larger strategy to build a more collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture across its U.S. network.
The campus is also designed with well-being in mind. It includes a full-service fitness center, healthy dining options, meditation areas, and outdoor fitness programming. Sleep science even influenced the design of the guest rooms, which feature blackout curtains, circadian-friendly lighting, and ergonomic furniture. The idea is that professionals learn better when they feel better—and that learning environments should support the whole person, not just the professional identity.
KPMG Lakehouse isn't just about internal training. It also serves as a strategic advantage in recruiting. For new hires and college graduates, the opportunity to learn in such an inspiring, future-forward environment can be a deciding factor. It shows that the company is serious about investing in its people—and about staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry. From a talent development perspective, the Lakehouse has become one of the most compelling features of KPMG’s employment brand.
The facility also plays a growing role in KPMG’s innovation strategy. In addition to learning, Lakehouse is used for testing new technologies, piloting service models, and hosting client events. It’s not unusual for the campus to host cross-industry innovation sprints, where clients, employees, and subject-matter experts work together to solve specific business challenges. These sessions often result in prototypes, pilot projects, or new service offerings that are deployed across the firm’s national network.
Lakehouse was only open for a few weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the company to temporarily suspend on-site learning. But the experience of having such a robust, well-designed facility ended up being an advantage. Much of the campus’s digital infrastructure was quickly leveraged to support virtual learning. Content, simulations, and learning journeys were adapted for online formats, and the lessons learned during the remote period are now being integrated into a hybrid model that blends in-person and virtual engagement.
In many ways, KPMG Lakehouse is a physical expression of where corporate learning is headed. It’s not just about sitting in a room and watching slides—it’s about connecting, experimenting, reflecting, and applying knowledge in ways that are meaningful and memorable. It’s about creating a culture of continuous learning and innovation—and providing the infrastructure to support that culture at scale.
From Lake Nona’s perspective, the arrival of KPMG was a major endorsement of the community’s long-term vision. It showed that a globally respected firm saw value not just in the land, but in the environment—the mix of talent, technology, design, and purpose that Lake Nona offers. KPMG’s investment brought jobs, visibility, and further momentum to the area, helping solidify its reputation as a destination for innovation-driven enterprise.
Looking ahead, KPMG has plans to expand the use of Lakehouse as a collaborative space. There is growing interest in using the facility to host multi-client workshops, industry roundtables, and leadership retreats. The firm is also exploring additional partnerships with local academic institutions, including UCF and the University of Florida, to support pipeline development and innovation research.
As of now, Lakehouse remains one of the only purpose-built corporate learning centers of its scale in the United States—and arguably the most modern. Its continued evolution will likely serve as a model for other companies looking to rethink how and where they invest in people development. It also ensures that Lake Nona remains not just a home for healthcare and research—but for the future of work itself.
In a world where learning, adaptation, and collaboration are increasingly central to business success, KPMG Lakehouse stands as both a strategic asset and a case study in what’s possible when a company decides to build for tomorrow rather than retrofit yesterday.
Visit their official site at: https://kpmg.com/us/en/capabilities-services/kpmg-innovation-services/lakehouse.html
