Description:

Located on the ground floor of a distinctive new commercial building in Hamilton East, the brief was to design an elegant and sophisticated new work environment for a leading IT firm that had outgrown its previous home, requiring a more adaptable and social space for its agile team.

Our overall strategy established a timeless and enduring aesthetic that accentuated the base build features of an exposed structure and ceilings, large portal window apertures and a double height foyer entrance space that connected to the main work floor via a terracotta staircase. Key areas of the work environment have been defined by soft drapes, adaptable greenery screens a range of meeting spaces that cater to the clients flexible work strategy.

Core to the client brief was a public street-facing, social foyer space that could be used for morning coffees, team wide presentations, client events and as a quiet place for prospect and refuge away from the main work station zones. The generous space features furniture and drapes that can be reconfigured to host town hall type gatherings of up to 70 people and has become an important connecting point for the organisation to build a sense of belonging and culture.

Interior finishes are harmonious with the terracotta base tile and bring a warm, inviting feel to all spaces. A commitment to quality and craftsmanship has been applied to all of the touchpoints demonstrating a value for embodying a meticulous attention to detail.

As IT specialists with a remote work force, each meeting area had to incorporate and demonstrate state of the art audio visual integration. Bespoke furniture and cabinetry were tailored specifically for this and ensure the team can collaborate effortlessly with teams and clients across Aotearoa.

In a cultural moment where work from home is becoming the norm for IT firms, this work environment shifts the function of “the office” to be a place that fosters a sense of belonging, creates opportunities for social connection and offers its users the flexibility they need for a healthy workplace.