Inspiration For your Future Workplace

Seqwater is a Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority responsible for delivering safe, secure, and cost-effective bulk water supply to over three million people across Southeast Queensland. In addition to providing essential flood mitigation services, Seqwater manages catchment health, offers community recreation facilities, and supplies water for irrigation to approximately 1,200 farmers across seven water supply schemes. As one of the largest water businesses, Seqwater boasts the most geographically spread and diverse asset base of any capital city water authority in Australia, with operations extending from the New South Wales border to the base of the Toowoomba ranges.

The Project

Seqwater engaged Axiom Workplaces to undertake comprehensive strategy, design, construction, and project management for the office fitouts at several of their locations. The project began with an extensive business strategy focusing on both operational and corporate staff across multiple Seqwater sites and offices in Queensland. This strategic groundwork was pivotal in defining the design and construction approach for their tier-one sites, including the office at 200 Creek Street, Brisbane.

Strategic Insights

The initial strategy phase included a thorough understanding of Seqwater’s core functions, emergency accommodation guidelines, leadership accommodation strategy, projected staffing numbers, and consultations with Seqwater Facilities Management leaders. This detailed planning enabled the development of a master roadmap and space budgets for four key locations, ensuring each office met specific functional requirements.

Design & Sustainability

The design of Level 2 at 200 Creek Street, Brisbane, marked our first construction project based on the strategic work completed. The floor was designated for external client and partner meetings, training sessions, and a project space. Adapting Seqwater’s existing design style guide, Axiom modernised the space while maintaining coherence with the other Seqwater floors within the building. The design highlighted Seqwater’s operations and facilities through carefully selected glazing graphics, artifacts, and artworks.

Given the previous fit-out was relatively new, we focused on sustainability by retaining and repurposing existing elements where feasible. Key sustainable practices included:

• 67.5% retention of existing ceilings, covering 513m² (247m² removed or changed).
• 61% retention of existing joinery, with 8 out of 13 joinery items retained or repurposed.
• 37% retention of existing carpet, preserving spaces including the project area, a 12-person meeting room, and two 6-person meeting rooms.
• 16% of the floorplate retained in its original built form, including the kitchen/breakout area and meeting rooms.

Project Management

The Results

Seqwater expressed high satisfaction with the completed project, awarding Axiom a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 9/10. They commended the team for being collaborative, responsive, and for fully understanding the brief. The client's confidence in Axiom’s delivery was underscored by the emphasis on sustainable practices, as the project maximised the reuse and repurposing of existing built forms and joinery.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the Seqwater office fitout at 200 Creek Street, Brisbane, is a testament to Axiom Workplaces' ability to deliver comprehensive workplace solutions to suit a variety of industries. Our strategic approach, commitment to sustainability, and effective project management ensured a seamless transformation that supports Seqwater’s operational needs and reflects their values.

Photography Credit: Anthony Fretwell

Axiom Workplaces and Greenbox Architects collaborated with Slater & Gordon on the transformation of their Melbourne head office. Slater & Gordon, a prominent Australian consumer law firm, relocated to 530 Collins Street, spanning 3 floors and approximately 4000 sqm. Greenbox provided the design, while Axiom managed the project and construction of the new workplace.

The project is for a leading Victorian government department, based in a heritage-rich building in the Melbourne metropolitan region. They engaged Axiom Workplaces for Strategy, Interior Design and Construction implementation of their new workplace fit out.

Jacobs is a global engineering and consultancy firm with hundreds of offices across the world. Jacobs provides a vast range of professional services including engineering, technical, professional and construction delivery, as well as scientific and speciality consulting across clients globally, private companies and government agencies. By partnering with Axiom the construction of their Melbourne office in Flinders Street was successfully delivered.

Established in March 1975 as Defence Force Credit Union Limited (Defcredit), Defence Bank has since rebranded to its current name in 2012. With the highest number of on-base branches nationwide, Defence Bank continues to serve the Australian community with dedication and excellence.

Kearney, a premier global management consulting firm with a workforce of over 5,700 individuals across 40 countries, collaborates with more than 75% of the Fortune Global 500, along with influential governmental and nonprofit organisations.

Nestled in a historic building within the vibrant Rocks area, offering stunning views of the iconic Opera House, Kearney's Sydney office embarked on a journey to revitalise its space in line with global design guidelines and to support a future focused and dynamic strategic approach. With a focus on enhancing employee engagement and bringing them back to the workplace, they partnered with Axiom for a comprehensive approach encompassing workplace strategy, design, and construction delivery.

Key Objectives of the New Workplace Design

Axiom Workplaces were engaged by Kearney to develop a workplace strategy to inform a new workplace model that support's Kearney’s business strategy. A comprehensive workplace strategy included detailed description of the physical environment, technology and behaviour's required to support the preferred workplace model, the area required, a strategy for managing any required change and a supporting business case.

Workplace Strategy

At the time Axiom were engaged for strategy, Kearney was leasing a whole floor in the MCA with a lease renewal option approximately 16 months after. While the space was fitted out to contemporary standards it was almost 10 years old. The workplace was in need of an update to align with Kearney’s current business requirements.

Kearney had a significant growth target, including head count growth and any new or refitted space needed to accommodate growth and Kearney’s AV requirements. Other key objectives for the new space identified a need for improved client experience, technology, value for money, multifunctional, ESG and create an inviting, relaxed corporate feel.

Below are Kearney's Key Objectives:

1. Client Experience - Drive Better connections, provide a tailored hospitable experience, have a relaxed corporate environment.
2. Technology - Intuitive, mobile, connected and secure, seamless experience.
3. Financial - Value for money and benchmarked, right sized.
4. Workplace/Physical - Adaptable, multifunctional, non hierarchical and appropriate for task, sustainable and ethical, improve business efficiencies, combination of premium and informal spaces.
5. Organisational Culture - Lead with space that people want to be in, enable flexibility, collaboration, energy, communication and wellbeing, encourage connections.

Our strategy and test fits assisted Kearney in narrowing down the best option. Kearney made a well-informed choice to remain in their current location and renovate the space to align with their objectives.

Planning & Design

During the planning phase, the key objectives outlined in the strategy phase were carefully considered to design an office that not only aligns with Kearney's updated brand guidelines but also enhances employee engagement, fosters a sense of community, and uplifts the company culture. The new office layout features multiple collaboration areas and a spacious breakout space that offers abundant natural light and views of Circular Quay and the Opera House from an open balcony. A light color palette and strategic placement of biophilic elements throughout the office create an inviting and relaxed corporate ambiance. By incorporating the reuse of existing furniture and making modifications to existing joinery while retaining the current carpet, the project not only promotes sustainability but also proves to be cost-effective.

Breakout Area

The Breakout area feature's an equipped kitchen, ideal for team members to grab a coffee, prepare lunch, or engage in casual conversations at the communal bench. Next to the kitchen, you'll find a brightly lit open area adorned with charming booths surrounded by vibrant greenery. Tables and chairs are strategically placed for indulging in meals, snacks, or engaging in delightful social gatherings. Accessible through opening doors at the back is a balcony offering breathtaking views of the Opera House, creating the perfect setting for Friday afternoon socials or entertaining clients in style.

Collaboration Area 1

This cozy breakout space offers comfortable circular bench seating, ideal for small to medium open meetings. Situated conveniently near the kitchen, it serves as a perfect spot for casual collaborations. With ample natural light and an open layout, this area creates a welcoming atmosphere for staff to connect and engage in productive discussions.

Collaboration Area 2

Nestled at the far end of the office near the workstations, you'll find a high table and chairs perfect for impromptu huddles and meetings. A cleverly positioned dividing wall provides privacy for those focused at their desks while still inviting collaboration from others in the open space. Additionally, lockers are conveniently available for staff to store their belongings in this versatile area.

Meeting Rooms

For intimate gatherings and brainstorming sessions, the office offers fully equipped meeting rooms. These spaces are outfitted with cutting-edge technology to facilitate seamless connections with remote participants, promoting smooth communication and collaboration. The room sizes are tailored for private discussions and productive meetings, fostering an environment conducive to focused work. Adjacent to the meeting rooms, you'll find a stylish bench paired with a decorative bookshelf, accentuated with lush greenery. This cozy nook serves as the perfect spot for impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics in the workspace.

Boardroom

The boardroom stands out as a focal point in the revamped office space, including the upgraded technology needed for virtual meetings and presentations. A vibrant piece of artwork adorns the wall, harmonising with the light color scheme and injecting a dose of creativity into the environment. The impressive boardroom table accommodates large gatherings and offers a breathtaking view of Sydney's iconic Circular Quay and the Opera House, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.

Workspaces 1

The workstations are strategically placed in a well-lit setting to promote focus and productivity. With walls and well-positioned cupboards creating a sense of privacy, sound-insulated phone booths nearby allow for seamless phone conversations without disrupting workflow or colleagues. Adding to the overall wellness and wellbeing of the workspace, a variety of plants are strategically placed in the area, enhancing the work environment.

Workplace 2

Incorporating biophilic elements into the office design was a key aspect of creating a welcoming and healthy workspace at Kearney's Sydney office. From the moment employees and clients step into the space, they are greeted by an array of plants strategically placed throughout the office. These green elements not only add a touch of nature but also improve air quality, reduce stress, and increase productivity. The presence of biophilic design elements, such as potted plants, and wooden office furniture, helps to connect individuals with nature and create a sense of calm and well-being in the workplace. This integration of biophilia not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also promotes a positive and energizing environment for all who enter.