Axiom Workplaces partnered with a leading national wealth management organisation to transform its Melbourne head office. Spanning two floors and approximately 2000 sqm at the prestigious 171 Collins Street, Axiom delivered a holistic solution encompassing workplace strategy, design, project management, and construction for this significant commercial office fitout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Three options were considered: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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eftsure assists organisations in securely processing vendor payments through advanced software that automates ongoing monitoring of outgoing transactions offering solutions to combat payment fraud, streamline vendor onboarding processes, and ensure the precision of vendors' banking and compliance information.
When eftsure moved into their new office, they found themselves faced with a layout that didn't align with their vision for fostering collaboration and team dynamics. The existing configuration featured large, enclosed offices, which they felt hindered communication and camaraderie among team members. Eftsure engaged Axiom for Design and Construction Delivery to recreate the space and utilise existing materials.
Axiom's design team worked closely with eftsure to understand their needs and desires for the space. Repurposing the existing materials and furniture allowed them to achieve the new layout at a cheaper cost per square metre, whilst meeting ESG framework goals. The focal point of the redesign was the creation of a spacious breakout area, perfect for team collaboration, casual catch-ups, and fostering a sense of community. The new space incorporated vibrant colors and playful elements to inspire creativity and innovation whilst providing a canvas for their visual branding.
During the planning phase, careful consideration was given to the transitional period as eftsure finalised the lease for their new premises. The Axiom team maintained close communication, ensuring readiness for construction once the lease was secured. Collaboration between the Design and Tech teams was paramount to preempt any conflicts in project deliverables, including cost breakdowns, documentations, and construction timelines.
Once eftsure confirmed their new site, they opted for an office space that already had a fully furnished fitout in place. However, their working methodology necessitated a reimagining and readjustment of the space, existing furniture, services, and utilities. This involved re-planning the existing workstations to accommodate more work points for increased efficiency, while also retaining and repurposing parts of the existing built zone.
Additionally, a new built zone was seamlessly integrated within the existing fitout to cater to their need for VC calls, including the creation of 18 single-person quiet rooms. The carpet was repurposed and rearranged to align with the new design, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious workspace. Specific attention was given to separating business groups and adjacencies without closing off the floor plate, emphasising the importance of a collaborative breakout space for eftsure's staff to utilise daily and for larger gatherings. Furthermore, new offices and a boardroom with VC capabilities were incorporated into the design to meet their evolving needs and facilitate effective communication within the workspace.
The office space at eftsure truly embodies the epitome of an A-grade workplace, boasting an expansive 40,000sqm of light-filled space designed with sustainability at its core. Features such as low-temperature Variable Air Volume (VAV), rainwater recycling, and the use of low embodied energy materials have contributed to achieving a stellar 6 Star NABERS energy rating. Additionally, the office holds impressive credentials including a 5 Star Green Star Office As Built rating, a 5 Star Green Star Office Design rating, and a 5 Star NABERS water rating, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
As visitors and team members step into the office, they are welcomed by the striking eftsure 3D logo elegantly displayed in the lift lobby.
The office entrance is strategically designed to maximize natural light, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere that immediately that connects the expansive breakout area with people arriving to this floor level. The color palette of their office was carefully curated, drawing inspiration from the existing layout while adding vibrant furniture pieces and a touch of homely charm with an array of lush plants.
The new breakout area is a space that attracts the team to the office and provides a comfortable, fun and homely environment. The expansive open-plan breakout area stands out as a highlight of the newly designed office space, offering a diverse range of seating options, from cozy lounges to communal lunch tables and sleek high tables. Lush greenery is strategically placed throughout the area, creating a serene and inviting ambiance. Two conveniently placed televisions and vibrant bean bag lounges add a playful touch to the space, while a designated games area featuring a ping pong table, shuffleboard, and a vintage popcorn machine sets the stage for lively social gatherings in the workplace. This vibrant and dynamic breakout area aligns perfectly with the goal of fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for team members to thrive.
The workstations were carefully repositioned within the new office layout to create a more collaborative and efficient workspace for Eftsure's team members. Placed in a centrally accessible location near amenities and meeting rooms, the workstations were strategically arranged to promote seamless communication and easy access to resources. This thoughtful repositioning included the strategic placement of each team being mindful of their adjacencies - loud groups (marketing/sales) vs quiet focus groups (HR and finance etc). This not only maximised the use of space but also enhanced the overall functionality of the work environment, ensuring a conducive area to focus and collaborate effectively.
For smaller meetings and huddles, the office provides well-equipped meeting rooms. These rooms are equipped with the latest technology to connect with remote meeting attendees, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. The size of the rooms is perfect for intimate discussions and private meetings, creating a conducive environment for focused work.
