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

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.

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.

Key Objectives of eftsure's Workplace Design

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.

Planning & Design

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.

Building Information

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.

ESG Framework

• All furniture from the existing fit out was repurposed.
• Lighting fixtures were reused.
• The carpet flooring was recycled.
• Kitchen appliances and fittings were repurposed.
• Doors dismantled during demolition were repurposed.
• Utility cabinets and main storage cabinets were reused in the new design.

New Office Entry

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.

New Breakout Area

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.

Repurposed Workstations

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.

New Meeting Rooms

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.

Kingston Reid is Australia’s largest specialist workplace firm with a national focus, international reach and a global outlook. A highly experienced organisation in their field, Kingston Reid advise and support Australian and multi-national corporate clients.

Kingston Reid wanted to support their team and clients with an updated office design. They needed new technology for a better in office experience and a variety of focus and collaboration work areas - all with a sleek design that encompassed their brand.  They engaged Axiom for a complete methodology offering, commencing with workplace strategy using the wrkxTM INDEX.

Key Objectives of the New Workplace Design

Kingston Reid engaged with Axiom's full methodology to develop a new workplace strategy and design to support their employees. 
We commenced the workplace strategy journey with an objective setting workshop with some of Kingston Reid’s leadership team, here we determined the following objectives for the project: 

1. Enhance the client experience: Connect through technology and polish the reception area with a welcoming feel.

2. Enable Staff Productivity: Provide a variety of workspaces in the office including separate focus and social spaces along with upgraded        technology and equipment.

3. Purposeful Choices: Future proof the space to accommodate for future growth and take into consideration the circular economy and ISO.

Key findings from the wrkxTM INDEX

All staff were invited to participate in the wrkxTM INDEX survey, they were asked to rank the importance of 21 design elements in their future office space.

The top 3 included:

1. Access to technology and equipment for staff to perform their roles.
2. Focus areas for individual work.
3. Areas for private conversations.

In addition, staff reported their top 3 most used spaces were Focus Areas, Huddle Areas and Social Areas. 

The strategy phase highlighted the need for individual focused work, private conversational spaces, and access to technology. The valuable insights gathered from the wrkxTM INDEX survey were seamlessly integrated into the new office design, guaranteeing that the final outcome not only met but exceeded the essential needs of Kingston Reid's staff. By prioritising their wellbeing and productivity, the revamped design truly transformed the workspace into an environment that nurtures and inspires.

Planning & Design

The Axiom interior designers carefully considered every detail of the office design, and the project team efficiently delivered the project to provide Kingston Reid with a sleek and modern office that embodies professionalism and efficiency.

The planning phase took into account the importance of maintaining the existing offices, which resulted in limited natural light for the open work area. However, to address this issue, a spacious breakout area was strategically created on the building's facade. By repurposing existing spaces, the project significantly reduced demolition waste and provided an opportunity to minimise the purchase of new materials. Only the flooring, FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), and lighting were newly acquired. In addition, the office design incorporated the reuse of boardroom furniture and other soft furnishings, further contributing to the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the project.

The finished office is a testament to Kingston Reid's commitment to creating a workplace that not only meets the needs of their team and clients but also reflects their values and brand.

Reception

Upon entering the office, clients and team members are greeted by the impressive Kingston Reid 3D logo mounted on a stunning wooden feature wall. The logo is complemented by a contemporary drop light, creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the space.

The front of the house is positioned to maximise natural light whilst creating a sense of privacy and intimacy upon entering. Kingston Reid's brand heavily influenced the calming colour palette throughout the design, with artwork from Art Bank injecting life into the space. It is clear that the aim was to create a polished and efficient space that reflects the caliber of Kingston Reid. The use of technology streamlines the arrival process, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors. 

Kitchen

One of the highlights of the new office design is the inclusive and welcoming kitchen space. With convenient appliances and a layout that encourages interaction, the kitchen is not only a functional area for team lunches but also a social hub where employees can connect and collaborate. The open layout takes full advantage of the city views and natural light, creating an enticing space for breaks and informal meetings.

Adjacent to the kitchen, a variety of comfortable seating options provide a casual environment for breakouts and informal discussions. This collaborative seating area enables staff to connect and foster a relaxed social vibe away from the more focused work areas.

Boardroom

The boardroom is another standout feature of the finished office, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for virtual meetings. Vibrant artworks adorn the walls, complementing the soft color palette and adding a touch of creativity to the space. The size of the room and the availability of different seating options allow for quality client interactions, with ample space for large catered meetings.

In line with the objective of fostering a more inclusive environment for collaboration, the boardroom offers a choice of seating options. A strategically placed bench seat along the back wall provides convenience and comfort, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included in discussions.

Meeting Rooms

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.

Nearmap  Reduces their Workspace at Barangaroo Towers

Nearmap engaged Axiom for a workplace transformation to reduce their office space as a result of their 2022 hybrid work policy. Located in Barangaroo Sydney, they occupied 2 floors of the building and wanted to consolidate this to 1 floor. Axiom used their unique integrated methodology to deliver;

1. Workplace Strategy using the wrkx INDEX
2. Workplace Design
3. Workplace Construction Delivery

In this video, Nearmap talks about the experience of working with Axiom and the workplace transformation.