Schindler
When Schindler Australia partnered with Axiom to design and deliver their new Sydney headquarters,...
Axiom's Sydney studio transformation was driven by our collective vision to create an inspiring workplace that truly reflects who we are, our culture, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
We set out to design a space that elevates collaboration, transparency, and performance while fostering a deep sense of pride and connection among our team. This new environment not only embodies the design excellence we deliver to our clients but also sets a new benchmark for the workplaces of the future.
For years, we’ve focused on creating exceptional workplaces for our clients, while our own Sydney studio at 6 O’Connell Street remained largely unchanged. Despite its prime location, the space no longer supported our growing team, our progressive identity or the creativity we bring to every project.
It was time to reimagine our own workplace, not just as a place to work, but as a living example of our design philosophy.
Before design commenced, we leveraged our own proprietary wrkx INDEX™ tool to capture insights from the entire team. The survey revealed clear priorities:
These findings created an evidence-based foundation that informed the design strategy. Combined with leadership’s vision, we set a bold, future-focused direction for the refurbishment, one that would authentically embody Axiom’s values of innovation, transparency, and hospitality.
The project was guided by three core objectives:
Transparency & Openness - Create a workplace that communicates Axiom’s culture immediately upon arrival.
Collaboration & Flexibility - Enable finance, design, marketing, and sales teams to interact fluidly within a barrier-free environment.
Experience & Identity - Incorporate materials and colours aligned with Axiom’s brand palette, while fostering a homely, welcoming atmosphere for both employees and clients.
Our new Sydney studio is bright, welcoming, and connected filled with natural light and greenery. Every detail was designed to enhance collaboration, wellbeing, and the overall experience for our team and clients.
Key design features include:
A spacious breakout hub with greenery and flexible seating, doubling as a venue for town halls, client events, and daily collaboration.
A hybrid-enabled boardroom with operable glass walls that open into the breakout space.
Advanced AV technology with wide-format screens, ceiling microphones, and AI-powered cameras for seamless hybrid meetings.
A dedicated design library with standing benches, display cabinetry, and generous project storage.
A mix of workstations, focus pods, and acoustically treated meeting rooms to support different work styles.
Smart desk and room booking systems, including Calven Desk Booking, for efficient space management.
The reconfigured floor plan promotes flow and inclusivity, while a lighter palette creates an open, modern atmosphere that reflects our progressive identity. Featuring earthy tones of terracotta, olive, and sage, the palette reinforces our brand while reclaimed terrazzo, natural stone, and powder-coated metals showcase our commitment to sustainability, comfort, and durability.
The once narrow entrance has been transformed into an open, inviting threshold with clear sightlines that convey transparency and connection throughout the space.
The refurbishment has created a tangible cultural shift across our studio:
Streamlined Construction & Delivery
For Senior Site Manager, the project was especially rewarding:
“The best part was knowing I get to enjoy the space myself. Normally I hand projects over to clients, but this one is ours,” he reflected.
Delivering the studio came with several challenges:
" The light, uplifting colour palette and expansive breakout space, enriched with vibrant greenery, elevate the overall workplace experience. These thoughtful design elements foster easier connection among team members and enhance day-to-day enjoyment of the space, driving stronger employee satisfaction and engagement. "
Our refurbished Sydney studio is a future-ready, resimercial workplace that embodies our brand and vision. Designed for both functionality and inspiration, it allows our team to thrive, clients to connect, and visitors to experience Axiom’s design expertise firsthand.
Employees immediately felt the impact of the transformation:
“My favourite part of the office is the breakout space, it’s a great spot to decompress and connect with colleagues.”
“The new colour scheme and openness make it so much brighter and more inviting compared to before.”
“The abundance of meeting rooms has been a game-changer, it’s easier to focus, take calls, and keep the office calm.”
These reflections capture how the studio meets our team’s needs while creating a more collaborative and welcoming environment. The result is a workplace we’re proud of one that showcases our culture of transparency, collaboration, and innovation, and sets the stage for Axiom’s next chapter.
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The Design
The key design themes - Authentic, Inquisitive, Engaging - serve as the foundation for the transformative design elements implemented in this workspace. The hospitality aspects of PIP's Sydney office fitout underscore the organisation's commitment to creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where employees can socialize and work harmoniously with their coworkers. By driving purpose and innovation through colocation, PIP leverages its office design to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.
The new workspace embraces the principles of biophilia, and the integration of lush greenery and natural elements. Not only did this beautify the outdoor space but also significantly expanded the breakout and function areas, creating a harmonious connection with nature.
Furthermore, strategic changes in floor finishes have been carefully curated to guide visual pathways throughout the workspace, enhancing the flow and functionality of the environment. The emphasis on natural light not only benefits the well-being of the staff but also adds a sense of warmth and vitality to the space, with the built environment thoughtfully positioned against solid walls to optimize exposure.
In addition, the inclusion of a wellness space, equipped with amenities such as a fridge and an occasional armchair, caters to the diverse needs of the employees, providing a dedicated area for activities like prayer, meditation, and relaxation. The arrivals area has been thoughtfully designed to exude a sense of welcome and inclusivity, achieved through strategic zoning and the selective use of timber ceiling panels upon entry, setting the tone for a positive and inviting work environment.
The Outcome
Axiom truly excelled in maximizing the functionality of the limited floor space available through innovative and thoughtful space planning techniques. By incorporating softer curves and angles into the design, they were able to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic, balancing out the building's rectilinear structure. This design choice not only enhanced the visual appeal but also helped to clearly define the different areas within the workspace, from open workspaces to meeting rooms and breakout areas, using a clever combination of colours and textures.
Moreover, the creation of a versatile collaborative zone in the breakout space showcased Axiom's commitment to creating dynamic and multifunctional work environments. This space not only served as a town hall or presentation area but also doubled as a communal meal space, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among employees. Its strategic location near the large balcony further enhanced its functionality, allowing for seamless transitions between indoor meetings and outdoor gatherings, ultimately promoting the social well-being and connectivity of the staff. Axiom's attention to detail and focus on creating spaces that cater to both practical needs and social interactions truly set them apart in the world of design.
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