Axiom Workplaces partnered with a leading national wealth management organisation to deliver a transformative relocation fitout for its Melbourne head office. Previously situated within the building’s heritage section, the client recognised the need for an expanded, future-focused workspace that could better support their growing team. The former office layout, comprised of isolated work zones, hindered collaboration and limited connectivity among departments, resulting in inefficiencies and impacting productivity. In addition to requiring a more cohesive layout, the client sought to modernise the environment with advanced technology and a contemporary aesthetic that authentically reflected their brand.
Axiom’s solution included the relocation of the organisation to two newly leased floors within the same building at the prestigious 171 Collins Street address—spanning approximately 2,000 sqm. Our team provided an end-to-end delivery incorporating workplace strategy, interior design, project management, and construction, ensuring a holistic and highly tailored commercial office fitout aligned with the client’s business objectives.
The office resides in an iconic Melbourne building blending heritage and modernity. With its Romanesque Revival façade and a striking 18-storey glass tower designed by Bates Smart, the space offers a sense of legacy alongside contemporary features. Premium amenities include:
Before initiating design, Axiom facilitated workshops with leadership and employees, to uncover organisational objectives.
Key outcomes included:
The design prioritises collaboration, functionality, and cultural resonance:
See below the design concepts shown in renders for the breakout area, boardroom, reception and client arrival space.
Axiom engaged local Melbourne artist Joe Blundell to create two large artworks for the new reception area. The client transitioned from the older section of this historic landmark to a new office space within the same building. Axiom requested Joe to capture the essence of the facade as a tribute to their time in that beloved space, focusing on the windows where many team members had worked. The architectural details are depicted through representations of a summer and an autumn tree. These two remarkable pieces now grace the reception and entry of the completed workplace, visually conveying the culture and sophisticated charm of the client's history for all to appreciate.
This high-detail project, executed under tight timelines, overcame several complexities:
The project embedded sustainability at every stage:
The finished space embodies sophistication and purpose:
The project is distinguished by its comprehensive design approach, effortlessly blending functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The design encourages collaboration while honoring the site's heritage, with custom art pieces highlighting the organisation’s cultural connections to Melbourne. Innovation is showcased through cutting-edge technology solutions and acoustic treatments that focus on employee well-being. The project’s use of ESG-compliant materials and locally sourced furnishings represents exemplary sustainability practices. This combination of forward-thinking design and client-focused solutions results in a unique, future-ready workplace. This transformation exemplifies Axiom’s expertise in delivering tailored workplace strategies and commercial office fitouts that align with client values and business objectives.
Photos taken by Shannon McGrath