Qualitas - Melbourne

Qualitas, a prominent alternative real estate investment management firm in Australia, was relocating to a new office at the esteemed 101 Collins Street. The 1,130m² space on Level 41 required a complete fit out. Qualitas engaged Axiom Workplaces to deliver a comprehensive workplace transformation—spanning strategy, interior design, and construction. The objective was to create a workspace that embodies Qualitas’ identity as high-performance investment managers, enabling agility, collaboration, and employee wellbeing.

At the heart of the transformation was Intelligent Innovation—a strategic design philosophy reflecting the organisation’s forward-looking culture and commitment to excellence. The new workplace was envisioned to:

• Energise people through dynamic, wellbeing-focused environments

• Strengthen proximity by enhancing team connection and spatial flow

• Support the ongoing pursuit of new opportunities with adaptable, future-ready spaces

   

The Building, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne

Located in Melbourne’s Paris End, this premium-grade commercial tower combines timeless design with state-of-the-art sustainability and amenities.

Sustainability Highlights

• Net Zero Target by 2025 with NABERS Carbon Neutral Certification
• 100% Electric-Powered, including a high-efficiency 3.2MW heat pump HVAC system
• 4.5-Star NABERS Waste Rating reflecting best-practice waste management
• Solar Energy Integration to support carbon reduction
• Continuous Performance Monitoring across energy, water, waste, and air quality

Premium Facilities

• Wellness centre and curated end-of-trip facilities
• Art-filled public spaces that enhance user experience
• On-site concierge, operations, and customer experience teams
• Exceptionally maintained car park and seamless building services

The Axiom project team worked closely with the building management team at 101 Collins Street to ensure that the construction team worked within the building's regulations. Our team received outstanding feedback from the Building Management Team at 101 Collins Street.

Workplace Strategy

The engagement began with a deep dive into strategic workplace planning through Axiom’s WRKX INDEX survey, executive leadership interviews, and cross-functional employee workshops. These sessions revealed five critical themes essential to future success:

• Support for focused, individual work
• Incorporation of natural light and biophilic elements
• Environments conducive to private conversations
• Spaces for structured and spontaneous collaboration
• Enhanced support for remote and hybrid team integration

This insight guided the formation of three foundational workplace pillars:
People, Proximity, and Pursuit, which in turn shaped the vision of Intelligent Innovation: Energised in the Pursuit of Excellence.

Design Features

Axiom’s design team translated the workplace strategy findings into a spatial experience using three immersive themes.:

• Energising Fluid Space
  The layout supports dynamic movement and functional flexibility. Zones for deep focus are interwoven with areas for high-energy collaboration.
• Hospitable Community
  A warm and welcoming aesthetic fosters a sense of belonging and supports Qualitas' client-facing professionalism.
• Natural Connection
  Abundant natural light, tactile materials, and biophilic features promote wellbeing and draw on the Australian context.

Material selections emphasised sustainability, with a preference for locally sourced furniture and finishes from Australian manufacturers. Colour palettes were curated to reflect calmness in individual work areas, contrasted by vibrant hues in social and collaborative zones. Final touches included curated art by local Indigenous and emerging Australian artists.

Functional Planning & Workplace Experience

The building’s central core supported strategic space planning, boosting team connectivity. Elastic zones allowed for multipurpose use—supporting graduate training, team collaboration, and formal client engagements. Key features included:

• A multi-use boardroom for 22-person events and executive dining
• Defined quiet zones for deep focus
• Flexible breakout spaces suitable for back-of-house functions and client events
• Seamless tech integration and acoustic adaptability
• Dedicated zones for private conversations and secure discussions

Construction Project Challenges and Execution

Delivering in one of Melbourne’s most prestigious commercial towers came with unique complexities. Key construction and project management highlights include:

Pre-Construction Challenges

• Strict base building guidelines (acoustic, fire, ceiling, wall standards)
• Extended design review cycles with base-building engineers
• Tight programme and procurement constraints

Solutions Delivered

• Early engagement with base engineers for timely approvals
• Rolling design sign-offs and fast-tracked procurement of long-lead items
• Use of Procore for real-time document control and RFI tracking
• Regular PCG governance for stakeholder alignment

Onsite Execution

• Noise-managed construction windows in a live environment
• Night and weekend works to minimise disruption
• Staged handover of zones to accelerate commissioning and integration
• Meticulous logistics and dock scheduling with building management

Despite a condensed programme and strict operational conditions, the project was delivered on time and on budget, with zero disruption to building operations.

The finished Project

The new Qualitas workplace is a true physical expression of its brand values—intelligent, energised, and connected. Designed to support high-performance ways of working, the environment also offers the flexibility to evolve alongside the business and its people.

• High-Performance Enablement: Purpose-built spaces empower teams to work efficiently, communicate effectively, and adapt as the organisation grows.

• Brand Alignment: Every element of the design reflects Qualitas’ identity as a forward-thinking investment manager.

• Future-Ready Environment: The workspace balances agility and longevity, allowing it to respond to changing needs over time.

Client Feedback

Net Promoter Score: 10/10

"The team were very engaged in the project and I think they had a good engagement style. They listened where they had to and didn’t try to override with a preset view. At the same time, they came with ideas, which made meetings productive.”

Photos taken by Shannon McGrath

Artwork 

Boardroom: Jenny Riddle

Artwork: Large-scale textile-based work
Artist Website: jennyriddle.com.au

Photography Wall: Michael Cook

Artwork: Set of three conceptual photographs
Artist Website: michaelcook.net.au

12-Person Front Meeting Room: Julia Ciccarone

Artwork: Painting depicting a blonde man peering into nature through a doorway or window
Artist Website: juliaciccarone.com

End of Corridor by Prep Kitchen: Juanita McLauchlan

Artwork Title: Gabanma-li / heal, 2025
Materials: Woollen blanket, possum fur, cotton thread
Artist Website: juanitamclauchlan.com