Schindler

When Schindler Australia partnered with Axiom to design and deliver their new Sydney headquarters, their vision was clear: create a sophisticated, integrated workplace that would unify staff, reflect the global Schindler brand, and support long-term operational growth, all within a custom-built facility developed in partnership with Charter Hall.

The Challenge

Schindler’s old workplace was dated, inefficient, and split across two separate floors. This setup isolated departments, limited visibility across teams, and made spontaneous collaboration almost impossible. As the company prepared to move into the new purpose-built warehouse and office, they saw the move as a chance to reset and rethink the way their people work.

• Disconnected Teams: Staff rarely crossed paths, with departments siloed across two levels. This setup made it hard to build relationships or share knowledge naturally.
• Disjointed Shared Spaces: Having two kitchens on separate floors reduced casual interaction and a sense of team.
• Outdated and Worn Spaces: The environment was uninspiring, aged equipment, tired finishes, and no longer reflective of a leading brand.
• Inefficient Workflows: The layout wasn’t functional, slowing down everyday tasks and limiting access to shared resources.
• Low Engagement: The old space didn’t excite people. It lacked the energy or pride that encourages people to show up and do their best work. 
• Limited Flexibility and Sustainability: The site couldn’t support evolving needs or long-term goals for sustainability.
• Evolving Base Build Requirements: With the new facility already under construction, the fit out needed to align precisely with the base build schedule and required alignment and coordination with multiple stakeholders.

Axiom was brought in early to lead the process from strategy through to design and construction. The team worked closely with Schindler, base build contractor FDC, and developer Charter Hall to make sure everything came together smoothly.

By solving the problems of the old space and building in flexibility and connection, Axiom delivered a workplace that reflects Schindler’s standards of quality and one that staff are now proud to be part of.

Key Features of the Transformation

• Custom reception desk reflecting Schindler’s logo designed locally, manufactured overseas with the same stainless steel used for their lifts, and shipped for installation.
• Integrated acoustically treated boardroom and numerous meeting spaces to support all client engagement and staff meeting needs.
• Dynamic product showroom with sawtooth media wall with removable updateable panels, display benches, and interactive storytelling zones.
• Unified one-floor layout promoting spontaneous interaction and team connectivity.
• Wellness-oriented design incorporating natural light, balcony access, a huge variety of indoor plants in work areas and multi-functional breakout zones.
• Minimal, sophisticated finishes aligned with Schindler’s global brand identity.

Design Strategy

The design journey began in 2023, with Axiom’s team working closely with Schindler to co-create a workplace that balanced form, function, and future flexibility.

Key Spatial Outcomes:

• Arrival spaces were transformed into high-impact, brand-driven environments guiding guests to the showroom and boardroom.
• The floor layout eliminated previous physical divisions, replacing them with open collaboration areas, huddle rooms, and an expansive breakout space that serves as a social and functional hub.
• A refined material palette and attention to detail elevated the workspace into a premium yet understated environment.

People-Centric Outcomes

• Elevate Care: Previously dark and disconnected spaces were replaced with wellness-driven design, natural light, greenery, and a purposeful breakout area support focus and rejuvenation.
• Elevate Connection: Staff who once worked in silos now share a single, open environment, encouraging day-to-day collaboration and deeper cross-functional bonds.
• Elevate Visitor Experience: The end-to-end journey was considered from a striking reception to an immersive showroom experience, Schindler can now showcase its innovations.

A Collaborative Project

This integrated project involved collaboration and coordination with multiple companies to achieve the best result for Schindler.

• Ceiling coordination with FDC minimised materials waste and avoided rework.
  
• The showroom space was developed in close partnership with Schindler to create a versatile environment that effectively showcases their product offerings. Flexibility was key in this area, as they update their products every 2 years.

 

Streamlined Construction & Delivery

After COVID-related delays pushed the base build handover by over 12 months, Axiom was ready the moment the Occupation Certificate was issued on Friday 21 March 2025. Fit out commenced the next business day, Monday 24 March 2025 with Axiom’s onsite team, and Schindler's project team, working side-by-side on site to drive swift decisions and keep the timeline tight.

Construction Highlights:

• Zero delays post-handover: thanks to pre-planned contractor coordination.
• On-site collaboration with Schindler: Rapid decision-making accelerated the build and ensured stakeholder confidence.
• Safety-first approach: Axiom’s site team upheld rigorous safety protocols throughout delivery.

Outcome: A Workplace for the Next Chapter

Schindler’s new headquarters is a landmark achievement bringing together warehouse and office teams in a light-filled, sophisticated, and sustainable space that supports growth, reflects brand excellence, and sets a new benchmark for integrated commercial fit outs.

Top-Line Project Results

• Strategic Design: Unified, people-first planning with tailored solutions for different teams and use cases.
• Branded Experience: Reception, showroom, and boardroom express the Schindler identity with clarity and elegance.
• Seamless Delivery: On-time, collaborative, and disruption-free fit out within a complex base build context.
• Workplace Impact: Improved staff collaboration, and proud of where they work.

Schindler awarded Axiom a 9/10 NPS rating for this project, specifically commending the flexibility and responsiveness of the design and construction teams in addressing challenges. The feedback also highlighted individual Axiom team members for their exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail throughout the engagement.

Workplace photography featured below, provided by Anthony Fretwell and Schindler Lifts.