Sydney Animation Studio
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Our transformation of this Sydney Animation Studio was driven by a strategic vision to embed a unified, global studio identity into an existing, highly regarded creative environment. Following a major industry transition, the goal was to evolve the studio into a space that reflects a cohesive brand while supporting the immediate operational and cultural needs of the animation team.

Located in Moore Park, the studio comprises multiple interconnected spaces developed over time. While functional, these spaces lacked a consistent identity aligned with the evolving needs of a growing team.

This project focused on reimagining key areas of the studio to unify the workplace experience, enhance functionality, and create a seamless expression of the studio’s brand and creative culture.

The Strategy

Prior to design and construction, the project team worked closely with stakeholders to identify critical priorities required to support both immediate operations and long-term growth.

Key focus areas included:

  • Establishing a strong and consistent studio brand presence
  • Enhancing front-of-house experience for staff and visitors
  • Supporting a steady-state workforce of approximately 175 employees
  • Improving functionality of shared spaces such as the café and meeting areas
  • Delivering upgrades with minimal disruption to ongoing studio operations

These priorities informed a targeted upgrade strategy focused on high-impact zones, ensuring the studio could quickly align with its new identity while maintaining operational continuity.

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Image Left: The Axiom Design Team created a digital render to illustrate the design concept.

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Image Right: The professional photograph of the completed space.

 

The Objectives

The project was guided by three core objectives:

  • Brand Integration & Identity

    Embed a cohesive studio identity across key touchpoints, creating a recognisable and unified environment.

  • Functionality & Performance

    Upgrade critical spaces to better support daily operations, collaboration, and team wellbeing.

  • Experience & Consistency

    Enhance the arrival and shared space experience through considered design, ensuring alignment across all front-facing and collaborative areas, core to Axiom’s workplace philosophy. 

The Design

The design approach focused on targeted, high-impact upgrades that would transform the look, feel, and functionality of key areas within the studio while respecting the existing infrastructure.

Key design features include:

  • Front of House Rebranding
    Updated reception signage, café, and meeting rooms to reflect the studio identity, creating a strong and immediate brand presence.
  • Full Café Upgrade
    A redesigned café space supporting a 175-person workforce, featuring a new servery, flexible seating areas, custom joinery bench seating, and integrated town hall functionality.
  • Reception Enhancement
    Refreshed reception area with new furniture, lighting, accessories, and upgraded counters and corridors to create a more welcoming and cohesive arrival experience.
  • Boardroom Upgrade
    A cosmetic refresh of the existing boardroom, maintaining its structure while elevating its aesthetic and functionality.
  • Front of House Meeting Rooms (x4)
    Upgraded meeting rooms with new furniture, lighting, acoustic paneling, and curtains to improve comfort, performance, and visual consistency.

The overall design balances efficiency and identity, ensuring that each intervention contributes to a unified and elevated studio environment.

 “This project was about embedding a new identity into an existing, highly functional studio without disrupting the way teams work. By focusing on key touchpoints like the café, front of house, and meeting spaces, we were able to create a cohesive environment that supports both day-to-day operations and the evolving needs of a growing animation team.” 

Luke Quinlan
Principal Design and Strategy 

 

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People and Culture Outcomes

The transformation has delivered immediate benefits to both staff and visitors:


  • Stronger Brand Connection
    The integrated identity reinforces a sense of belonging within the studio.
  • Enhanced Collaboration
    Improved shared spaces, particularly the café and meeting rooms, support interaction, informal collaboration, and team connectivity.
  • Improved Daily Experience
    Upgraded environments contribute to a more comfortable, functional, and engaging workplace.
  • Client & Visitor Experience
    A refreshed front-of-house creates a polished and professional journey aligned with a global standard.
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Streamlined Construction & Delivery

Delivering the upgrades within an active animation studio required careful planning and coordination.

Key considerations included:

  • Working within a live production environment with minimal disruption
  • Coordinating staged upgrades across multiple interconnected spaces
  • Aligning design and construction timelines with operational requirements

Through proactive planning and close collaboration with stakeholders, the project team successfully delivered the upgrades efficiently while maintaining business continuity.


Outcome: A Unified Studio Supporting Creative Excellence

The Sydney Animation Studio transformation delivers a cohesive, brand-aligned workplace that supports both creative production and team experience.

By focusing on strategic upgrades across key areas, the project successfully integrates a unified identity into the existing studio while enhancing functionality and day-to-day usability.

The result is a studio that not only meets immediate operational needs but also establishes a strong foundation for future growth, enabling teams to collaborate, create, and perform within an environment that reflects their creative excellence.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.