Kada Closure Period: December 23rd, 2024 – January 12, 2025.
Deloitte Auckland sought a new office that would showcase the dynamic organisation and authentically connect to whenua and Whanaungatanga. Located in the Commercial Bay precinct, directly opposite the city’s ferry terminal, the office offers captivating views of the harbour. The design aimed to reflect the significance of the 1 Queen Street site as a national gateway and an important meeting and trading hub, with a rich and diverse history of navigation.
Spanning over five levels, the New Zealand firm’s largest full-service office houses a team of over 400. The 1,000m² space needed to support a personalised and welcoming guest experience aligned with Deloitte’s culture, brand, and vision. It was essential to accommodate various engagement styles and levels of formality, celebrate diversity, and empower different ways of working, thinking, and learning.
Kada was engaged by Custance to assist with Deloitte’s new fit-out due to our long-standing relationship and established expertise. We were able to provide a variety of the best New Zealand and international furniture, tailored specifically to meet the client’s needs. The design features a palette of natural materials and neutral tones, with each floor subtly inspired by a different Tāmaki Makaurau quality or landscape.
The reception area offers expansive views of the harbour and Hauraki Gulf, creating a welcoming landing point accentuated by the arrangement of spaces and the striking tauihu wall. Vitra Soft Work sofas were included in this area for their versatility, comfort, and innovative design. These sofas provide flexible seating solutions that enhances functionality whilst also add a touch of style and warmth making the area inviting and perfect for all kinds of interactions.
Level 17 houses the Deloitte staff café and Greenhouse, a corporate executive space that offers a flexible environment for various business tasks. Located throughout both these areas are various Belly Lounge chairs, made in custom colours to align with the design and overarching theme of quality and landscape. These chairs were selected for their exceptional comfort, aesthetic appeal, and ability to seamlessly integrate into the sophisticated design, enhancing the overall ambience of the space.
In designing the workspace for Deloitte, Steelcase’s Think chair was included to enhance staff comfort and productivity. The Think chair is an ergonomic solution that adapts to the individual’s posture and movements, providing optimal support throughout the day. Its intuitive design encourages healthy sitting habits, which is crucial for maintaining focus and reducing fatigue in a demanding work environment.
To accommodate collaborative work functions, Steelcase’s Flex Collection was introduced, featuring tables, markerboards, and carts. These pieces are designed to support dynamic teamwork, allowing employees to easily reconfigure their workspace to suit the needs of the moment. Whether it’s brainstorming sessions or group discussions, the Flex Collection promotes a fluid and adaptable environment, encouraging creativity and seamless collaboration among Deloitte’s staff.
For focused work, Framery O acoustic pods were added to the office, significantly enhancing hybrid working. These pods provide a private space for staff to take phone calls, participate in virtual meetings, or engage in concentrated tasks without distractions. By reducing noise disruptions and offering a quiet retreat within the bustling office, the Framery O pods contribute to a more effective and flexible work environment, catering to the diverse needs of Deloitte’s modern workforce.
The informal meeting rooms at Deloitte were equipped with Actius Talent Tables, Flex Marker Boards, and a Flex Huddle Hub, creating a versatile space for staff to collaborate effectively. The Talent Tables provide a comfortable setting for discussions, while the Flex Marker Boards offer a dynamic surface for brainstorming and visual planning. The flexibility of these products enables staff to easily adapt the space to meet their needs, whether for a quick team catch-up or an impromptu brainstorming session, fostering a collaborative and responsive work environment.
The thoughtfully designed Deloitte Auckland office successfully blends aesthetic appeal with functional versatility, creating a space that embodies the organisation’s dynamic culture while deeply connecting to the values of whenua and Whanaungatanga. Through the strategic selection of furniture and design elements—such as Steelcase’s Think chairs, Flex Collection, Framery O acoustic pods, and Vitra Soft Work sofas—the office supports a wide range of work functions, from collaborative meetings to focused individual tasks. The result is a flexible, welcoming environment that not only enhances productivity but also reflects Deloitte’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Location:
Auckland
Architect/Designer:
Custance Fisher
Photographer:
David Straight