Spaceful National Headquarters

Designing its own headquarters required Spaceful to create a workplace that supported its growing team internally, while acting as a powerful external expression of its brand, capability and unique Model. 

The new Sydney office had to energise people, strengthen culture, impress clients, and deliver measurable value, all within a highly considered footprint.

Key challenges included:

• Company growth: Team growth and evolving hybrid work required a workplace that could adapt whilst also supporting varied work styles and attendance rhythms.
• Functional needs: The previous office no longer met functional needs, lacking space for focused work, private calls and collaboration.
• Cross-team connection: As a multi-disciplinary business, the workplace needed to enhance connection and energy across teams, not just within them.
• Client experience: As a workplace strategy, design and construction firm, Spaceful’s new office had to impress visitors and act as a premium destination for meetings, presentations and hosted experiences.
• Suboptimal location: The existing Waterloo location was suboptimal for staff, clients and partners, and for attracting top talent. A new location was required to satisfy all stakeholders.

Spaceful applied a data-led workplace strategy process, combining ethnographic research, staff surveys, spatial analysis, observational studies and utilisation modelling to understand how the team works today and in the future. 

Key strategic insights included:

• Focused work requirements: Client-facing teams required acoustically controlled spaces to support deep focus and private conversations.
• Creative collaboration: The design team needed a dedicated studio that enabled co-creation, inspiration, material storage and hands-on collaboration.
• Wellbeing and balance: Breakout and wellness spaces were essential for sustained performance and healthy work patterns.
• Culture and connection: The workplace needed to actively reinforce Spaceful’s culture, values and collaborative behaviours.
• Brand embodiment: The office needed to clearly express Spaceful’s identity and Model, from arrival through to everyday use, positioning the space as a living case study.
• Future readiness: A premium CBD location was required to support a flexible, technology-enabled and fully customised fit-out with strong sustainability credentials.
• Value-driven outcomes: Every square metre, technology choice and design decision needed to deliver measurable value, long-term flexibility and ROI. 

York & Co. at 32 York Street was chosen for its heritage character, premium CBD location, strong sustainability credentials (Green Star and NABERS) and rooftop terrace, forming the foundation for a future-ready headquarters.

The new studio is a physical expression of the Spaceful brand, where innovation, sensory design and craftsmanship converge to redefine the workplace. 

Conceived as a multisensory experience, the space enhances focus, comfort and connection. A refined palette of warm neutrals, bronze accents, and tactile finishes is complemented by subtle curved forms, tonal layering, and bronze detailing, reflecting Spaceful’s philosophy of refined simplicity. 

Key design features include: 

• Arrival and identity: A bronze Spaceful monogram embedded in polished concrete anchors the entry, complemented by a custom lounge and glass-brick client bar in the signature ‘S’. A subtle S-shaped ceiling feature in the boardroom further adds to brand presence.
• Connection to space: A signature Spaceful scent diffused through the air system evokes familiarity and calm, while natural light, greenery, soft textures, and curated soundscapes enhance comfort.
• Materiality and form: Curved plaster walls, glass fluting, timber detailing and an exposed ceiling finished with ENVIROSPRAY 300 acoustic insulation, create a timeless aesthetic with industrial character.
• Immersive technology: A curved 4200mm x 2000mm AV screen transforms the reception area into a dynamic digital canvas, serving as both art and a presentation tool.
• Layout and flow: Flexible open-plan zones transition seamlessly between focus, collaboration, and social connection, supported by full-height acoustic partitions and biophilic elements.
• Lighting and atmosphere: Circadian LED systems align with natural daylight rhythms, while acoustic panels, textured curtains, and layered lighting enhance sound control and ambiance.
• Innovative technology: Smart systems monitor occupancy, noise, CO₂, temperature and light, while AI-powered tools support hybrid work.

Spaceful delivered its own headquarters with the same precision and collaboration used for its clients. Early engagement between strategy, design and engineering teams ensured alignment and constructability, while close technical coordination ensured the design intent was met. 

Together with building management, Spaceful conducted an Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) peer review to align the fit-out with the building’s 5 Star Green Star rating and 5 Star NABERS rating. 

Key delivery highlights include:

• Sustainability measures: Environmental approaches include ENVIROSPRAY 300 acoustic spray made from 80% recycled cellulose fibres and ultra-low VOC emissions; acoustic panels made from recycled milk bottles; and cork panelling for sound insulation.
• Safety and wellbeing: As a MATES in Construction partner, Spaceful prioritised safety and wellbeing throughout, reflecting its commitment to responsible delivery.

Discover more about our commitment to delivery excellence.