Australian Pharmacy Council

APC’s workforce had doubled in just 18 months, creating an urgent need for more space, a modern office fit-out and a fundamentally different workplace model. Key challenges included:  

• Rapid workforce growth: The workforce had doubled rapidly, requiring a new office layout with increased capacity and efficiency. 

• Virtual work demand: An increase in virtual meetings required more high-end technology and meeting spaces. 

• Culture and engagement: With work-from-home on the rise, boosting opportunities for collaboration and connection at the office was critical. 

• Talent attraction: APC needed a space that would attract and retain top-tier talent and inspire staff to return to the office. 

Spaceful’s workplace strategy team worked closely with APC to identify key objectives and understand how the space would function, ensuring the design brief was accurate from the outset.

The new office design needed to support a variety of working styles and team requirements, whilst enabling connection and encouraging cross-collaboration to strengthen culture.

The office’s new location in the premium BB6 South Precinct of the Canberra Airport Group (CAG) portfolio delivered immediate strategic benefits, enabling APC to relocate early without lease penalties and secure a brand-new floor in one of Canberra’s best buildings. The project also leveraged Spaceful’s prior project experience within the BB6 North tower.

The design concept was built to reflect APC’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and well-being, blending a polished, professional aesthetic with a sense of homely comfort.

Natural textures and finishes of light timbers and stone, combined with soft blues, and greens create a soothing and calm atmosphere, whilst biophilic elements strengthen the connection to nature and promote wellness.

Key design features include:

• Functional layout: Workstations are organised into three distinct neighbourhoods of shared open-plan areas and designated quiet zones to enable employees to choose how they work.

• Interdepartmental connection: Executive offices are strategically positioned on opposing sides to maximise chance encounters and encourage cross-collaboration. 

• Central collaboration hub: A café-inspired breakout space is designed for all day use, serving as a social centre, informal workplace and collaboration zone. 

• Scalable event and meeting space: An operable wall provides flexible separation between the main boardroom and breakout area, allowing the space to be opened up for events. 

•  Feature driven design: The design intentionally leverages the existing curved walls and dramatic floor to ceiling windows.

The project was delivered on time, on budget and to scope, aligning with Spaceful’s commitment to seamless project delivery. Key delivery successes included: 

• Sustainability and wellness: The project leveraged the base building’s commitment to wellness and efficiency, which includes a WELL Core rating (Shell and Core), a 100% electric plant, plus a 99kw solar system. The lighting system is DALI controlled for energy savings. 

• Technology integration: Major IT and AV upgrades were executed, including an intuitive AI system and room booking system. 

• NABERS alignment: The project achieved 5-Star NABERS requirements through sustainable material selection, furniture reuse, and low-VOC finishes.