Lockton

Lockton was experiencing significant operational and financial strain resulting from rapid growth and the absence of a long-term workplace strategy. After relocating four times in eight years, the firm required a stable, scalable solution to break the costly relocation cycle and deliver a workplace capable of evolving with the business.

Key challenges included:

• Severe overcrowding: The existing office had reached critical capacity, negatively impacting air quality, comfort and productivity. Staff described feeling “packed in like sardines.”
• Absence of strategic planning: Previous reactive relocations were undertaken without long-term growth or utilisation planning, leading to four early lease terminations and substantial financial losses.
• Inaccurate space forecasting: Limited access to reliable data prevented the business from accurately projecting space requirements to support the next 7-10 years of growth.
• Restrictive lease conditions: Four years remained on the current lease, presenting a major barrier to an early, penalty-free transition.
• Lack of functional zones: The workplace did not provide sufficient focus, collaboration and quiet zones to support a diverse, intergenerational workforce.
• Cultural impact: The combined workplace pressures were undermining staff morale and weakening the firm’s ability to attract and retain talent.

An immersive business analysis established the strategic framework for Lockton’s new workplace. The process included ethnographic research, observation of work patterns, executive interviews, and a dedicated Young Leaders Workshop, generating critical insights into design requirements, capacity and future growth. 

Key strategic actions delivered: 

• Future-proofed capacity planning: A clear view of Lockton’s 7-10 year space requirements was developed by aligning utilisation data with growth projections, enabling confident long‑term decision‑making. 
• Strategic lease negotiation: Advice on the early termination of the existing lease secured a significant new incentive package, fully funding the office fit‑out, including an interconnecting staircase, while also delivering additional rent abatement. 
• Functional workplace planning: Strategic property insights supported the selection of 45 Clarence Street, enabling a workplace designed for strong acoustics, advanced technology, and alignment with brand values, flexible work rhythms and increased office attendance. 

The strategy repositioned Lockton within Sydney’s central financial district, transforming previous operational inefficiencies into capital for a high-quality, long-term workplace that delivers strong commercial outcomes and leaves a lasting impression on clients and partners.

The design concept centres on the “magnetar” effect, a dynamic environment designed to naturally draw in clients and staff. The aesthetic features a sharp contrast: sleek, dark professional tones in the front-of-house transition into light timber and organic hues in the back-of-house. 

Key design features include: 

• Distinct zoning: Strategic acoustic zoning ensures superior performance by grouping high-activity areas together for a seamless transition into mid-range and quiet focus zones. 
• Client hub: The front-of-house features a flexible boardroom with an operable wall, allowing it to transform into a large event venue. 
• Connection and focus: An interconnecting staircase promotes spontaneous communication and connection. Workstations are positioned around the perimeter to maximise natural light and city views. 
• Intuitive wayfinding: Strategic colour grading, sophisticated lighting and tactile finishes aid wayfinding, while creating an elevated, welcoming environment. 
• Wellbeing zones: The 17th-floor breakout area acts as a flexible social hub for the company’s town halls and staff lunches. A private wellness room provides space for mindful breaks, doubling as a podcast studio. 
• Embedded technology: A smart lighting system tracks occupancy, noise levels, and CO₂ levels, optimising lighting for sustainability and providing continuous performance data.

Spaceful successfully streamlined the timeline and achieved handover one week ahead of schedule, despite the project’s considerable scale, resulting in significant savings on leasing costs. The new headquarters supports Lockton’s inclusive hiring practices and provides a future-proof, technologically advanced environment.