Pacific National

Pacific National aimed to transition from a multi-floor, traditional office to a connected, agile workspace that would actively drive collaboration, culture, and employee engagement. This transformation had to be delivered within a fixed budget and tight timeline constraints. Key challenges included:  

• Siloed operations: A four-floor layout physically disconnected teams, limiting spontaneous collaboration and engagement. 

• Cultural alignment: The existing office did not reflect the Pacific National Approach (PNA) or core values, negatively impacting employee engagement. 

• Office attendance: The workspace lacked appeal and flexibility, hindering the goal of enticing employees back to the office. 

•  Budget and time constraints: The office design had to meet operational needs while adhering to a tight budget and non-negotiable move-in schedule. 

Spaceful developed a strategy focused on using the physical environment to spark enthusiasm, encourage connection, and embed core company values. Key strategic goals included: 

• Maximising connectivity: Transitioning the business from four floors to two and removing physical barriers for spontaneous interaction. 

• Encouraging movement: Flexible spaces that cater to diverse work styles and comfort levels. 

• Enhancing operational efficiency: Optimising the new footprint for higher utilisation, scalability and faster decision-making. 

• Celebrating heritage: Strengthening brand and culture, increasing employee satisfaction and driving office attendance. 

• Supporting retention and wellbeing: Creating a flexible and engaging environment designed to improve employee satisfaction.  

The design concept, ‘Spark the Pacific National’, was engineered to ignite collaboration, attendance, and belonging. The aesthetic blends the brand’s corporate colours with earthy tones inspired by the Australian outback, with materials like steel and timber linking to the company’s history.  

Key design features include:

• Heritage storytelling: Rail-inspired artwork, a signature model train feature, and local rail hub naming conventions turn brand identity into a lived daily experience, while colour-coded rooms and intuitive lighting reinforce clear wayfinding.

• Wayfinding and zoning: A continuous ‘trackway’ path, inspired by Pacific National’s rail networks, links collaboration zones and naturally divides the office into distinct neighbourhoods.

• Vertical connection: A central interconnecting staircase actively encourages cross-team engagement to break down silos.

• Agile work settings: The space offers a balanced mix of quiet pods, collaboration benches, phone booths, and open-plan areas. Executives are positioned within open-plan areas to promote visibility and engagement.

• 24/7 wellbeing: Breakout areas are placed along the perimeter to maximise natural light and are enhanced by biophilic elements. Dedicated wellness rooms offer a place to relax and rejuvenate.

• Social and event space: A large cafe-inspired breakout area with spectacular views encourages socialisation and can be utilised for events.

• Technology integration: Unified AV, sound scaping, smart locker systems, and desk/room booking tools offer intuitive usability and flexibility.

The Pacific National office fit-out in Sydney was completed on schedule and within budget. Key delivery highlights include:

• Seamless installation: Integration of the interconnecting staircase for fluid movement between levels.

• Systems integration: Full coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for optimal performance.

• Sustainability review: Comprehensive Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) peer review aligned with the building’s 5 Green Star and 5.5 NABERS energy rating.

• Waste management: Onsite recycling of construction materials as part of an effective waste reduction plan.

• Energy-efficiency: Installation of LED lighting with occupancy sensors and high-performance insulation to optimise energy use.