QinetiQ

The client

QinetiQ is a global integrated defence and security organisation that manages and operates extensive testing and evaluation capabilities for air, land, sea and target systems. 

With the largest concentration of defence and national security agencies, assets and organisations in Australia, Canberra is the defence capital of Australia. Located directly opposite Canberra Airport within the Brindabella Business Park, QinetiQ’s national headquarters offers proximity to top-tier amenities, as well as access to decision makers, procuring agencies and government infrastructure.  

Objectives

The main objective for the project was to create a workspace that cemented QinetiQ as a trusted industry leader and reflected Canberra’s thriving defence ecosystem.  

As a top-tier defence company that handles and stores critical information, it was essential to QinetiQ that their new headquarters offered secure facilities that were designed and constructed in accordance with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). 

Despite these requirements and a tight deadline of just 10 weeks, Spaceful successfully delivered the project three weeks ahead of schedule.

Design

Along with an emphasis on physical security, function was at the forefront of the design. The design intent was to create different neighbourhoods within the workspace accommodating a mix of focus, collaboration, meet and reset spaces and Zone 4 certified spaces for classified work – reflecting the QinetiQ brand and values. 

 From arrival to work point, the new workplace and amenities provide a seamless experience, while embracing the base build architecture and design aesthetic. The continuation of refined finishes such as aged brass, premium ceiling and wall treatments, mixed with the subtle blues of QinetiQ’s brand palette strikes the perfect balance between Building and Brand.  

The design focuses on harnessing the natural light from the atrium to create a bright and airy feel throughout the space. The outlook of the working areas face the airport runway, constructing a tangible connection between the workspace to the Australian Defence Force.

Speaking to the success of the design, Ben Churchman, Principal, Client Relations at Spaceful adds, “Our design team worked with a conservative budget, producing an amazing outcome that has impressed management teams across the QinetiQ global community.” 

Key features

The floorplan is divided into agile neighbourhoods to accommodate QinetiQ’s three core teams: Corporate, Transport Engineering and General Engineering. Each of these zones incorporate distinct workstation styles to enable each team to carry out work in the environment that suits them and maximise employee productivity. 

To meet QinetiQ’s strict security requirements, Spaceful created several Zone 4 classified workpoints. Spaceful worked closely with Qinetiq’s appointed SCEC consultant and security integrator to ensure the security features of each workpoint, including acoustic panelling and slab-to-slab construction, designed in accordance with SCEC requirements.  

In stark contrast with these classified spaces is the open-plan back-of-house area. Spaceful collaborated with QinetiQ’s marketing team to design a multi-purpose wellness room in this area, which overlooks the Brindabella Mountain range. The space offers a welcome connection to nature and a designated space for team members to unwind as needed. By involving the QinetiQ team closely in the design process, Spaceful was able to create a space that is distinct from the rest of the office, whilst staying true to QinetiQ’s brand.