The client
- The client
- The Challenge
- Discover
- Design
- Deliver
- Testimonial
The client
QinetiQ is a global integrated defence and security organisation operating extensive testing and evaluation capabilities across air, land, sea, and target systems.
The Challenge
QinetiQ required a new headquarters to support its next phase of operations, combining heightened security, operational performance and employee wellbeing within a highly constrained delivery timeframe.
Key challenges included:
- Stringent security requirements: As a top-tier defence organisations managing critical and classified information, the workplace needed to be designed and constructed to meet ASIO requirements and comply fully with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
- Specialised operational capability: The new headquarters had to accommodate Zone 4 classified work while remaining functional, efficient, and adaptable for day-to-day operations.
- Compressed delivery timeframe: The full design and fit-out had to be delivered within a tight 10-week schedule without compromising quality, compliance, or performance.
Discover
The workplace strategy balanced security, functionality and brand expression, creating an environment where teams could collaborate, focus, and reset as needed.
It was critical to support QinetiQ’s three core teams: Corporate, Transport Engineering, and General Engineering, while incorporating Zone 4 classified work points.
Design
The workplace is designed to balance security, functionality, and employee experience. From arrival to work point, the experience blends the base building’s architecture with QinetiQ’s brand, using refined finishes such as aged brass, premium ceiling and wall treatments, and the subtle blues of the QinetiQ palette to create a cohesive, professional environment.
Key design features include:
- Agile neighbourhoods: Designed around QinetiQ’s three core teams, with workstations tailored to each team’s function to maximise productivity.
- Secure zones: Several Zone 4 classified work points were integrated in collaboration with QinetiQ’s SCEC consultant and security integrator. These feature slab-to-slab construction, acoustic panelling, and SCEC-compliant design for the secure handling of classified information.
- Natural light and views: The layout harnesses daylight from the central atrium to create a bright, open feel. Workstations overlooking the airport runway provide a tangible connection to the Australian Defence Force.
- Wellbeing focus: A multipurpose wellness room overlooks the Brindabella Mountains, offering a calming place for employees to unwind, while reinforcing QinetiQ’s brand.
Deliver
Despite strict security requirements and a challenging 10-week timeline, Spaceful delivered the project three weeks ahead of schedule. The Canberra office fit-out met all Zone-4 compliance standards, integrated secure and agile workspaces, and created a professional, highly finished environment that employees are proud of.
Testimonial -
"Moving into our new premises was a very stressful time, but Spaceful was very engaging from day one of the project, giving us confidence in our site design through to completion.
Their support, direction and expertise eased our stresses greatly. Having experience in project managing numerous other builds, I had never had a project run as smoothly, on time and under budget as our new build.
Spaceful was responsive, timely in addressing amendments throughout the build and always respectful of our requirements. The end result was a highly finished, professional looking workplace which our staff are extremely happy with.
I would highly recommend Spaceful to anyone considering redesigning their workplace. It was an absolute pleasure working with them."
— Ian P Titmuss Senior Principal Security Consultant at QinetiQ
