Stellan

Stellan had outgrown its previous workplace. The existing space no longer reflected the maturity of the firm, supported the team effectively or delivered the expected level of client experience. The move was driven by growth, a rebrand that positioned the firm as an esteemed private wealth firm, and a desire to invest in a workplace that better supports clients, employees and the next phase of the business.

Key challenges included:

• Growth pressure: The previous workplace no longer matched the needs of a growing firm and had limited capacity to adapt as the business evolved.
• Brand evolution: As Stellan’s rebrand progressed alongside the workplace move, the existing space no longer aligned with the firm’s renewed identity, client experience or market position.
• Limited variety: The existing space lacked the range of settings needed for collaboration, focus work and private client conversations.
• Technology: The workplace needed to support advanced technology across every corner of the office, giving everyone on the team seamless access while maintaining privacy, security and room to scale.
• Building response: The new workplace needed to be delivered within the limitations of an established building.

The discovery phase focused on translating Stellan’s values and service model into a practical workplace brief that could support adaptability, client trust and a more considered day-to-day experience. This meant defining how the new office footprint, furnishings, and capabilities needed to express the Stellan brand from the moment clients and employees arrive.

Key priorities included:

• Adaptable planning: Creating a workplace layout that supports the current team while remaining flexible enough to evolve with the business.
• Spatial variety: Providing the right mix of open collaboration, focused work, private conversations and client meetings.
• Client experience: Creating a calm, grounded environment that feels personal and reassuring, reflecting Stellan’s relationship-led approach to clients.
• Brand expression: Expressing a more mature, future-focused firm, while translating honesty, transparency and bespoke service into the workplace.

The design concept was informed by Stellan’s brand identity and the close partnership between client and adviser. This became the basis for the idea of ‘The Ridge’, a concept used to guide planning and experience. Expressed as a connecting pathway through the workplace, it shapes how people move, meet and engage.

Warmth, intimacy and clarity were prioritised over a conventional corporate aesthetic. A palette drawn from natural landscape elements, paired with warm furniture finishes, creates a setting that feels both professional and welcoming. Together, these elements create a workplace that invites people to linger, giving clients and employees the sense that something honest, considered and deeply personal is at play at Stellan.

Key design features include:

• Welcoming arrival: The entry creates an immediate sense of calm and reassurance for clients, reinforcing confidence and trust. Timber-look herringbone flooring adds warmth and texture.
• Open plan: The open layout supports an inclusive and connected environment while maintaining a professional feel.
• Focus zones: Dedicated areas support concentrated work, recognising the importance of individual focus in delivering high-quality client outcomes.
• Agile setting: Flexible work points allow the workplace to adapt over time as the business evolves.
• Meeting spaces: Collaboration zones support both formal and informal interaction, encouraging organic connection.
• Strategic glazing: Glazing brings natural warmth and light into the tenancy, strengthening the sense of openness and wellbeing.
• Whiskey lounge: A distinctive client lounge featuring reused Chesterfield sofas and AV capability creates a personal and relaxed setting for meetings.
• Podcast room: A dedicated podcast room supports content creation and broader business communication needs.
• Trading zone: A six-person trading area incorporated into the open plan area takes a more integrated approach than the typically enclosed model.
• Bespoke details: Custom lighting elements, curtains, gradient film, graphics and signage contribute to the character of the space.

Spaceful provided both design and delivery services for the Adelaide workplace, carrying the project from concept through to completion while carefully navigating the constraints of an older building tenancy.

Key delivery outcomes included:

• Integrated delivery and design: Design and construction were managed through a single team, maintaining alignment from concept to completion.
• Building response: The tenancy was transformed within the constraints of an older building, requiring careful planning and close coordination.
• Programme management: The project was delivered under a tightly managed programme, with clear sequencing, early planning and ongoing stakeholder input.
• Stakeholder management: Ongoing coordination with the building manager streamlined approvals, access requirements and shared building services.
• Live project communication: Regular PCG meetings, site walk-throughs and real-time updates via on-site technology provided visibility and transparency.
• Integrated commercial solution: Landlord incentives were structured to combine make good and new fit-out works into one integrated delivery solution.
• Incentive-funded fit-out: The workplace was delivered through the building’s incentive package, allowing Stellan to complete the project without direct fit-out capital expenditure.
• Consultant and contractor coordination: Spaceful worked closely with external specialist contractors, including security and AV providers, to ensure seamless integration across the workplace.
• Same-level coordination: The project required close coordination with another fit-out contractor working on the same level, ensuring works were carefully planned and sequenced to avoid disruption and maintain progress.