high profile

Raising the benchmark for property design and construction is a key focus for one of New Zealand's leading industry organisations. And the results of Property Council NZ's ongoing commitment to the industry can be seen in recent projects undertaken by member companies, including this new office designed by MGA Innovation of Auckland.

Interior designer Craig Grant says MGA Innovation designed the office-warehouse building for the landlord, and also worked on the fit-out for the rapidly expanding IT distribution company Express Data.

"The client distributes many high-profile brands and its customer base is large and influential. The office design needed to reflect the company's progressive, dynamic operation and its young, vibrant outlook."

Grant says the company wanted an office that would bring together office, sales and warehouse staff.

"They wanted to celebrate diversity and inclusivity," he says. "The centrally positioned cafe is the place where everyone can gather. It is adjacent to the boardroom, which has operable doors that can be opened to link the two spaces for functions."

Grant says staff are encouraged to hold meetings with clients in the cafe, alongside other staff members.

"Many companies have a mindset that says clients should be separated from the day-to-day operation of their business. This company is not afraid to show people what they do and who they are. This creates a refreshing sense of transparency."

While the material palette has an industrial look a double-storey honed concrete block wall dominates reception there are bold colour accents to enliven the interior. These include brightly coloured panels of Dulux paints in the cafe.

"We started with the orange and teal blue of the Express Data logo and exploded these colours into something very dramatic," says Grant. "The project is a finalist in the Dulux Colour Awards, which will be announced at the end of March."

Exposed services in the cafe enhance the industrial feel of the office. Other areas feature suspended ceilings, including laminate panels above reception.

For details, contact Property Council New Zealand, phone (09) 373 3086. Email: enquiries@propertynz.co.nz. Website: www.propertynz.co.nz.

To contact MGA Innovation, phone (09) 374 4480. Email: info@mga-innovation.co.nz. Or visit the website: www.mga-innovation.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas