The brief was to create an office environment that is the exact opposite of the typical office interior. The reasoning behind this request was two-fold: firstly, in response to the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns and extended periods of working from home; and secondly, aligned with the ethos of the Founder and Managing Director of the not-for-profit organisation, where people are valued above material goods and repurposed furniture is prioritised over new acquisition.
The client requested an interior that staff would love, and staff were consulted on their preferences. The environment was also required to make visitors smile on arrival, support working parents, respect religious beliefs (including provision of a prayer/meditation room), incorporate relaxed lounge areas, and include a ‘Playroom’ for table tennis (used for informal problem-solving) and for children of staff to complete homework after school. Entry to the Playroom is via a bespoke replica of the Doctor Who Tardis. The Head of Human Resources is represented by a custom-made Doctor Who Dalek, positioned in an alcove off the entry. Both elements introduce humour and a sense of delight.
The resulting design responds directly to this brief, forming an engaging, human-centred workplace that reflects the organisation’s values. Apart from essential pre-owned workstations and chairs, nearly all furniture was sourced second-hand. The 1980s boardroom table and chairs, for example, were purchased via Trade Me. A retro-in

To create the opposite of a typical office, driven by post-COVID working-from-home and a not-for-profit ethos valuing people, with reused furniture over new. Staff were consulted to shape an office they love, and visitors smile on arrival, with support for working parents, respect for religious beliefs (prayer room), lounges, and a ‘Playroom’ for informal problem-solving and children’s use. The design responds directly, creating a human-centred workplace. Nearly all furniture is second-hand, including a 1980s Trade Me boardroom suite. A layered interior accommodates 1950s–70s memorabilia. Staff report genuine enjoyment and visitors say “wow”. The client calls it the ‘Simplicity Difference’.

The not-for-profit ethos enabled strong design freedom, supported by client trust and delivered within tight construction parameters. Materiality was driven by budget discipline and a commitment to reuse. Bespoke detailing includes runners cut from surplus carpet and recycled velvet privacy curtains replacing standard glazed treatments. A considered palette and bold use of signature orange through rust finishes, wallpaper and contrasts, create an expressive interior. Pre-loved furniture supports sustainability, with landfill reduction as a key outcome.

The project redefines workplace design through storytelling and humour. A curated collection of NZ memorabilia sourced from Trade Me and other marketplaces create an environment rich in nostalgia and cultural identity. Spatial planning is deliberately unconventional, including a ‘Playroom’ accessed via a Dr Who Tardis designed for informal problem solving, and family inclusion. Breakout areas maximise natural light and frame views to Rangitoto, reinforcing connection to place and staff wellbeing. Informal lounges, a prayer room and flexible spaces reflect a people-first approach. Artistic input adds depth and character, shaping a distinctive workplace experience.

Donna White – Principal Interior Designer
Bill Kingsley – Project Finance & Administration Support

1 View from an Informal Meeting Space to Dining Area, Main Kitchen, another Informal Meeting Space, closed Tardis door into ‘Playroom’ & Meeting Room 4 on RHS (light blue)

2 Entry from Lifts looking toward ‘Reception’, showing rust effect paint, runners made from carpet offcuts, curated memorabilia, Trade Me shelving, signage and awards

3 Entry from Lifts with back to ‘Reception’, looking toward an Informal Meeting Space, featuring scooter (holds company booklets) LED-lit logo, rust effect paint, carpet offcut runners, curated memorabilia

4 View toward ‘Reception’, Boardroom and Meeting Room 1

5 Inside Boardroom looking toward Entry (1980’s Boardroom Suite)

6 Kitchenette on LHS, ‘Reception’ and Meeting Room 1

7 Informal Meeting Space (as seen at end of corridor in Image 3), showing closed doors of Dr Who Tardis entry to ‘Playroom’

8 Tardis doors open to ‘Playroom’, blue ‘Lollie’ Meeting Room, Main Kitchen, and on RHS two Meeting Rooms, with Prayer Room and Storage hidden behind red curtains

9 Detail of two Meeting Rooms, Prayer Room and Storage

10 Two Informal Meeting Spaces with views to Rangitoto, Trade Me furniture separated by shelving displaying memorabilia

• Confirm