Recruitment Client, Newcastle

A brand-aligned space in a prime Harbourside location

After successfully delivering four other offices nationwide, the client reengaged Unispace to design and deliver a new workspace for their recruitment purposes in Newcastle.

With their lease ending, the client was seeking a centrally located, modern building with a larger floorplate to support their growing team. Newcastle’s first Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) office tower was selected; a next-generation, 5-star Green Star development near the waterfront and in close proximity to public transport.

Unispace adapted the client’s previously established ‘Kit of Parts’ to meet both the building's CLT requirements and the business's evolving operational needs, including on-floor end-of-trip (EOT) facilities, a dedicated health suite, and refinements to the front-of-house (FOH) concierge area.

A warm, welcoming, inclusive environment

The new office aligns with the client’s other office locations around Australia, reinforcing a strong connection to place, local community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The space welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and at every stage of the recruitment journey.

A warm, earthy colour palette, green accents, and abundant timber finishes with soft curves create a cohesive, inviting atmosphere.

Client feedback guided the redesign of the FOH concierge area. A bespoke central circular desk anchors the space, enhancing openness and warmth. The design fosters an inviting atmosphere for candidates and their families, while providing a welcoming entry point for employees.

The adaptable entry zone also includes a waiting area, refresh point, ceremony room, testing room, and meeting rooms. Sheer curtains offer privacy, a large sliding door enables flexibility of space, and the Indigenous inspired glazing film design is a thoughtful connection to Country.

The back-of-house area features open-plan workstations, a variety of meeting and quiet rooms, staff lockers, a large communal kitchen, and EOT facilities, including male and female showers.   

On level two, a bespoke health suite features a dedicated concierge, medical assessment and interview rooms, and an office, all of which continue the inclusive design treatment.

An enterprising and sustainable recruitment workspace

Moving from a tired, outdated fitout with a traditional, closed-off reception, the client’s new space has moved into the future, while embodying warmth and excitement for prospective candidates and employees.  

CLT buildings are rare in Australia and, in this case, not fit-for-purpose; however, Unispace embraced the timber structure and complemented it with additional joinery, enhancing the natural, textured environment. Specialised suppliers were engaged to ensure products and installation methodology met fire rating specifications, and that final approval was received from the fire engineer.  

The onsite Washbox saved 423 litres of water, and the filtration system recovered more than 1.2 million microplastics, preventing them from entering our waterways.

The revigorated concierge space and tailored circular concierge desk have surpassed the client's expectations, enhancing the entry’s ambiance and usability. The Newcastle office demonstrates brand consistency and design flexibility, enabling the client to meet evolving workplace needs and is a testimony to our continued partnership.