Relocating closer to the CBD, Pandora were focused on enhancing their company culture and ensuring equity throughout the new space
Pandora's move to North Sydney from the Northern Beaches, was a strategic decision to enhance company culture, improve proximity to the Sydney CBD and give employees access to a more vibrant social scene. Unispace were thrilled to be appointed for the design and construction of their new headquarters.
From the onset, Pandora had a strong focus on equity, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity and unity within the organization, and aligning closely with their focus of creating a workspace that values and supports its people. This translated into the design of the new space which prioritizes the wellbeing and needs of employees. Demonstrating balance, Pandora wanted to ensure all employees have equal access to the wonderful views of Sydney Harbour.
A design concept that weaves a narrative of connection, akin to drops in a pond, and a bespoke mural painted by a local First Nations artist
Our Design team ran workshops with Pandora, using the keep/toss/create framework, to delve into what was working for them, what they wanted to discard, and what they aspired to create in their new space. From the workshop the client's objective was very clear: to cultivate a space that fosters unity among their people.
When presenting design concepts, we offered options to align with the budget while capturing the client's aspirations. This approach enabled Pandora to secure additional funding by showcasing a proposal that represented their vision within financial parameters, bridging the gap between budget and aspirations.
Their previous office was spread across two floors and was heavily departmentalized. The new design called for a central gathering space and equitable desk arrangements, ensuring access to views and an abundance of natural light. Pandora was also seeking an environment that exudes warmth and excitement, providing an inspiring and welcoming space that nurtures creativity and productivity, vital for enhancing culture and connectivity amongst their team.
The client made it clear they wanted to create a space that embodied Pandora without mirroring their retail stores. Drawing inspiration from their signature pink, white, and silver palette, the Design team played with variations of these hues, like blush pinks, terracotta’s and soft creams, to craft a unique and inviting space that elegantly draws inspiration from their retail aesthetic.
Pandora’s products are about celebrating special moments in people’s lives. We drew on this notion for our proposed concept, ‘Moments’. Building on this, we used a ripple as a physical representation of a moment expanding to have greater impact. This concept weaves a narrative of connection and impact akin to drops in a pond, where individual actions evolve into transformative waves, shaping relationships and experiences. This concept was artfully integrated throughout the design, seen in circular features, water-like glazing films, and ripple-link carpet motifs, reflecting a continuous effect of engagement and collaboration.
To maximize the potential of existing structures, a large central column became a focal point for custom joinery, housing a coffee bar, tiered seating, and collaborative workspaces. We leveraged pre-existing meeting rooms and an acoustic wall to optimize the budget, allocating spend to bespoke features, such as custom circular ripple-like lighting, and to address challenges like existing rectangular coffers in the ceiling.
Pandora expressed an interest in representing the First Nations peoples and their ties to the land early in the project, inviting Unispace to lead the creative direction on how this could be integrated respectfully, authentically and contextually. We reached out to Dennis Golding to partner with us on this project. The project's concept was centered around 'Moments' and drew inspiration from a water inspired motif and palette, with design features representing ripples. Dennis’ style and approach to representing the local land and waterways tied in seamlessly.
For his artwork, ‘Sun sets on the waterhole’, Dennis drew reference to the site’s history, including the nearby man-made waterhole at Balls Head in North Sydney, tools of the First Nations peoples and how the cliffs and water shaped the land. The First Nations peoples around North Sydney used the water of the waterhole for life, survival and cleansing. These elements were represented in his final artwork, with the palette capturing the colors of sunrise and sunset as they play against the sandstone cliffs of North Sydney. Pandora remained committed to minimizing waste and promoting environmental consciousness throughout the project, embracing extensive furniture reuse from their previous office. Through detailed auditing and thoughtful repurposing, new life was given to authentic designer pieces, aligning with Pandora's ethos of conscious design and responsible resource management.
This comprehensive approach not only reflects our dedication to creating transformative spaces but also embodies a true partnership with clients, ensuring their vision comes to life harmoniously within their workspace
Delivered on time, defect free and with a 10/10 client satisfaction response
By entrusting Unispace to manage the project end-to-end, Pandora was able to focus on their core business deliverables. We took on the additional responsibility of coordinating all client-engaged works, including AV setup, Telco fiber installation, and relocation contractors, streamlining the process for a seamless experience.
A successful FSC audit was achieved throughout the project, attesting to our team’s stringent quality standards and attention to detail.
The overall collaboration between the Pandora and Unispace team ensured a smooth transition to the new location and set the stage for a successful evolution of Pandora's company culture in North Sydney. It was our pleasure to deliver the project defect-free and on time.
