Employee preferences for WFH means workplaces need to utilise office spaces as a tool to connect with staff. In Better Workplaces, AdNews looks at how agencies use office design to entice staff to come in and create a company culture worth staying for.
Stitched into Melbourne CBD’s fringe independent media agency Half Dome occupies a level-eight office in the campus-style commercial precinct Industry Lanes.
Industry Lanes, standing as a contemporary reflection on the local vernacular, meets the needs of the modern professional who seek social fulfilment from their physical workplace with dining, shopping, transport and parklands at its doorstep.
Packed with amenities the team loves, the precinct, home to more than 2,200 employees, spans an entire block on Church Street with three tower buildings sharing a mix of large and small spaces, communal amenities, courtyards and shared work zones.
Shared courtyard.
Inspired by the agency’s brand strategy to unlock Whole Potential, Half Dome’s office was designed by Concept Commercial Interiors in collaboration with interior architecture firm McCluskey Studios in 2023.
The space features bold graphics, lush furnishings and rich colours.
Entrance.
“In essence, our new office is designed not just as a place to work, but as a space that supports the well-being, collaboration, and flexibility our team needs in today's ever-evolving work environment,” Tom Frazer, Half Dome managing director, told AdNews.
Between 55 employees everyone has a dedicated seat and the desks are organised around core teams with all desks surrounding the outside of the building to maximise light and the fantastic view.
Desks with a view.
“Functionally, we needed enough desks, meeting rooms and offices; but aesthetically, it needed to look and feel consistent with our wider brand strategy,” Frazer said.
“Whether it's concentrating, contemplating, collaborating or connecting, this is truly somewhere everyone can be the best version of themselves - a space every person can be proud of.”
Agency branding.
Causal seats with branding.
The office features a diverse mix of collaborative space, from casual lounge areas for impromptu brainstorming sessions to dedicated meeting rooms for more formal discussions.
“We've designed our workspace to cater to all kinds of collaborative needs,” Frazer said.
“The office is also equipped with top technology to support hybrid meetings seamlessly. This means whether team members are working from the office or from home, everyone can collaborate effectively without any hiccups.”
Large conference room.
Medium size meeting rooms.
One on one meeting room.
The office kitchen doubles as the agency’s entertainment space to foster an environment of social interaction and connection.
“We crafted a common kitchen and entertainment area perfect for team events or just lunchtime hangouts. It's a space where our team can relax, recharge, and enjoy each other's company,” Frazer said.
“It's the best spot to host events for Half Dome and the wider industry, something we have well and truly embraced. Just four months in, we're already tapping into the Whole Potential of our new space.”
Kitchen.
Kitchen dining area.
The precinct offers agency staff access to top of the range facilities including a 1R gym, end of trip and locker facilities, bicycle racks, on-site childcare, various common indoor and outdoor workspaces, plus The Hub on L4 which has its own café and balcony with city views.
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