The new office space accommodates 379 workstations, and has quiet areas for focused work, wellness and collaboration spaces, an amphitheatre and new front-of-house area able to host client and industry events.
Co-created by WSP with input from staff, fitout was completed in partnership with specialist Auckland project management company Expedite Projects.
WSP in New Zealand managing director Ian Blair says the revamped Westhaven office is designed to keep and attract top talent. It's not just a facelift; it's built for the future.
"The layout and technology we’ve used support flexible and hybrid work. It reflects WSP's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and incorporates sustainable materials and energy-efficient features. We’ve designed our new space with a keen awareness of neurodiversity, creating an inclusive atmosphere that accommodates diverse working styles.
"The thoughtful blend of aesthetics, functionality and sustainability that has been used positions our Westhaven office as a beacon of innovation, ready to meet the challenges of the future of work."
A group of WSP kaimahi Māori (Māori staff) collaborated with Māori artists and Expedite Projects to develop the fit out's indigenous design. They made sure that the technical aspects of the project were connected with Te Ao Māori and infused Pasifika designs to acknowledge the relationship between Māori and Pasifika.
A new front-of-house space better accommodates cultural practices such as pōwhiri (traditional welcoming ceremonies) and mihi whakatau (in-formal welcoming ceremonies).
Art pieces by Jordan Clarke, Alex Heperi, Chemice Ahu and Kahurangi Su are featured, including a computer-routed waharoa (gateway), a pou tuarongo (full back wall), decorative decals, and grooved acoustic Autex panels.
With the Westhaven office sitting on reclaimed land - once part of Waitematā Harbour - much of the indigenous design is themed around ‘Te Mauri o Te Wai’ (the essence of water). The intent is to acknowledge what once was - best expressed in the proverb 'Me hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua' - acknowledging the past, to guide us into the future.
Rooms in the newly re-fit office acknowledge surrounding mountains, once Māori pā sites (villages), reflecting the connection between land and water. The new wellness rooms carry Māori names that represent holistic wellbeing.
Ian says the fit out’s strong focus on indigenous design helps embed cultural diversity in the workplace, gives effect to Te Tiriti O Waitangi, and builds a sense of belonging for all staff within WSP Aotearoa, New Zealand.
At just under 4,000 square metres, WSP Westhaven is understood to be Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s largest open plan workplace. Planning and design began last August. Fitout and construction took two months over December / January, with Expedite Projects capitalising on the Christmas / New Year break.
Expedite Project’s speedy delivery was all thanks to an Agile project management plan with an emphasis on quick, constant feedback, and short, intensive periods of planning activity. A 'war room’ was set up on site, where ideas sessions and working groups were held to develop and sharpen the design.
Expedite Projects director Grant Simmons says “it has been a privilege to partner with such an advanced and forward-thinking client who have a deep insight into the needs of their people and the most up-to-date global trends in an office design.
“This project was an exemplar in how Expedite unified all the professional disciplines and delivered on time to a tightly formed budget.”
WSP has a long, established connection with what is now a thriving Wynyard Quarter on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s waterfront. One of the first companies to move into the area, WSP, formerly Opus, has been in the same building since 2002 and is committed to building a better relationship with Mana Whenua. The re-fit was spurred by the signing of a new nine-year lease.
