Commercial Fit Out Results

 

H T M L Code
National Category Winner:

Project: Executive Wing Level 3

Entrant

Alaska Construction + Interiors

Project Partners

Aurecon Group (Electrical Engineer), Holmes (Structural Engineer), Parliamentary Service (Client Representative), RCP (Client Representative), Studio Pacific Architecture (Architect/Designer), TSA Riley (Project Manager)

Owned By

Parliamentary Service

The fast-tracked upgrade of the Beehive’s Executive Wing Level 3 marks the first major refurbishment of Ministerial spaces in two decades. Delivered within a live, high-security Category 1 heritage building, works were carefully sequenced around House sittings, ministerial meetings, and strict noise controls to ensure Parliament continued operating uninterrupted. Heritage preservation was central. More than 1,000 original timber battens were removed, numbered, refurbished, and reinstated in their exact positions. Southland beech and extensive wool finishes restore warmth to the curved interior, while bespoke carved panels and glazing, co-designed with mana whenua, embed cultural narrative within reception spaces. The project also introduced Parliament’s first fully accessible Ministerial suite. Completed with no lost-time injuries, it represents a respectful, technically precise renewal of one of Aotearoa’s most significant workplaces.

Judges comments

Alaska Construction + Interiors delivered the Level 3 Executive Wing fitout within the Beehive with a clear focus on making better use of the available space, while achieving a standard of finish worthy of one of New Zealand’s most important buildings. The project improved the efficiency and function of the area, creating a workplace that is both practical and refined. A key feature was the retention of heritage timbers, which preserved the character of the space and, when paired with a carefully chosen range of high-quality New Zealand-made finishes, added warmth and craftsmanship throughout. The result is a polished and thoughtful build that respects the building’s history, showcases exceptional skill, and delivers a quality outcome worthy of its national significance.

 

Project: Russell McVeagh

Entrant

Unispace

Project Partners

Emma Hofmann (Interior Designer/Architect), Unispace (Construction Company/Interior Designer/Architect/Project Manager)

Owned By

Russell McVeagh

High above Wellington on Level 24, this premium workplace was delivered within a live CBD tower in just 16 weeks. Its defining feature is a sweeping spiral staircase crafted from timber and aged brass, assembled piece by piece after being lifted through a dismantled lift shaft. Hand-finished plaster, bespoke joinery, and carefully curated lighting and artwork add depth and refinement throughout the space. Working within an operational building meant coordinating shared ceiling services, restricted access, and constant foot traffic while neighbouring floors remained open. Just 24 hours before opening, a burst pipe flooded two levels. The team mobilised immediately, restoring the space overnight to meet the scheduled handover and dawn blessing. Delivered on time and without variations, the project reflects disciplined coordination and exceptional craftsmanship under pressure.

 

Project: Beca Project Momentum (Site 6)

Entrant

Savory Construction Ltd

Project Partners

Beca (Engineer), Hawkins (Construction Company), Savory Construction (Construction Company), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

Beca

Delivering this workplace across two interconnected buildings while the base build remained underway required careful coordination at every stage. Savory Construction managed staged handovers and sectional completions in close partnership with Hawkins, maintaining safety and quality while interior works progressed alongside ongoing construction. Scale and connectivity shaped the design. Internal staircases within both the Halsey and Pakenham buildings encourage movement between floors, naturally drawing people toward the shared “Heartspace Kitchens” and “Energy Clusters” positioned at their core. These communal hubs, defined by bespoke joinery and refined tiled finishes, create warm, practical gathering spaces. Exposed ceilings and cable tray lift fronts subtly reference the tenant’s services engineering roots. With a 43% reduction in upfront carbon and extensive material recycling, the project reflects thoughtful planning and integrated delivery at scale.

 

Project: Spark NZ

Entrant

Cachet Group

Project Partners

Cachet Group (Architect/Designer/Interior Designer/Architect), The Building Intelligence Group (Construction Company)

Owned By

Spark

Spark NZ’s new headquarters was shaped through early design workshops that placed cultural storytelling alongside technical delivery. Constructed in parallel with the base build, Cachet Group coordinated closely with Mansons to manage shared access, overlapping scopes, and live-site risks, including active cranes and Alimak lifts. A defining feature is the interconnecting steel staircase, detailed with cultural motifs and developed through multiple design reviews to balance structural performance with visual intent. BIM coordination supported seamless integration between base build and fit-out, protecting programme and accuracy. Sustainability outcomes are significant, targeting leading energy and wellbeing ratings, including New Zealand’s first WELL Core pre-approval. Extensive furniture reuse, solar generation, rainwater collection, and locally sourced materials contribute to a workplace that reduces impact while reflecting Spark’s identity and long-term vision.

 

Project: Buddle Findlay Christchurch

Entrant

AW Interiors

Project Partners

Armitage Williams Construction (Construction Company), AW Interiors (Construction Company), Buddle Findlay (Client Representative), Jasmax (Architect/Designer), TSA Riley (Project Manager)

Owned By

Armitage Williams Construction / Interiors

Delivering Buddle Findlay’s new workplace within the live Regent Building required steady coordination and disciplined planning. Working under a fixed-price contract, the team navigated more than 200 design queries while maintaining programme certainty through close alignment with the base build contractor. The strength of the project lies in its considered design. Every space was shaped around how it would be used, from noise-sensitive meeting rooms with carefully balanced acoustic treatment to a premium staff lounge positioned to overlook Cathedral Square, Te Pae, and Turanga. Curved fluted timber panels elevate functional walls into sculptural features, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship. Delivered on time and to a refined standard, the fitout demonstrates how thoughtful planning and quality execution can enhance workplace experience and performance.

 

Project: FirstCape

Entrant

BLACK

Project Partners

BLACK (Construction Company), Jasmax (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

FirstCape

FirstCape’s workplace was delivered within a live commercial tower under a compressed 18.5-week programme. With documentation still developing under a Letter of Intent, design, procurement, and construction progressed in parallel, requiring disciplined coordination and clear decision-making from the outset. Mid-project value engineering introduced further pressure, yet early contractor involvement enabled risks to be identified quickly, and key materials secured without compromising design quality. Close alignment with building management ensured access, sequencing, and temporary noise controls were carefully managed to minimise disruption to neighbouring tenants. Through strong collaboration between client, consultant, and contractor, the project was completed safely, on time, and within budget, resulting in a refined and highly functional workplace.

 

Project: SecuritEase

Entrant

BLACK

Project Partners

BLACK (Construction Company), Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

SecuritEase International Limited

Working within a constrained existing building, SecuritEase required careful planning from the outset. Early contractor involvement allowed BLACK to refine detailing, confirm material selections, and sequence works clearly before construction began, resulting in a smooth delivery with minimal rework. The defining feature is a sweeping curved joinery installation, developed in 3D and fabricated in modular sections to navigate tight lift and access restrictions. Once assembled on site, the pieces aligned seamlessly, delivering a refined finish without compromising design intent. Locally manufactured materials, integrated planting, and the reuse of existing service routes supported sustainability goals, while the modular approach allows the workplace to adapt over time. The result is a precise, well-executed fit-out shaped by early coordination and disciplined delivery.

 

Project: PrecinctFlex

Entrant

BLACK

Project Partners

Beca (Project Manager), BLACK (Construction Company), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

Precinct Flex Limited

PrecinctFlex Pipiri Lane was delivered alongside an unfinished base build in the middle of the CBD, with access tight and timelines shifting. When handover was delayed, BLACK progressed major outstanding works while coordinating closely with Hawkins to keep both programmes aligned. Seismic ceiling upgrades and late mechanical changes required quick redesign and early procurement to avoid hold-ups. More than $1 million of added scope was absorbed without pushing the completion date, thanks to disciplined sequencing and fast on-site decision-making. Service clashes were resolved in real time, protecting both layout and finish quality. Over 20,000 labour hours were completed injury-free. Reused ceiling grids, retained service routes, exposed cross-laminated timber, and efficient systems helped reduce waste and carbon impact, delivering a refined, high-performing workplace despite complex conditions.

 

Project: BNZ HQ, Auckland

Entrant

Unispace

Project Partners

NDY (Engineer), Unispace (Construction Company/Interior Designer/Architect/Project Manager)

Owned By

BNZ

Transforming 21,000sqm across 19 floors within a live central Auckland tower demanded disciplined staging and constant coordination. Delivered in three phases, the first 10 levels were completed in just 155 days while BNZ’s Queen Street branch remained fully operational. Seismic upgrades, major structural works, and a multi-level grandstand stair cut-out were undertaken without disrupting more than 1,800 staff. The workplace was reimagined around people. Community floors were relocated to prime light-filled levels with terrace access, and kitchens and workstations were designed for full accessibility, reviewed alongside BNZ’s health and safety team. With over 80% waste diversion and significant furniture reuse, the project was delivered on time and on budget, reshaping a heritage building into a vibrant, inclusive workplace that actively supports BNZ’s culture and daily life.

 

Project: 100 First Avenue

Entrant

Foster Construction BOP Ltd

Project Partners

Edwards White Architects (Architect/Designer), Focus on Property (Project Manager), Foster Construction BOP Ltd (Construction Company/Quantity Surveyor)

Owned By

Five Feathers Limited

100 First Avenue exemplifies the power of adaptive commercial redevelopment, transforming a tired Tauranga CBD building into cohesive, A-grade office space. The project began with significant seismic strengthening, including new steel bracing and reinforced blockwork, followed by careful asbestos remediation and roof repairs to stabilise the ageing structure. Working within an occupied environment demanded disciplined sequencing and close collaboration with engineers and architects as hidden conditions emerged. A standout achievement was enabling Southpac to occupy its timber-accented tenancy while neighbouring fitouts continued, requiring early starts, strict noise control, and full intertenancy separation. Each space was distinctly tailored, from refined corporate finishes to bold industrial detailing. The result is a flexible, visually striking workplace that delivers enduring value for both owner and occupants.

 

Project: Dentsu

Entrant

Edge Interiors

Project Partners

Edge Interiors (Construction Company/Interior Designer/Architect/Project Manager/Quantity Surveyor), SRS Engineering (Structural Engineer)

Dentsu’s workplace transformation reimagined an underutilised carpark as a high-performing interior environment, introducing a large town hall-style kitchen and upgraded end-of-trip facilities. Delivered in two stages while the business remained fully operational, the project required disciplined staging and constant coordination to minimise disruption. Complex detailing shaped the build. Curved glass partitions, low existing ceiling heights, and challenging floor conditions were resolved without impacting occupied levels or critical services, including the server room. Careful reuse of elements from the previous fit-out helped protect budget and reduce waste. Delivered under a competitive design-and-build process, the project expands Dentsu’s functional footprint and creates a flexible, social workplace aligned with how its people work today.

 

Project: Precinct Suites

Entrant

BLACK

Project Partners

BLACK (Construction Company), EQSTRUC LIMITED (Engineer), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

Precinct Properties

Built directly above the live Media Design School, Precinct Suites demanded absolute control from day one. Teaching ran seven days a week below, so noisy works were tightly scheduled and vibration carefully monitored to protect studios and equipment. When unexpected clashes with base-build elements emerged, the team worked closely with consultants and facilities management to rework layouts and maintain acoustic performance without slowing progress. Just-in-time procurement and disciplined sequencing kept the programme on track within a constrained footprint. More than 15,000 labour hours were completed without injury, reflecting strong on-site leadership and daily coordination. The finished result is five premium, sound-attenuated suites that feel calm and refined, proof that complex, high-performance spaces can be delivered cleanly inside a fully operational environment.

 

Project: CBRE

Entrant

Unispace

Project Partners

Unispace (Construction Company/Interior Designer/Architect/Project Manager)

Owned By

CBRE

CBRE Christchurch was delivered within a compressed 12-week programme, despite inconsistencies between documentation and existing site conditions. Late structural discoveries and dispersed decision-makers added complexity, yet the team maintained programme certainty through early trade engagement and disciplined coordination. Thoughtful space planning underpins the workplace, accommodating 50 open-plan workpoints and 13 meeting rooms for 59 staff, alongside wellness amenities and a 16-person boardroom. Premium client-facing areas and bespoke joinery were achieved within budget, demonstrating careful cost control without compromising quality. Delivered on time and with zero variations, the fitout balances collaboration and focused work through warm natural finishes and refined detailing. As CBRE’s first Green Star workplace in New Zealand, it reflects considered planning, efficient delivery, and a strong client partnership.

 

Project: Majestic Centre Lobby & End of Trip Facilities

Entrant

Unispace

Project Partners

Unispace (Construction Company/Interior Designer/Architect/Project Manager)

Owned By

Charter Hall

Within one of Wellington’s busiest commercial towers, the Majestic Centre lobby and end-of-trip refurbishment unfolded beneath a 10-metre atrium that remained open to the public throughout. Managing daily foot traffic while progressing demolition and reconstruction required disciplined staging, detailed safety controls, and careful coordination with building management. Large-format tiles measuring 3.2 by 1.5 metres and weighing 76kg were installed at height, while abseilers painted columns and removed suspended artwork within the atrium. New plumbing was threaded through three levels of carpark, and services were integrated discreetly into the glazed façade. Through early subcontractor involvement and structured sequencing, the project was completed on programme, delivering a refined and durable arrival experience within a complex live environment.

 

Project: NIWA

Entrant

Naylor Love

Project Partners

Beca (Electrical Engineer/Engineer), Naylor Love (Construction Company), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA).

Awarded days before Christmas and mobilised immediately in the New Year, NIWA’s fitout unfolded within a live, multi-tenanted building under strict time and access constraints. Night works were prohibited, and shared services across a hotel, basement, and multiple landlords required disciplined coordination to maintain uninterrupted operations. Early pre-task planning identified cable tray routes, sprinkler lines, and duct runs, allowing hangers to be installed during approved noisy periods so follow-on services could proceed within standard working hours. Close collaboration with stakeholders ensured life safety systems and tenant access remained fully operational throughout. Reuse of blinds and carpet tiles, alongside the repurposing of existing materials, supported sustainable delivery. The completed workspace reflects precision, restraint, and controlled execution under pressure.

 

Project: Activate Church Trust

Entrant

Foster Construction Group Ltd

Project Partners

BCD Group Limited (Structural Engineer), Edwards White (Architect/Designer), Edwards White Architects (Architect/Designer), Foster Construction Group Ltd (Project Manager)

Owned By

Activate Church Trust

Complex from the outset, the Activate Church Trust development required adaptability and close collaboration to progress under highly restrictive conditions. With A-class asbestos contamination preventing early access, the team completed design refinement, pricing, and value engineering without entering the building, while the church simultaneously replaced its roof. When works commenced, carefully zoned staging allowed construction to proceed safely alongside asbestos removal. Engineered framing, custom steel windows fabricated directly from shop drawings, and the precise installation of a large, prefabricated cantilever canopy in a single lift reflect the project’s detailed planning. Extensive floor chases were cut and reinstated to accommodate integrated sound systems and recessed stage speakers without compromising structure. The completed facility retains its industrial character while delivering a highly functional, community-focused space aligned with the client’s vision and budget.

 

Project: Samsung

Entrant

Unispace

Project Partners

Unispace (Construction Company/Interior Designer/Architect/Project Manager)

Owned By

Samsung

Delivering Samsung’s workplace transformation required construction to unfold alongside daily operations, with tenants working directly beside the main lobby. Clear wayfinding, controlled access points, and strict dust and noise management kept the building functioning safely, while the loudest works were shifted to nights and weekends. At the same time, the team managed roof leaks, upgraded non-compliant fire barriers, and progressed new external fire stairs through design and approval. A building refurbishment and full interior fit-out ran concurrently, increasing capacity from 200 to 350 staff. Reception was relocated to the ground floor, acoustic performance improved, and shared amenities reconfigured to better support collaboration. Despite offshore decision-makers and a staged decant to temporary premises, the project was delivered on time and on budget, with strong material reuse and community donations supporting its sustainability outcomes.

 

Project: The SPACES Albert Street, Auckland

Entrant

Dream Team NZ Ltd

Project Partners

Designed Interiors NZ (Interior Designer/Architect), Dream Team NZ Ltd (Construction Company), IWG PLC (Client Representative), Perficio Consultants Ltd (Project Manager)

Owned By

IWG PLC
Mansons TCLM Limited

The Spaces on Albert Street is a high-end commercial fit-out completed under intense time and logistical pressure. Delivered within a tight construction window, the project involved the transformation of approximately 80 rooms and shared spaces into a premium coworking environment filled with natural light, right in the heart of Auckland’s financial hub. Dream Team NZ Ltd overcame long lead times for imported materials through proactive procurement and maintained smooth operations across a multi-level site with detailed internal traffic and noise management plans. Despite the complexity, the project was handed over on time and to a high standard, with minimal disruption to other building occupants. The result is a refined, functional space that reflects both design excellence and meticulous project execution.