Financial Services HQ: From Brief to Brilliance

Search, Negotiation, Design, Fitout, and Custom Furnishings

When a leading financial services firm sought a prestigious regional headquarters, they needed more than just office space, they needed a strategic partner to deliver a statement environment that reflected their brand, culture, and ambitions.

Future of the Office stepped in to provide a comprehensive solution, from initial property search and expert lease negotiation to a rapid, high-specification Cat-B fitout featuring bespoke furnishings crafted by local artisans. The result? A world-class workspace delivered on time, under budget, and with unparalleled attention to detail.

Explore the project below to discover how our agile Scrum design process, strategic partnerships, and commitment to excellence transformed a blank canvas into a thriving hub for innovation and success.

1. Defining the Vision: The Brief

We began by immersing ourselves in our client’s world, understanding their brand ethos, operational needs, and aspirations for their new regional HQ. Through collaborative workshops, we refined the brief to prioritise:

  • Prestige: A space that commanded respect in the financial sector.
  • Agility: Flexible areas for hybrid collaboration.
  • Craftsmanship: Bespoke elements to reflect their corporate identity.

2. The Search: Securing a Space Aligned with ESG Values

Leveraging our network of licensed agents, we executed a targeted search to meet both commercial and ESG objectives:

  1. Agent Collaboration:
    • Engaged ESG-conscious agents to identify properties with:
      • BREEAM Excellent/LEED Gold certification
      • Renewable energy provisions
      • Wellbeing-focused infrastructure (air filtration, biophilic design potential)
    • Evaluated properties, presenting 3 shortlisted options with ESG scoring.
  2. ESG Non-Negotiables:
    • Energy: Secured a building with 100% renewable supply.
    • Transport: Prioritised sites with Cycle-to-Work schemes and <5-min walk to public transport.
    • Wellbeing: Selected a space with 75% daylight penetration.
  3. Commercial Rigour:
    • Negotiated a below-market lease for comparable ESG-premium spaces with significant rent-free period.

3. Negotiation: Securing the Deal

Our negotiation through top-tier agents ensured:

  • Favorable terms: Below market rate for comparable properties with significant rent-free period.
  • Flexibility: Future-proofed clauses for expansion.
  • Speed: Commercials agreed in two weeks.

4. Cat-B Fitout: Precision in Execution

Using our agile Scrum methodology, we delivered the fitout in just 4 weeks, focusing on:

  • Spatial flow: Optimising team zones and client-facing areas.
  • Wellbeing: Ergonomic lighting, acoustics, and biophilic elements.
  • Tech integration: Seamless AV and connectivity.

5. Artisan Craftsmanship: Custom Furnishings

Local workshops brought the space to life with:

  • A handcrafted boardroom table in solid wood.
  • Custom lighting solution to match boardroom table.
  • A fully tailored kitchen with premium finishes.
  • Custom made meeting booths and modular seating.
  • Office storage and shelving.

6. The Result: A Statement HQ

The outcome exceeded expectations:

  • Prestige achieved: A landmark address that impresses clients and talent.
  • Cost savings: Significant below traditional fitout budgets thanks to our agile design and delivery approach.
  • Speed to occupancy: From keys to completion in 6 weeks total.

A Blueprint for Modern Workplace Excellence

This project exemplifies the Future of the Office approach: where strategic vision, sustainable innovation, and local craftsmanship converge to create exceptional workplaces.

Why This Transformation Stands Out:
✅ Award-Winning Green Credentials – Delivered in an multiple award-winning building, surpassing standards for sustainable commercial spaces.
✅ Unmatched Speed & Value – Completed in just 4 weeks, below market cost, without compromising quality.
✅ Community Impact – Partnered with local artisans and tradespeople, supporting regional employment and skills development while reducing transport emissions.
✅ Client-Centric Results – A prestigious, future-proofed HQ that aligns perfectly with our client’s brand, culture, and ESG commitments.

"This isn’t just an office, it’s a testament to what’s possible when sustainability, speed, and craftsmanship are prioritised without compromise."

Your Workspace, Reimagined

A workplace is more than four walls, it’s the foundation of your culture, productivity, and growth. At Future of the Office, we combine strategic insight, sustainable innovation, and local craftsmanship to create spaces that inspire teams and impress clients.

Ready to transform your workspace? Contact us today to discover how we can deliver award-winning design tailored to your unique needs, agile delivery that minimises disruption, exceptional value without compromising quality, and true sustainability from search to fitout. Whether you’re refreshing a single floor or planning a flagship HQ, we’ll help you create a space that works as hard as you do.