Spanning levels 21-26 of the tower at 180 Lonsdale Street, this workspace supports almost 1,000 employees relocated from offices at 111 Bourke Street, 80 Collins Street, West Melbourne and Mount Waverley. This project reflects a significant evolution of Australia Post’s workplace environment focusing on employee wellbeing, staff engagement, collaboration and innovation in response to change as technology enables new flexible modes of working.

Heidi Smith, interior designer and Partner at Gray Puksand was impressed by the proactive engagement from all levels of Australia Post staff and stakeholders throughout an intensive series of briefing workshops. Their eagerness to make positive changes resulted in Gray Puksand’s agile-ready workspace design and an interior concept based on the idea of an ‘Australia Post Tapestry’ which embodies the strength and values of the organisation.

The final design for Australia Post includes meandering paths and workstation layouts which incorporate a variety of settings including standing height meeting spaces, sit-to-stand desks, collaboration zones, causal retreat spaces and informal gathering spaces. The workspace also features a creative space, a retreat area and winter garden rooms which embrace the wellness aspect of this project while custom graphics are a continuous reminder of the tapestry theme. Six themes, one for each level, are reflected in a unique selection of products and materials with a focus on Australian furniture and lighting design.