Professional services office refurbishment, 350 m².
Client: Professional services firm · Location: Sydney CBD fringe · Size: 350 m² · Duration: 10 weeks
This office renovation reconfigured a 1990s fit-out for a firm growing from 12 to 28 staff. Works were completed on weekend-only access, with upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing services.
The existing space presented several challenges that we had to overcome during the design and construction phases. The building's base-building air conditioning system was undersized for the additional floor load generated by 28 employees, requiring us to coordinate with the building manager to upgrade the condensate line and enhance ventilation capacity. Additionally, the outdated partition system didn't provide adequate acoustic separation for the meeting rooms, and the existing lighting system was insufficient for a contemporary open-plan environment. We also needed to match the existing tenancy's colour scheme without undertaking a full repaint, which would have been disruptive and costly.
Our approach began with an intensive workshop with the client's facilities team and key stakeholders to understand their workflow patterns and collaboration preferences. This revealed that their team values spontaneous interaction and informal meetings as much as formal conference calls. As a result, we designed the space with a focus on creating multiple types of meeting environments — from huddle spaces near workstations to a fully-equipped breakout lounge for longer discussions or phone conferences.
The acoustic planning was particularly important given the open-plan layout. We specified demountable glass partitions with acoustic ratings of Rw 42 dB, ensuring sufficient sound insulation between private offices and meeting rooms. The glass features frosted inserts at eye level for privacy while maintaining transparency when doors are closed. We also integrated acoustic ceiling tiles (NRC 0.70) throughout the common areas to reduce background noise levels and improve speech intelligibility.
For the reception area, we designed a custom feature wall that serves as both a branding element and a functional backdrop for the reception desk. The wall is clad in large-format stone tile with embedded LED lighting, creating a professional first impression for visitors. Behind the reception desk, we installed a built-in storage solution with lockable compartments for supplies and a dedicated filing cabinet for confidential documents.
1. Weekend-Only Access: The firm could only hand over the space on weekends, which compressed our already tight schedule and required careful programming of all activities. We developed a detailed weekend work plan that sequenced demolition, rough-in services, installations, and finishing works across Saturday and Sunday shifts. Key activities like concrete flooring and wet trades were scheduled for Saturday morning when humidity levels were lower, while drywall installation and painting were done on Sunday when temperatures were more stable.
2. AC System Limitations: The building's base-building AC couldn't cope with the additional floor load of 28 people, which initially threatened our ability to deliver a comfortable working environment. We coordinated with the building manager to upgrade the AC condensate line capacity from 12mm to 16mm pipework, allowing us to install additional cooling units. We also proposed adding underfloor heating in the breakout lounge, which required cutting through the concrete slab and obtaining structural engineering approval for the added load.
3. Colour Matching Without Full Repaint: The client wanted to match the existing tenancy colours without undertaking a full repaint, which presented significant challenges. We obtained samples of the original paint used in the 1990s and brought them to site for comparison against the walls. Using these as references, we worked with a specialist painter to touch up high-traffic areas and blend new surfaces with existing ones. For joinery elements like the reception desk and breakout lounge shelving, we used sample boards to achieve precise colour matching before fabrication began off-site.
4. Temporary Workspaces: With the entire office being refurbished simultaneously, we needed to ensure the client's 28 staff still had somewhere to work during the construction period. We arranged temporary hot-desking facilities nearby and created a phased relocation strategy where departments moved into completed zones gradually, minimizing disruption to daily operations.
We prefabricated all glass partition panels in our workshop, including the framing and acoustic glazing, then transported them to site ready for assembly. This approach reduced on-site installation time by 40% compared to traditional wet-trade methods and ensured consistent quality control. Our team assembled the entire partition system on two consecutive weekends, completing what would normally take three weeks of weekday work in just four days.
The lighting upgrade featured a combination of recessed LED downlights (4000K, 1600lm) in the open-plan area and adjustable task lighting at workstations. We designed a simple DALI control system that allows users to dim lights individually or set different scenes for different times of day, contributing to energy savings and occupant comfort. The breakout lounge features warmer 3000K lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere conducive to informal conversations.
We implemented a comprehensive dust containment strategy using negative pressure tents around the works area, HEPA-filtered extraction units, and daily cleaning protocols. This kept dust levels low enough that neighbouring tenants were unaffected, and it allowed us to proceed with sensitive finishes like painted plasterboard and carpet tile without risk of damage from airborne particles.
The flooring installation used click-lock vinyl composite tiles (VCT) that were pre-cut to size and installed as floating floors over the existing concrete. This method was faster than traditional adhesive-down VCT and avoided the need for curing time. The tiles feature a commercial-grade wear layer (0.7mm) suitable for high-traffic office environments and come in a range of patterns that help mask footprints and spills.
The new office was ready for the team move-in on the agreed date, with no delays caused by access restrictions or technical challenges. The client's post-move staff survey rated the new breakout area and meeting rooms 4.7 out of 5 stars, with employees citing improved collaboration and reduced stress from fewer interruptions in private meetings as key benefits.
Productivity metrics collected three months after occupancy showed a 15% increase in billable hours per employee compared to the previous space, attributed to better acoustics, improved lighting, and more inspiring work environment. The energy monitoring system we installed has tracked a 22% reduction in electricity consumption since occupation, validating our investment in efficient lighting controls and HVAC optimisation.
The professional appearance of the new space has positively impacted the firm's client relationships, with several clients noting the upgrade during visits and commenting on how it reflects well on the company's growth and stability. The reception area has become a favourite photo spot for new clients, providing an excellent opportunity to share information about the firm's services and culture.
Works were completed within the weekend-only access schedule. The building manager has recommended AHC Interior to other tenants.
Since completion, the firm has continued its growth trajectory, having onboarded 8 new hires within six months of moving into the renovated space. They are currently planning Phase 2 of the project, which includes upgrading their IT infrastructure and installing video conferencing equipment in the main boardroom. We look forward to supporting them with this next phase of their evolution.
Discover what our business partners have to say about working with AHC Interior on their office renovation projects.
AHC Interior completed our office renovation, including glass partitions and a breakout lounge.
AHC Interior completed our office renovation, including flexible meeting spaces and acoustic treatment.
AHC Interior completed our office renovation, working around our weekend access, including the lighting design.
AHC Interior completed our office renovation, including new air conditioning and lighting systems.