This article was originally posted on Made by FDC

Imagine working in an office whose design brief was to create an environment in which staff felt thanked and rewarded. Envisioned as a place where people thrive, fresh air and natural light reenergise you, and made-to-order coffee appears on demand, MA Financial’s new offices in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, push the boundaries of what one might expect from a typical financial institution. This refurbishment, delivered by FDC, heralds a new era for the financial sector far from a simple aesthetic upgrade.

Future-proofing takes a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the space remains adaptable to evolving business needs while staying ahead of market trends. No-one can predict the future, but by improving sustainability measures, integrating cutting-edge technology, anticipating shifts in workplace dynamics with adaptable workspaces, and prioritising employee wellbeing, the MA Financial offices are set up to prosper for the long term.

Style meets functionality

Three spacious floors, levels 25 to 27, are connected by a staircase featuring 12 integrated LED skylights that simulate the effect of sunlight. "It’s a staircase so functional and beautiful," notes MA Financial COO, Janna Robertson, "that people regularly shun the lift." Access to light, fresh air and water (evidenced by the numerous zip taps encouraging regular hydration) are key elements of the design, intended to boost employee wellness and focus.

Seemingly simple features such as the integration of unlimited in-house caffeine is more than a perk—it enhances productivity. "Our coffee-on-demand system is seamlessly integrated into the security and desk-booking system, making it easy for employees to order as many coffees as they want from the in-house kitchen,” says Janna. “It creates connectivity between different parts of our business and the kitchen is the place where people collide and have those great informal conversations.”

In these comfort-led, luxe surrounds, high-tech features and employee wellness measures are built-in to create a positive environment for staff, while increasing asset value and reducing the need to invest in upgrades over time. "Our aim was to deliver a space that not only meets current demands but anticipates future needs. By incorporating advanced technology and flexible design elements, we’ve ensured MA Financial’s offices are primed to evolve over time,” says Russell Grady, FDC Managing Director.

An integrated sense of welcome

Bringing design, technology and buildability together is an essential future-proofing strategy, ensuring spaces are not only beautiful but operationally seamless. Adaptable spaces that foster connectivity and creativity are crucial in a post-pandemic world and can be seen in action on MA Financial’s client floor.

“When you walk onto the client floor, there's a real warmth to it. It doesn't feel like an office. It makes for a really special experience,” says Janna. “Our boardroom on that floor is an unusual space that required a lot of design and buildability inclusions. It’s a multi-function room, that can transform from a boardroom to seating 100 people theatre-style,” says Janna.

A key feature of the vast, light-flooded space is the double-height ceiling, six metres above floor level, with generous windows showcasing sweeping views of the city, enhancing the sense of space. Meanwhile, manoeuvrable, advanced AV capabilities are embedded within sophisticated joinery. "Having great tech integrated into all spaces is non-negotiable these days,” says Janna. “FDC were critical in delivering features that actually work day-to-day—not just look beautiful.” This attention to detail and functionality contributed to MA Financial taking out the NSW Interior Fitout category ($10M - $20M) at the Master Builders Association awards in 2022.

Brand-elevating design

One of the most showstopping transformative elements of MA Financial’s upgrade is found outside the building. A vast, 600-square-meter terrace has completely transformed how MA Financial interacts with both staff and clients. Equipped with heating, cooling and sheltered spaces to ensure comfort year-round, the terrace is a space that adapts to the evolving ways people work and interact, while significantly enhancing the building’s utility, appeal and value.

“The terrace is occupied and activated all day, every day. The benefits of having access to the outside and fresh air is really underrated in offices and I think it’s changed how people are thinking about outdoor spaces in office buildings,” says Janna. “The value it’s added to the building is well beyond what has been spent.”

The refurbishment has set a new standard in the financial sector, proving that functional, innovative design can profoundly impact company culture and client relationships. "This project exemplifies how strategic design can create spaces that are not only beautiful but smart and sustainable. It’s about foreseeing future needs and ensuring that every design decision contributes to the longevity and success of the business,” says Russell.

For MA Financial, it’s more than a refresh; it marks a significant step forward in both branding and operations. “From a brand perspective, this is one of the most critical things we've done in the last five years. This space has signalled to a lot of people our intent. It’s done extraordinary things for compelling our clients. We deal with a lot of high-net-worth investors. We deal with non-executive directors and all sorts of founders, entrepreneurs and business owners in our advisory business,” Janna explains.

“The refurbishment has been a very confident stamping of our intent to grow and do so in an understated but confident way. What matters to people is connectivity, the ability to innovate and collaborate by connecting with others, and then having a degree of utility and comfort in the space they're in. Gimmicks get found out for what they are, but beautiful, timeless design is what you always end up going back to. Those are the things that endure.”

A transformation that not only meets the current needs of its employees and clients but also ensures the building remains a competitive, appealing asset in the bustling Sydney CBD, MA Financial is looking forward, ready for whatever the future holds.