Hayball’s new studio gives us an opportunity to practice what we preach, to consolidate our studio character, and define a new standard of workplace excellence that utilises our research, built work and thinking in this sector.
As part of the design process we have recently undertaken a post-occupancy review on our Sydney studio, which was designed as a prototype office space specifically to test a variety of working styles, spaces, technologies and conditions. Hayball seeks to follow the alignment and vision of the practice to develop commercial spaces that demonstrate thought leadership, define new trends, affirm creativity and are supported by cross-sectoral thinking by referencing our work in contemporary education, mixed-use developments and innovative project delivery methods.
We will be leveraging our knowledge and displaying it outwardly, to industry, clients and collaborators, as well as our current and future staff members. This new space will work as a catalyst for creating a benchmark in workplace design and uphold Hayball’s ongoing aspiration to support a vibrant, happy and engaged working culture.
Central to the design development has been the co-creation process with our staff, supporting their overall wellbeing and creating an inclusive and welcoming place for our professional community.
A staff survey was developed to gain insight on employee work styles and desires which will guide the workplace strategy and design of our new space. Questions focused around the types of spaces people use or want to use and how people prefer to work and collaborate with each other.
The outcomes from these surveys and workshops were compiled and are currently informing the initial design phases, while ongoing input from staff will continue until we have distilled the essence of what it is that really works for us and our people.
Hayball’s pursuit of design excellence demands the brightest creative minds. We want to create a space that encourages creativity, mental and physical health in a relaxed, fun and healthy working environment. Our new space will promote equity and wellbeing, empowering all our people in their creative endeavours using a series of settings that will enable analogue, digital and physical activities and inspire ingenuity and innovation.