Utility Services

Industry leader ''US" - Utility Services won the contract to operate & maintain the water, waste water & storm water network services for Metrowater in Auckland.  A new start up company in New Zealand meant they were under pressure to mobilise the operation quickly.

The design brief for the Auckland operation was driven by their Brisbane base parent company Thiess Services Limited.  They had a limited time frame to get operations up and running.  Their accommodation was unique in that the offices had to cater for 3 types of employees - administration, call centre staff and field crew.

We were responsible for all the interior design aspects of the building including planning the 3 levels of offices and amenities.  Our scope included space planning, preparing consent drawings & detailing, selection of fittings & finishes and supplying & installing the furniture.

Utility Services Contract Manager Steve Wiggill said, we knew we needed a turn-key service - someone who could take the job and run with it,  with minimum involvement from us.  It would be pointless getting too involved in the process, a bit like having a dog and barking yourself!!  How the building team works together is important.  Tenant, designer & builder - we had a very good productive combination."

"We had trust in our designer who was recommended to us.  They have a lot of experience at getting the detail right.  Approving concepts is one thing but leave it to the experts to follow through on all the details."

"Having a single point of contact was very important for us.  It helped us keep continuity of the whole process.  If things are happening behind the scenes to leave us to work on our business, then that's a good thing.  We didn't have to get involved with the fit-out.  Diane took the job away and delivered."

"The building works well.  We like the flexibility of our offices.  We're able to make changes to our team sizes for future proofing our operation.  13 Metrowater people are working in the building.  This allows us to integrate our operation with theirs.  The two teams are now co-working under one roof."

"We now appreciate the benefits of using a designer.  You really don't understand the work involved and the expertise needed for this type of project.  Its things like knowing about lighting and other technical aspects.  We just didn't appreciate how many components there were to consider."

"Our offices are serviceable and suit our type of industry.  The materials were well chosen.  It's a timeless design.  We didn't want to have to deal with colours.  Diane found the right practical solutions."

“Natural light is a very important aspect in an office.  Our offices are bright and the layout is functional for all our people.  Our staff are happy with the work environment.  We've created a great working atmosphere."