We’ve helped a diverse range of industries transform their work space into a strategic asset. Here are a few of our favourite examples of how we’ve used workplace strategy to deliver high-performing spaces for our clients.
Contact us via DM to book a free workplace strategy session with Zander.
Your office can be an investment, not an overhead!
ATTN business owners,
Every square metre of your office should have a job to do or you’ll have to pick up the slack.
We’d like to get you started with some actionable steps to improve your workplace strategy, because a healthy, motivated culture starts with your environment.
We’re currently offering free consultations for leaders in business that want a high-performing space to match their vision.
Contact us now via DM to book your session with Zander!
We’re currently offering free workplace strategy consults for leaders in business.
If you’re wondering what that means and why it matters, here are some examples of how we’ve optimised the Designwell HQ to support our people and our workflow.
Your physical space has the potential to match your brand's vision - contact us via DM to book your strategy session and get the wheels in motion ✌️
The beauty of The Hamilton Hotel lies in its hidden details.
Designed for discovery, the expansive site reveals itself in layers, offering guests the chance to stumble upon spaces that have their own secret language.
A private dining room acts as a warm, inviting sanctuary defined by soft, dusty pinks. Meanwhile, tucked within the public bar is a hidden room; saturated in vibrant chartreuse and clad with ceiling mirrors, it creates an immersive, intimate environment that feels worlds away from the street outside.
The result is a memorable, modern hospitality experience that breathes fresh life into a beloved local landmark - honoring both its historic roots and its connection to the brand-new Waikato Regional Theatre.
While consistency anchors the design, we used colour and bespoke details to define the soul of each space. In the Bar, the energy is bolder and moodier while in the Bistro, the atmosphere shifts to something more refined and upmarket.
Working closely with our sister studio, Daymark, we embedded the hotel’s new brand identity directly into the interior architecture. We translated their high-contrast palette into rich upholstery - think deep burgundies and cobalt blues and a fun pop of chartreuse.
Bespoke furniture settings in the Bar and the Bistro were important for setting the tone. The different set up in each zone dictates how the guest will understand and interact with each space. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, a perch at the bar or a communal hub, every guest experience has been considered and crafted.
Repositioning an architectural icon like @hamiltonhotel.nz for a modern era presented a unique spatial puzzle: a long, narrow floor plan bisected by a main thoroughfare. We had to be very intentional about how we connected the Bar and the Bistro while also letting their individual personalities shine.
We first focused on continuity by keeping the foundational finishes - the floors, ceilings, and walls - consistent across the entire fitout. The base needed to have a seamless visual connection that honours the building’s historic roots.
To further bridge the two sides, we introduced custom-designed, locally made folded brass lights. We chose these fixtures for their distinct style, adding warmth, and a material that will age alongside the building over time.
A huge thanks to our client Overproof for trusting us with the project. Thank you to @fostergroupltd for leading construction, as well as the other construction teams who got on the tools to make the Hamilton hotel come to life.
Team members - Jacki, Kane, Jordee, and Alexander
Welcome to Field Notes. We’re taking you onsite for an inside look at our latest projects – capturing the raw, unfiltered moments of the design process in action. Today we're checking out the progress at 490 Grey Street, the new home of @gatewayaotearoa .
Big thanks to Designwell legend @jordeehutchison for showing us around and @mckenzie_and_willis for taking part!
From the first site visit to the final walk-through, see how our concepts come to life in real-time.
It’s been amazing to see (and taste) Reggie’s cranking out delicious Italian cuisine since opening just over a year ago.
We designed Reggie’s to embody the complete Italian eatery experience. The layout is thoughtfully zoned to create a seamless flow between the bar, dining room and terrace, while the interior uses a rich, timeless palette to channel classic Italian nostalgia.
The result is a versatile space for family gatherings or a romantic night out - casual comfort with an air of sophistication. It’s easily one of the best spots in Kirikiriroa to grab a drink and watch the sunset over the Waikato River.
We’re still so proud to have been a part of creating this rooftop gem at MADE 🍕
Design Team - Zander, Jacki & Kane
Developer - @starkpropertynz
Suppliers - @harrowsnz@vitrine_nz@tilespacenz@inzidenz
Photographer - @jfkoretz
Our team is still buzzing after our recent trip to NZ Design Week 2026. It was an incredible opportunity to get inspired by fresh design trends and mingle with other leaders in the industry.
We were especially stoked to see our very own Director, Alexander Wastney, share expert insights on workplace design as a panel speaker for @zenithinteriors_ and presenting for @crestlinefurniture
Till next year @nzdesignweek 🙌
Ever wondered about what it takes to create an environment that promotes a strong sense of belonging?
We’re still buzzing from the energy at @nzdesignweek 2026 – and after a great response to our presentation, “Designing a Sense of Belonging,” we’ve decided to share the info online.
From healthcare spaces that soothe to workplaces that inspire, we’re constantly exploring what belonging looks like in the built environment.
Send us the word ‘Belong’ via DM to get immediate access to the link, and please get in touch with us if you have any questions about this topic!
It's giveaway time ❤️ Originally designed as an exclusive Valentines gift for our clients, we’ve saved two of our limited edition 2026 calendars to give away to you!
This isn't your average planner. It’s a beautifully crafted Risograph calendar featuring 12 unique perspectives of Kirikiriroa. From hidden corners to iconic views, it’s a year-long celebration of the city we call home.
How to enter: Follow both @daymarkstudio and @designwellstudio .
Tag a friend in the comments below (one tag = one entry).
Entries close: Midnight, March 4th. Open to NZ residents only.
Two lucky winners will be drawn and contacted via DM.
Photography: @hellopoe
Words: Adapted from Tannhäuser / Derivè by Refused
Design: @mysta_cool and @jackson.graphic
Typography: Publisher Mix Medium by @abcdinamo
Production: Two-Colour Risograph Print by @studioqprinters
Make 2026 work better.
We’re offering free one-hour workplace strategy consults — whether you are a small business or large enterprise this will provide you with practical, actionable insights to help your space work better for your people and your business. Comment WORKPLACE below or DM us for more info.
#workplace #workplacedesign #strategy
