For over a decade, Spark operated from Spark City—a campus of four towers in Auckland CBD – but as they turned a new chapter, Spark sought a transformative shift. Uniting their teams under one roof, Spark looked to 50 Albert Street, a 6-Green Star, WELL platinum rated building developed by Manson TCLM for their new Auckland HQ.
Migrating from a dispersed campus to a single building headquarter posed significant challenges. However, Spark’s leadership approached this transition with a clear vision: to guide their people through a journey of connection, culture, and change.
Early in 2023, Athena Blue Global, a strategy and change management consultant, was engaged to develop the accommodation brief and new ways of working approach, through review of Spark’s existing workplace and ways of working, interviews, workshops and presentations. “As a considerable business change, it was important for us to provide leadership clarity on how the new workspace could support Spark NZ now and in the future, and what this would mean from a space, technology, people and culture perspective,” says Annabel Khoo, Head of Australia & New Zealand at Athena Blue Global. “The development of a managed flexibility approach, combined with future workplace scenarios, ensured a clear multi-floor stacking and accommodation briefing was established to guide the design”
“The development of a managed flexibility approach, combined with future workplace scenarios, ensured a clear multi-floor stacking and accommodation briefing was established to guide the design”
– Annabel khoo, Athena Blue Global
With the project’s key drivers defined over a 6-month engagement with Athena Blue Global, Cachet Group, a leading commercial interior design and construct provider, was appointed to bring this vision to life through innovative workplace design.
Over 14 months, Cachet Group partnered closely with Spark, The Building Intelligence Group, independent Project Management team, and Alaska Construction, to bring their new six-level headquarters to life. Inspired by Spark’s tagline, “Hello Tomorrow,” the design mission statement emerged: “Creating a destination to empower people to connect.”
“At Cachet, we believe in creating spaces that not only function effectively but resonate deeply with the people who use them,” said Sarah-Jane Sullivan, Design Lead at Cachet Group. “This project was an opportunity to create a workplace that not only reflects Spark’s core values but fosters connection and collaboration across their new HQ”.
The result is a cohesive, and visually stunning campus destination where each level tells a story inspired by cultural narratives, seamlessly blending connection and innovation.
As visitors enter the building, a grand spiralling staircase draws them to Level 1, the primary arrival space and the first chapter in the design narrative, symbolising the earth’s crust.” “Level 1 sets the tone for Spark’s new headquarters—it’s a testament to their leadership and influence within New Zealand’s digital economy ” said Saila Wang, Lead Designer for the project. “As a client-facing space, it was thoughtfully crafted to reflect Spark’s pioneering brand and was designed to allow their clients to feel welcomed into Spark’s new home.”
The journey through the building continues, with each floor tying to the 3 baskets of knowledge — allowing for a different theme on each floor. Cachet Group worked closely with Spark’s Māori Strategy & People and Culture teams alongside Warren and Mahoney’s team (Whare Timu & Arron O’Hagan) throughout the design process for guidance on the cultural guidance, and to ensure Spark’s values and story were authentically represented. “Each floor’s theme ties back to the three baskets of knowledge as well as land, rivers & sky creating a strong cultural connection” says Wang. With the cultural narrative and inclusivity at its core, Spark embraced a minimalist and modern approach, allowing the design to reflect their Te Korowai Tupu (Māori Strategy) while leaving patterns and colours open to interpretation. This thoughtful design invites everyone to weave their own stories into the space, creating a deeply personal connection.
These patterns and motifs specifically designed for the workplace are thoughtfully incorporated into acoustic panels, glazing, wayfinding, and room names, underscoring Spark’s commitment to embracing and celebrating Aotearoa’s identity. A dedicated cultural space was also designed to provide an inclusive environment where staff can gather, celebrate traditions, and host events that honour their heritage.
“Collaborating with Spark’s Māori strategy team ensured that cultural integration was a genuine and meaningful reflection of their brand and organisational values.”
– Saila Wang, Cachet Group
Each of the work floors have a consistent layout ensuring ease of navigation and familiarity for staff, with meeting rooms, collaborative zones, focus zones, and hybrid working areas seamlessly integrated into each level. Connecting the expansive floorplates is a striking interconnecting staircase, strategically positioned on the opposite side of the lift core to encourage movement, interaction, and a sense of unity across Spark’s teams and their floors. Accessible bathrooms and wellness rooms are located on all floors, a vital inclusion reflecting Spark’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all staff feel respected and welcomed.
Level 4 is the connection floor, a central hub designed to bring people together. Home to a large breakout / café space connected to an outdoor terrace, this floor is perfect for hosting gatherings of all sizes. The importance of kai—the sharing of food in Māori culture—inspired the creation of a wharekai (kitchen), complete with a back-of-house area for large-scale events. The floor also includes a gender-neutral bathroom, a dedicated parents’ room, and a prayer room, reflecting Spark’s dedication to supporting its diverse workforce and fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging.
Using materials like reclaimed timber or plants signals environmental care, while open layouts and natural light suggest transparency and wellbeing. When design reflects purpose, the space becomes a meaningful extension of the brand that customers can intuitively connect with.
Spark’s new headquarters embodies their mission to connect people and ideas while embracing the diversity and culture of Aotearoa. With its striking design, seamless functionality, and deep cultural resonance, the workplace is more than an office—it’s a home where connection, culture, and change are welcomed and thrive.
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Images are courtesy of Mark Scowen Photography.
