AGL Adelaide

For AGL’s new central Adelaide office, an older building has been brought into the modern age, with a workspace fit-out that captures both AGL’s and Schiavello’s innovative identity. Marking an exciting new chapter for the company, AGL’s move from an Adelaide city fringe locale to a vibrant new CBD HQ was an opportunity to express a singular South Australian identity.

“There was a strong desire to move away from the more corporate aesthetic of their Melbourne and Sydney offices and, instead, create an environment that felt fun, creative and distinctly Adelaide,” explains Gray Puksand senior interior designer Clare Jennings. “The key deliverables, therefore, were not only the number of desks and work points, but also the design of an office that inspires innovation and reflects a unique identity while still carrying the AGL DNA of being progressive, authentic and inspired.”

A sense of connection was an essential element of this identity, with the designers actively seeking opportunities to foster collaboration. The two floors are linked via a central staircase, which ensures access to meeting and social spaces, and the wellness zone. “The stair design is a highlight, both as a sculptural element and as a connector of spaces that encourages movement and interaction,” says Jennings.

John Berkis, AGL’s head of property and security services, sees the staircase as a “central, striking design feature that was intentionally bold,” he says. “It encourages colleagues to move between our two floors and access various spaces, including two external terraces equipped with garden, large island with integrated barbecue facilities, a mix of furniture settings and recreation facilities.”

From the lacquered curves of the staircase to the playful geometric tiles, the palette of blues, greys and pale timber helps to craft the workspace’s visual identity. “Our colour and material palette was carefully chosen to give the Adelaide office its own character while paying homage to the local context and history.

“At the same time, it remains true to the AGL brand, creating harmony between local authenticity and the broader company identity. The insertions of colour throughout the workplace are unexpected but deliberately placed, bringing energy and warmth without overwhelming the environment.”

To ensure cohesion, Schiavello designed furnishings to align with the palette – a benefit enabled by its local manufacturing structure. In addition to custom designs like the drum-base tables, Schiavello was able to tailor existing designs to suit the space’s dominant hues; tones of greys, blues and soft timber hues are presented in a subtle ombre effect, which was echoed in the Krossi workstation, which features two-tone powder-coated legs and timber worktop and worktop panels.

Schiavello’s local manufacturing operations offered more benefits that just the visual, aiding AGL in achieving its sustainability goals and commitment to Product of Australia, which prioritises locally sourced materials and end-to-end manufacture. In a further sustainability win, where an opportunity arose to repurpose a small quantity of product – a collection of Schiavello Henge whiteboards from ANZ – this option was seized.

The workspace, of course, needed to be designed to meet the company’s operational needs, improving the employee experience and efficiency. Social spaces, meeting rooms and a town hall area encourage a sense of belonging and empower people to work together – Aire fold tables aid the flexible use of spaces.

In contrast, Schiavello Focus Booths and Focus Quiet Phone Rooms balance the vibrancy of an open office with private spaces for concentrated work.

Integrated technology was an essential component of this future-focused space. AGL employed Schiavello’s Nura Space technology system, which integrates with AGL’s broader tech-scape (including Cisco AV) and advances the company’s workplace management with an intuitive platform for desk and meeting room booking, visitor management and workplace analytics.

For Jennings and the team at Gray Puksand – which included lead partner Heidi Smith, senior associate Stephanie Rodas and interior design lead Jann Agac-ac – the success of the project comes down to how the space has been embraced.

“It’s been so rewarding hearing feedback from the client team about how much they enjoy using the spaces and how the design has already started to shape a more dynamic and engaging way of working.”

John Berkis echoes that sentiment. “A true measure of success is how your colleagues and stakeholders feel about the space based on their transition and experience and we have been overwhelmed by their response, which makes what we do all the worth it,” he says.

Schiavello congratulates all key stakeholders on the successful delivery of this impressive workplace. We extend our sincere thanks to the AGL team, in particular John Berkis, for his passionate leadership and proven expertise in property design and operations, which were instrumental in achieving such an exceptional result.