Five years on: Revisiting ITM’s award-winning workplace
Five years ago, STACK Interiors completed a transformative fit-out for ITM’s support office in Albany, Auckland. The project was recognised with the 2020 Interior Award for workplaces under 1,000sqm, marking a significant achievement for our team and demonstrating the impact of thoughtful, client-focused design. Recently, we returned to ITM with a fresh set of eyes and a new photographer to see how the space has stood the test of time. Our goal was to demonstrate that quality design and delivery do not just look good on day one; they continue to endure, function and inspire for years to come.
From outgrown office to modern hub
Before the redevelopment, ITM’s support office reflected the company’s early days rather than its current scale and ambition. As New Zealand’s largest timber co-operative, ITM has grown to 95 independently owned timber merchants nationwide. Their Albany head office, built in the 1990s, was overdue for an upgrade. The building, spread over 819sqm with a small mezzanine, was a mix of outdated cellular offices, a tired reception and a central kitchen that had seen better days.
The brief was clear: modernise the environment, foster connection, and create a workplace that staff would be proud to call home. ITM wanted a space that reflected its values of transparency, connectivity and a people-first approach, while leveraging local suppliers and materials. The vision was to move away from silos and create a collaborative, efficient and vibrant workplace that would support business growth and attract top talent.
An award-winning vision
Our approach was guided by ITM’s desire for a modern, collaborative workspace that still felt true to its roots. We focused on:
- Upgrading the physical building, including amenities and weatherproofing
- Creating open-plan zones for fluid interaction and teamwork
- Showcasing ITM’s brand identity subtly, without overwhelming the space
- Using local materials and suppliers in line with ITM’s “Proudly Local” ethos
- Prioritising sustainability and operational efficiency
The result was a space that balanced professionalism with the raw, honest aesthetic of the construction industry. The design made use of sightlines for transparency, timber and steel screens for spatial definition, and a palette inspired by the patterns and rhythms of a timber yard. The jury for the 2020 Interior Awards described the project as a “classy HQ” that put workers first, celebrated the company’s main product, and created a calm, club house mood with clever use of materials and soft furnishings.
Rationale for revisiting and rephotographing
Why return after five years? We wanted to see, and show, how well the space had aged. Would the finishes still look sharp? Had the layout stood up to daily use? And how would a new photographer capture the atmosphere and functionality of the workplace?
The answer was clear as soon as we stepped inside: the space looked as good as it did on day one. The new photography brought a fresh perspective, highlighting not only the durability of the materials but also the timelessness of the design. The construction and finishes had held up remarkably well, and the space still felt every bit as impressive as it was when it received the Interior Award in 2020.
A workplace that works
During our visit, we spoke with ITM’s team to get their take on the space after five years of daily use. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Staff are proud to come to work in an award-winning environment that supports both productivity and culture. The open-plan layout has enabled better communication and collaboration, while quieter zones and meeting spaces cater to focused work and team sessions.
The workplace has also become a hub for social connection. During school holidays, staff bring their children in, and in summer, the outdoor courtyards and deck host regular BBQs. The design has fostered a genuine sense of community and family, which is exactly what ITM hoped to achieve.
Enduring design, lasting value
Five years on, ITM’s support office stands as proof that quality design and construction deliver lasting value. The workplace strategy has endured with minimal changes to the original layout, and the finishes and materials still look fresh and modern. More importantly, the space continues to support ITM’s culture, business goals and sense of purpose.
At STACK Interiors, we believe that great design is about more than just aesthetics. It is about creating environments that work, last and inspire. ITM’s workplace is a testament to this philosophy, and we are proud to see it thriving five years on.
Photography by David Straight
