Universal Music

Stripped back to its essence, then layered with intent, creating a tactile, culture-led expression of Universal Music NZ. Over half a decade on, it remains relevant and celebrated by the team and artists. The original structure is revealed and celebrated, with raw surfaces restored to highlight the building’s inherent character. Layered materials-steel, timber, linen, and leather-introduce warmth and tactility, balancing industrial grit with a creative, human-centred atmosphere. Housed in a former stables building in Auckland, the Universal Music offices were transformed from corporate and stark into a dynamic creative workplace that celebrates the building's inherent character. The adaptive reuse interior design restores authenticity while embracing history and structure — walls refinished to echo original concrete textures, balanced with warm timber floors and a custom steel reception desk. Thoughtful lighting and greenery bring life and vibrancy throughout. Upstairs, the offices become a fully realised creative industry environment — exposed walls and structural elements allowing the heritage building's character to shine, while steel is layered with linen, leather, and jute to create warmth and tactility. The kitchen and breakout hub bridges clean contemporary finishes with original textures, anchored by a green kitchen with a brass patina splash-back that introduces colour and evolves over time. The result is a cohesive, dynamic workspace supporting creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing, celebrated by the team for its timeless appeal. Exposed walls and structural elements allow the building’s character to shine, while steel is layered with linen, leather, and jute to create warmth and tactility.