Material Focus: ANZ Centre
Communal areas in the 12th-floor space feature high-quality fabrics and finishes.
Communal areas in the 12th-floor space feature high-quality fabrics and finishes.
The subtle sheen of Cyprus drapery in the meeting rooms complements the bronze accents throughout the project.
Communal areas in the 12th-floor space feature high-quality fabrics and finishes.
Communal areas in the 12th-floor space feature high-quality fabrics and finishes.
Communal areas in the 12th-floor space feature high-quality fabrics and finishes.
Edge Interiors rose to the challenge of designing a spec suite for its client Invesco in Auckland’s landmark ANZ Centre. We spoke to senior interior designer Paloma Estay about the process.
What was your client’s brief for the space?
Paloma Estay (PE): This 550m2 office interior design project was developed with the landlord in mind, aiming to enhance the value and appeal of the space for future tenants. While the end user was not yet defined, the design strategically targets mid-to-high-level clients looking for a refined, professional environment that aligns with the architectural sophistication of the building. The concept blends elevated aesthetics with functional flexibility, and we selected both classic and contemporary materials, a neutral-yet- rich colour palette, and curated design details to create a timeless atmosphere.
How did you meet the challenge of spatial planning for an unspecified tenant?
PE: We prioritised adaptability: open areas to encourage collaboration, enclosed zones to support focused work, and meeting rooms designed to accommodate various formats and team sizes. This versatility ensures the space (for approximately 50 employees) can suit a wide range of industries, from creative firms to consultancies, without compromising its visual identity.
Did the existing space present any challenges?
PE: The 35-storey ANZ Centre was built in 1989 and was, at the time, the tallest building in Auckland. Today, it remains a landmark, premium-grade office tower. We optimised existing architectural elements, such as flooring and ceiling systems, by integrating them with new materials to create a vibrant, ready-too-ccupy workspace. This approach not only enhanced the consistency of the overall design but also supported a more sustainable vision, which we further emphasised with the inclusion of greenery throughout the hybrid lounge-kitchen area and open-plan workspace.
Tell us about your choice of fabrics.
PE: We used Cyprus Bronze from Warwick’s new drapery range to manage the meeting spaces visually, providing a sense of separation while still preserving the openness of the overall layout and its acoustic properties. It also contributes to a warmer, more hospitality-inspired atmosphere, softening the rigidity often associated with a corporate environment. Warwick fabrics such as Cleo, Pelle, Elton, Milano and Felix feature on all the soft seating and workstation screening. We find the diversity of textures and colours allowed us to create a cohesive and durable interior that aligns with the project’s long-term performance expectations. It’s hard to beat the ability to mix and match collections, and the availability of the products.
See more in the Material Focus series, including inspiring interiors: The Helier by Peddlethorp, Waka Kotahi NZTA by Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, Picnicka by CTRL Space, Arvida by Stack Interiors, Gulf Rise by Urban Lounge, and more, here.
ArchitectureNow and Architecture NZ work with a range of partners in the A&D supply sector to create appropriate content for the site. This article has been supported by Warwick Fabrics.
If your brand or clients are interested in similar creative content email mark.lipman@agm.co.nz to enquire.
