AUGUST 14, 2023

Fitting out the Auckland office for international recruiters Hays, STACK Interiors looked to authentically weave Māori values into a design that blends global insights, local cultural references and brand identity.

‘Hays seek to create an interior design for each of their offices that showcases the unique local culture,’ says STACK senior designer Maria de Jesus. ‘Our goal was to create an environment where both staff and visitors immediately feel the essence of New Zealand when stepping into Hays’ Auckland office.’

Integral to the design is the symbolic connection of the pā harakeke (flax bush or flax plantation), a metaphor for family or whānau that highlights the importance of meaningful connections, aligning with Hays’ customer-centric ethos.

Hays office by stack interiors hi-macs urban concrete and melteca elemental concrete with classic oak feature wall Hays office by stack interiors hi-macs urban concrete and melteca elemental concrete with classic oak feature wall
Reception desk featuring HIMACS Urban Concrete benchtop and Melteca Elemental Concrete cabinetry with Melteca Classic Oak Puregrain on feature wall

‘To achieve an atmosphere that seamlessly integrates natural elements, we utilised Laminex Melteca and HIMACS products, which add a touch of warmth and authenticity,’ says de Jesus.

‘Using HIMACS Urban Concrete for the reception countertop, combined with Melteca Elemental Concrete Natural, creates a cohesive design that harmonises with our concrete floor finish. The incorporation of Melteca Classic Oak Puregrain as the worktop, along with carefully integrated angles reflecting the Hays brand, adds a modern and stylish touch.

‘In the café, we brought together a combination of Melteca Classic Oak Puregrain, Storm Naturale, and Black Pearl, ensuring that the design remains connected to the Hays brand. For the countertop, we chose HIMACS Aurora Grey, further enhancing the overall aesthetic.’

Hays office by stack interiors melteca classic oak and hi-macs auroara grey benchtop Hays office by stack interiors melteca classic oak and hi-macs auroara grey benchtop
Island featuring HIMACS Aurora Grey benchtop and Melteca Classic Oak Puregrain on the front of the Island with Melteca Storm Naturale used on the kitchen cabinets.

For STACK Interiors, having a local connection was one of the benefits of using Laminex products. Says de Jesus, ‘The joiner on the project advised us there was some shortage in supply, so we contacted Laminex directly and they were very helpful in sourcing the products we wanted.’

For Hays, the finished design provides a harmonious fusion of form and function that showcases their refreshed brand identity and grounds a global company within its local context.

For more information, speak with one of our architectural consultants.

 

Contributors

Architects: Stack Interiors
Photographer: Mark Scowen
Project: Hays Recruitment