Designing the Right Office for Your Business
Alexander Spencer Lobby
When you walk into an office, what do you notice first? Is it the sleek layout, the natural light, the subtle buzz of a collaborative space—or maybe the awkward positioning of desks and underutilised corners?
Designing a functional and inspiring office space is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of not just architecture and aesthetics, but of how people work, interact, and thrive. On a recent episode of The Bottom Line, Sevan Tuna, Managing Director at Alexander Spencer, sat down with Peter Craig, Managing Director of ODC Design, to unpack the art and science behind successful office design.
From Carpenter to Design Leader
Peter Craig’s journey into office design didn’t start with blueprints—it started with a hammer. A trained carpenter, Peter began his career in the public works sector before moving into site management and eventually project management. When an opportunity came to work in office fit-outs, he took it—and never looked back. After joining ODC Design, he eventually bought out the previous directors and has now led the company for over two decades.
Office Design Then and Now
Office design has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years. As Peter explains, offices in the early 90s were filled with cubicles and high partitions, each employee confined to their own small corner. Fast forward to today, and modern offices are open, collaborative, and designed to promote natural light and connection.
“Today’s office is more than a place to sit—it’s a space to engage,” Peter says. “From open ceilings and collaborative zones to breakout spaces and high bench seating, it’s all about creating environments that inspire people to come in.”
The Alexander Spencer Office Journey
When Sevan and the Alexander Spencer team began looking for a new office, they engaged Peter early on—before signing a lease. ODC Design helped assess multiple sites by preparing floor plans, space assessments, and advice tailored to their business needs, all without charging upfront.
“That early input saved us,” says Sevan. “We had our eyes set on the top floor with a balcony, but Peter convinced us to look again. Turns out, the floor below had far better natural light, better views, and worked better for our layout.” Peter explains that every building is different, and factors like ceiling height, structural layout, and orientation can dramatically affect how an office will perform.
Attracting Talent Back to the Office
Post-COVID, many businesses are facing a new challenge: how to bring people back into the office. According to Peter, it starts with designing a space people actually want to be in.
“Open ceilings, acoustic paneling, timber flooring, good lighting, coffee machines, and even bar areas—these are all features that elevate an office,” he explains. “But the real secret is creating spaces for connection.”
From stadium seating for town halls to high-tech podcast rooms and ergonomic sit-stand desks, Alexander Spencer’s office was designed with both collaboration and comfort in mind.
Fit-Out Costs: What Business Owners Need to Know
So, how much does a modern office fit-out cost?
“The old rule of $1,000 per square metre is outdated,” Peter says. “You’re looking at $1,350 to $1,800 for a basic fit-out, and $2,000+ for high-spec builds.”
Costs depend on features like AV, IT, finishes, and furniture. For example, Alexander Spencer’s AV budget rose from an initial $50,000 to $180,000 after considering needs like a 98-inch boardroom screen and hybrid presentation capabilities. Peter encourages business owners to think long-term. “If you’re signing a 10-year lease, invest in something that’ll last and work well from day one.”
How to Choose the Right Design & Construction Partner
When selecting a design and construction company, Peter’s biggest advice is simple: choose someone you can work with.
“These projects take 12 to 18 months. It’s a relationship,” he says. “You want someone who listens, who’s transparent, and who takes you through the full journey—budgeting, layouts, working drawings, and execution.”
At ODC Design, clients receive detailed breakdowns early in the process so there are no surprises later. Peter’s team provides 20-page specification documents and conducts multiple planning meetings to align expectations and vision before signing on the dotted line.
What’s Out? What’s Next?
Asked about one thing he refuses to put into offices, Peter doesn’t hesitate: the compactus.
“It’s a big, rolling mobile shelving unit. They’re heavy, outdated, and no one uses them anymore,” he laughs. “I’ve removed more than I’ve installed in the past decade.” Instead, businesses should focus on digital storage and layout flexibility, rather than clunky legacy systems.
The Future of Office Design
While technology continues to evolve, Peter believes the office is here to stay.
“People will still get up in the morning and go into the office. Culture is built in shared spaces, not just on Zoom.” - Peter Craig, ODC Design
As companies adapt, the key will be creating offices that foster human interaction, support diverse working styles, and make people excited to be there.
Designing a new office? Start here.
Before you sign a lease or sketch a layout, hear the practical design lessons from ODC’s Peter Craig.