Kate S

CV



Beca - Project Momentum
Workplace Interior
Behavioural Strategist & Interior Designer
  Warren and Mahoney
Auckland
2021-2024



I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the principal design team on Project Momentum — from its initial conception as a behavioural strategy initiative in 2021, through to its full implementation and construction in 2024.
Beca initially engaged Warren and Mahoney to develop a workplace strategy to support their national and global growth ambitions. I served as the lead strategist on this behavioural report, working closely with the client over six months to co-develop a comprehensive design and behavioural strategy. This strategy not only informed the global rollout but also became the foundation for the design phases of Beca’s new Auckland workplace.

As part of the strategic phase, we supported Beca in identifying and shortlisting potential sites for their new Global Headquarters. The selected property was still in the early stages of construction, giving our design team a unique opportunity to influence the building’s base structure. This early involvement allowed us to significantly enhance the integration, functionality, and long-term performance of the workplace fit-out for Beca.
 It was essential that the new workplace generated greater connectivity among Beca’s people, strengthened their sense of community and collaboration, and showcased the humble brilliance of exceptional engineering — all while reinforcing their position as leaders in their field.

We started by introducing large voids into three of the floorplates to transform and improve circulation throughout the 14,000SQM building. These voids were strategically placed to draw people through key collaborative zones and social spaces. One of the standout features of the fit-out is the series of interconnecting staircases within these voids. In close collaboration with the Beca team, we designed three entirely mass timber staircases. Solving the many challenges of this design — from material testing and construction methods to seismic requirements — and ultimately creating beautifully crafted centrepieces for each space was a true highlight of the project. This project offered countless opportunities to get creative with materiality and detailing. Elements like exposed cable trays, metal sheeting, and a variety of mass timbers were celebrated throughout the design, each contributing to the tactile and honest aesthetic.

Collaborating with talented furniture and lighting designers, we developed bespoke pieces that extended the narrative of humble brilliance and playful creativity across the space.

Personally, this project was a major growth opportunity. I was able to develop my skills across multiple areas — from strategy and narrative-driven design to technical documentation, services coordination, FF&E sourcing, and hands-on problem solving. I'm incredibly proud of the result, and it’s been deeply rewarding to see how this design and its supporting strategy are making a real impact on the 1,500 people who now call this workplace home.