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Knightcorp is a progressive insurance firm, based in Perth with a national client footprint and global capabilities. In an industry often defined by tradition, Knightcorp stands out with a bold, challenger mindset. Its culture is built on agility, innovation, and unconventional thinking.

Knightcorp’s relocation marked a strategic expansion for the business, increasing its footprint from 658sqm to 858sqm. This presented an opportunity to align the physical environment with are freshed brand and new ways of working, with the ambition to energise staff and impress clients.

Key challenges included:
• Brand alignment: The previous office lacked the brand’s energy and personality. The new space needed to express their dynamic, innovative identity while remaining professional.
• Limited down time: The fit-out and relocation had to be completed with minimal business disruption.
• Balancing creativity and function: The design needed to push boundaries of great workplace design while remaining practical.

The strategy focused on creating a variety of work settings, including client-facing spaces and flexible work zones, to support collaboration and productivity.

At the heart of the approach was the Catalyst concept, capturing the energy of collaboration and anchored in Knightcorp’s three principles: inspire confidence, embrace curiosity, and champion people. This framework guided every decision, ensuring the workplace met operational needs and embodied Knightcorp’s bold, future-focused culture through agile workplace design principles.

Knightcorp’s new headquarters reflects its challenger brand; playful, confident, and distinctly non-traditional. The design brings the Catalyst principles to life through bold spatial storytelling, immersive brand moments, and a strong focus on user experience.

Key design features include:
• Vibrant welcome area: Instead of a traditional reception, guests arrive at a buzzing café-style space that doubles as a breakout zone, setting the tone for a workplace built around people and community.
• Hidden bar: Concealed behind the boardroom’s wall and finished with marble, timber, and ambient lighting is a secret bar for entertaining clients and employee functions.
• Intuitive wayfinding: Neon-yellow portals connect front and back-of-house, guiding movement and reinforcing brand values. Colour-blocking, bespoke joinery, and layered materials bring character and clarity to the space, helping define zones and support navigation.
• Brand expression: Local mural art, a Polaroid wall, bold signage and a dedicated wall for Knightcorp merchandise celebrate community and brand identity.
• Interactive elements: A “win” button that triggers an immersive light experience and a hopscotch court add an element of playfulness to encourage employee and client engagement.
• Dynamic event spaces: Flexible training areas with operable walls, and reconfigurable furniture support events and collaboration.

The fit-out was delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with Knightcorp’s vision. To ensure compliance and efficiency, landlord make-good works were integrated into the programme. Sustainability remained a priority throughout the Perth office fit-out, aligning with the building’s NABERS 5-star tenancy standards. Existing workstation frames and A/V equipment were upcycled, demolition waste was recycled, existing training rooms were retained, operable walls were re-faced, and low-VOC finishes were applied.

Careful coordination of trades enabled smooth sequencing and minimal disruption to business operations, ensuring the transformation was as seamless as it was impactful.

Design: Spaceful
Senior Interior Designer: Vanessa Stapleton
Photography: Jonathan McFeat