Deloitte’s Auckland Office - Navigating a Sustainable, Customised Design Journey.

德勤 ’s relocation to 1 Queen Street, Auckland, began with an ambitious vision centred around the concept of ‘Navigation,’ symbolising New Zealand’s heritage as a "nation of navigators." Covering 7,500 square metres, their new workplace aimed to foster a connection to the local whenua (land) and whanaungatanga (kinship) while setting the stage for innovation.

Led by a partnership between CUSTANCE and Fisher Partners , the design celebrated the site's historical significance. Collaborating with Milliken, they delivered bespoke flooring solutions that reflected Auckland’s diverse landscapes and achieved the project’s ambitious sustainability and wellness goals.

Design Vision

The brief centred on positioning Auckland as a "gateway," uniting people to shape a future driven by innovation. The theme of ‘Navigation’ guided the project from the moment one arrives on Level 20. Two symbolic features anchor the design: a tauihu-inspired wall, symbolising the prow of a traditional Māori canoe, representing arrival, and a woven brass mesh wall, evoking a korowai (cloak), symbolising protection and heritage.

Each floor of the fit-out was designed to reflect a different local landscape, such as the lush Waitakere Ranges or the volcanic Rangitoto Island. These natural elements were seamlessly integrated through materials, textures, and colours, grounding the workplace in Auckland’s regional identity.

Milliken’s Customisation & Contribution

Milliken played a pivotal role in connecting the design to the landscape with their custom carpet solutions. Using advanced PrintWorks? technology, Milliken created bespoke designs and colours for each floor, a level of customisation unattainable with pre-coloured yarns.

A neutral base palette from Milliken’s Coastline collection was applied throughout all levels to establish cohesion. To enhance navigation and define zones, the Unearthed collection introduced large-scale patterns like Gypsum, Glyph, and Basin, evoking the raw New Zealand landscapes. The textures and organic shapes mirrored the surrounding environment, with custom colours responding to each floor’s theme. From the earthy greens and browns of the Waitakere Ranges to the volcanic reds and blacks of Rangitoto Island, each palette echoed Auckland's natural beauty.

Milliken’s custom carpet designs brought this vision to life. Using large-repeat patterns and custom colours, they crafted a distinct visual identity for each floor while maintaining cohesion through the Coastline tiles. The connection to the?place wasn’t merely aesthetic but an integral part of the building's identity.

"Milliken's PrintWorks? technology enabled us to authentically reflect the land’s connection in a truly unique way," says Nicola Custance, Director at Custance. "Their collaborative approach and commitment to sustainability were key to our project's success."?

A Focus on Technical Benefits, Sustainability & Well-Being

?Milliken’s flooring delivered on aesthetics and offered essential technical benefits. The WellBAC? cushion backing system provided enhanced comfort underfoot and improved acoustic performance, critical for a workspace designed for focus and collaboration. This backing is also PVC-free, furthering the project’s environmental goals. In addition, WellBAC? is integral to the carpet tiles’ construction, resulting in no additional expenses for adding cushion backing, which is the case for regular hard-backed tiles.

The Deloitte project was designed with WELL principles and Green Star accreditation in mind. Biophilic design elements, natural light optimisation, and wellness facilities were key components, contributing to a healthier, more connected workplace. Milliken floor covering products meet eligibility requirements for the Works with WELL trademark license issued by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) with more than 800 listed Milliken product options available on the Works with WELL directory.?

Treated with MGUARD+, Milliken’s carpets provided added protection against viruses and bacteria, ensuring a safer, healthier workplace. The treatment kills 99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 2 hours of contact with Milliken PrintWorks? carpet tiles.

Sustainability was a core focus for both Deloitte and Milliken. As the world’s first-floor covering company validated across all science-based targets for net-zero emissions, Milliken’s flooring solutions are part of the M/PACT Carbon Neutral Program, ensuring that all materials used in the project were carbon neutral. This commitment to sustainable practices aligned perfectly with Deloitte’s vision of an environmentally responsible workspace.?

Practicality & Performance with Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Milliken’s Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) was specified for high-traffic areas such as the staff café and kitchenette. The Metro Park Wood collection in Live Oak Jacobean brought a warm, natural feel to the café, while Slate Mica from the Metro Park Stone collection provided a durable, slip-resistant surface in the kitchenette. Both tiles feature ProGuard? technology, offering superior protection against scratches, stains, and scuffs—essential for high-use areas.

The Achievement?

The new Deloitte office in Auckland is a powerful example of how thoughtful design, functionality, and sustainability can create a global standard workplace. Milliken’s custom carpet solutions were integral to achieving the design vision, helping to bring the rich landscapes of Auckland into the office while supporting wellness and sustainability. It is a benchmark for future corporate office projects, where design goes beyond function to tell a story of culture, heritage, and sustainability.?

"The result has been overwhelmingly positive," says Nicola Custance. "The custom designs developed with Milliken reflect not only Deloitte’s vision but also the history and culture of the Auckland region. We’ve created a workspace that meets the practical needs of Deloitte while providing a connection to a?place that’s both inspiring and welcoming."