We partnered with TSB to deliver a workspace that supports hybrid working and promotes staff wellbeing. As a community-owned bank, TSB sought a practical, value-driven solution that would serve its people and its purpose. Collaboration was at the heart of this project.

Our services for TSB Bank included:

Quantity Surveying
Project Management
Structural Engineering
Independent Certifier / Contract Administration

Project Overview

This was a fast-paced fit-out for a cashless branch and office space for TSB Bank, located in Brandon House on the corner of Featherston and Brandon Street in Wellington CBD. The project included the ground-floor branch and a full-floor office fit-out on Level 6. The branch, as a customer-facing space, required a high level of finish with a strong focus on the customer experience. It was designed as a flagship branch, with features that could be replicated across other branch fit-outs around the country. The office fit-out focused on staff comfort through acoustic treatments, ergonomic furniture, and spaces that support focused work and collaboration. Flexible workstations and high-tech meeting rooms accommodate hybrid working while promoting wellbeing. As a community-owned bank, TSB had a strong focus on value for money and practical design outcomes. Hampton Jones is proud to have delivered just that.

Timeframe

The primary objective was to complete both the branch and office fit-outs before the end of TSB’s existing lease. This was a hard deadline that could not be moved. A tight programme meant fast-tracked procurement and compressed design timeframes; Briefing, concept, and numerous stakeholder approvals were compressed. Detailed design overlapped consent. Shop drawing reviews were completed quickly. Buildability issues on site were sorted fast. Long-lead items were flagged early, with decisions made quickly to avoid delays. The Hampton Jones team stayed ahead of the information flow, and no time was lost on site due to missing details. Both fit-outs had clear performance targets, especially around staff and customer comfort. This included high-quality finishes, acoustic performance, and integrated technology. The 83m² branch required two small meeting rooms, a kitchenette, an ATM room, a welcome area, a self-help kiosk, and five workstations - a small footprint that needed to work hard. The 270m² office included 29 workstations, one large meeting room, one medium room, and two focus rooms. The layout makes full use of the available space while remaining practical and easy to work in.

Project Outcome

Aesthetics was at the forefront of the branch. It had to look good. Attention to detail was critical, and all material junctions were detailed and considered, ensuring a coherent design. Acoustic solutions for customer privacy were critical, informing material selections for walls and ceilings. So too was visual privacy, which generated the design for the privacy screens between customer spaces - creating physiological screening when seated and visual openness when entering the branch with their slatted angled design. TSB has a strong, natural material palette from their previous fit-outs, which was incorporated into this project. However, given the tight design and construction timeframes, off-the-shelf products were selected to ensure availability and consistency on future branches. We worked closely with our Build Partner to maintain a collaborative, transparent approach throughout the project. As a team, we were focused on delivering the fit-out on time and within budget. We kept communication clear and issues moving. That teamwork helped us deliver exactly what the client needed - a fit-for-purpose space, delivered on time and within budget. To give TSB confidence throughout the process, we provided estimates at each design stage. Our cost management services covered all aspects of the build - including FF&E, relocation, post-build IT provisions, and consultant fees. We tracked costs in real-time, flagged risks early, and used provisional sums to account for likely but uncertain expenses. This level of financial control provided the team with the information needed to make informed decisions and gave TSB confidence that the project would stay on budget.

How We Added Value

The ground floor, which has been vacant for a number of years waiting for the perfect tenant, is now occupied by a key service that brings presence back to a key corner of the CBD. The quality of the fit-out played a major role in achieving this, with a level of finish that met the building owner’s expectations. The spaces are practical and well laid out. The new fit-outs support TSB’s operational needs, without compromising the building’s long-term value by balancing environmental performance, space efficiency, and day-to-day usability.

Was This Sustainable?

Yes, the design prioritised practical, low-risk solutions that supported a tight schedule. Innovation focused on smart choices, not flashy features. Off-site fabrication of elements like joinery and service components improved quality, reduced waste, and minimised site disruption. Materials and finishes were selected based on availability, durability, and aesthetics. These choices avoided delays and unnecessary costs, while still meeting performance requirements and design intent. Our approach aligned well with TSB’s values as a community-owned organisation focused on value, people, and long-term thinking. The result is a fit-out that meets today’s needs, while supporting sustainable operations into the future.

Challenges Encountered

From a design perspective, a lot of thought went into the layout to make sure every part of the space was functional. The goal was to make the most of every square metre without compromising comfort or flow. Careful planning and meticulous detailing helped us deliver two compact, but highly functional spaces that feel considered and user-friendly. One of the trickier challenges was the ATM. It required maximum street frontage, which significantly limited placement options. The final location required altering the building's external envelope, adding layers of complexity to an already tight programme. As the building is in the CBD, the extension triggered multiple district plan requirements. We worked through this with practical design solutions that maintained full compliance with building consent requirements. While addressing this, close coordination between our design team and Build Partner kept things on track.

Partners

Alaska Construction + Interiors Wellington (Main Contractor)
Hot Chilly (Mechanical Design and Delivery)
Robert Jones Holding (Landlord)
NCR Atleos (ATM Provider)

Transforming a Community Bank Through People-First Design.