Boutique office bucks WFH trend
Financial adviser Alex Wang opens art-filled, designer office in Victoria Park — the design led by Buster Caldwell of concept and interior design studio Wonder Group.
Award-winning financial advisor and broker Alex Wang has opened a unique, sumptuous new office space in Victoria Park, doubling down on the benefits to be derived from working inside such an environment. Far from your typical office, the newly renovated building has undergone a major refit to create an elegant and peaceful workspace for clients to enjoy.
Founder and Advisor, Alex Wang has spent over $300,000 and 10-months transforming the former hair salon into a luxury office space with the expert help of concept & interior design studio, Wonder.
Wang says he wanted to create a boutique experience that reflects the brand.
“It’s all about attention to detail and creating an experience for our customers. From the moment they step into our office until the moment they leave we want them to feel relaxed and taken care of.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty and challenges in the property and lending world at the moment. Our job is to focus on the stressful parts so that our customers can relax, and I also want my team to enjoy their time spent inside the office” said Wang.
Wonder brought Wang’s vision to life by drawing on wabi-sabi and Nordic influences to create a space that is paired back and minimal, allowing Alex and his team to be the shining stars.
Wonder, Creative Director, Buster Caldwell says “the building itself is so charming, which is really unusual in the CBD, so we wanted to retain that character and elevate the design with personal touches and details” he explains.
“My favourite part would have to be the exposed brick wall that we left from the original space. It creates a lovely sense of comfort and honours the history of the building” says Caldwell.
“One really special element is actually the door handles that you’ll see as you enter the office. They were custom fabricated with the Alex Wang logo on a heavy set of mild steel that will age beautifully over time.
“Door handles are the first handshake that you have when you arrive. These ones give a strong firm handshake - a stamp of authenticity before you even enter, ” he adds.
An avid art collector, Wang carefully curated the space with pieces from his personal collection, including work from Gorden Walters, Claudia Kogachi and KAWS.
Wang says it’s hard to pick a favourite, “but if I had to choose it would be Canterbury Museum Huia by Fiona Pardington — it’s distinctly New Zealand, which I love”.
The office spans across two levels, with three meeting areas including a private meeting room on the mezzanine with a stunning view of the Sky Tower.
Wang says he wanted to create a shared space for his clients to help them grow.
“Many of our clients are small and medium business owners, and not all of them have their own dedicated office space, so we’ve made our meeting rooms available for them to book, whether it’s for a meeting, hosting their own clients or just a space to work. I designed it with them in mind and want them to feel welcome,” he adds.
For more information on Wonder Group click here.