Designing for Purpose : How TRUE and Gensler Created a Human-Centred Workplace for a Global Lifesciences Organisation

Designing for Purpose: How TRUE and Gensler Created a Human-Centred Workplace for a Global Life Sciences Organisation

A Confidential Project
Great workplace design begins with understanding people.

When TRUE partnered with Gensler to deliver the Sydney workplace for a confidential global life sciences organisation, the objective was clear: create an environment that reflected world-leading innovation while remaining warm, welcoming and deeply human.

The result is a workplace that balances global design standards with local identity, creating an environment that empowers people to do their best work while staying connected to the organisation's purpose.

Balancing Global Standards with Local Identity

While the workplace needed to align with the organisation's international design standards, it also needed to feel distinctly Australian.

Through environmental storytelling, references to nature and Country, and a hospitality-inspired approach, the design creates a seamless balance between global consistency and local identity. Every space was considered to foster a stronger connection to both place and people, creating an environment that feels authentic rather than prescribed.

Designing Through a Human Lens

As a global leader in life-changing medical technologies, the organisation's greatest asset is its people.  Rather than creating a corporate or clinical environment, the design draws inspiration from residential and hospitality settings to create spaces that feel comfortable, welcoming and intuitive.

Natural light, planting, warm material palettes and strong indoor-outdoor connections promote wellbeing while encouraging collaboration and everyday moments of connection.

A central café that opens onto an outdoor terrace provides employees with a place to recharge, meet informally and build relationships beyond their immediate teams—reinforcing the importance of community within the workplace.

Beyond the Traditional Open Plan

Flexibility was a key design principle, but the solution deliberately moved beyond the traditional open-plan office. Instead, the workplace provides a diverse range of environments that support focused work, confidential conversations, collaboration, learning and informal interaction.

By offering employees greater choice in how and where they work, the design responds to the evolving needs of modern teams while supporting both productivity and wellbeing.

Materiality with Purpose

Every material selection was made with intention. Natural timbers, warm neutral tones, textured finishes and abundant greenery create a sophisticated yet approachable environment that feels calm, timeless and connected to nature.

Together, these elements reinforce the project's broader ambition: creating a workplace that supports people, reflects the organisation's purpose and enhances the everyday employee experience.

A Collaborative Design Journey

From concept through to delivery, the project was shaped through close collaboration between TRUE, Gensler and key stakeholders.

A shared objective guided every design decision:  Create a workplace where people can perform at their best while staying connected to the meaningful impact of their work.

The result is more than a beautifully designed workplace. It is an environment that supports wellbeing, encourages collaboration, inspires innovation and delivers a distinctly human experience.

It demonstrates how thoughtful design can strengthen culture, elevate employee experience and create spaces where people genuinely want to be.

Start Your Own Workplace Journey

Every successful workplace begins with a clear vision.

Whether you're relocating, refurbishing or reimagining your existing space, establishing clear project objectives from the outset is essential to achieving the right outcome.

Our Workplace Design Brief Template has been developed to help organisations define priorities, align stakeholders and create a strong foundation for a successful workplace project.

Download the Workplace Design Brief Template and take the first step towards creating a workplace that connects people, culture and purpose.