Best Design Awards Finalist 2026: Kernel – 4x Award Finalist

Set within the historic former BNZ headquarters at 125 Queen Street, the 1,120sqm workplace brings together the character of an important Auckland landmark with the needs of a progressive fintech and wealth management business.

Best Workplace Environments Finalist
At the heart of the project is a workplace designed around how Kernel works, connects and grows.

The distinctive floorplate informed the arrangement of workstations, meeting spaces, focus areas and informal breakout zones. An open kitchen and town hall form the social heart of the workplace, supporting collaboration, learning, events and everyday connection.

The result is a flexible environment that balances focused work with opportunities to come together, creating a workplace that is both functional and distinctly Kernel.

Explore the Workplace Environments finalist entry.

Best Repurposed Spaces/Adaptive Reuse Finalist
The project demonstrates what’s possible when an existing building becomes part of the design.

Original plaster walls, mosaic flooring, exposed concrete columns and historic finishes have been retained, preserving the quirks, character and history of the former BNZ headquarters.

Contemporary interventions sit alongside these original elements, creating a considered balance between the building’s past and its new purpose. The result gives a landmark financial building a new chapter while retaining the qualities that make it unique.

Explore the Repurposed Spaces & Adaptive Reuse finalist entry.

Best Colour – Spatial Finalist
Colour plays a defining role in establishing Kernel’s identity within its historic new home.

Bold colour blocking, colour drenching and Kernel’s signature deep green create hierarchy, define destinations and strengthen the connection between brand and place.

Rather than simply decorating the space, colour has been used as an integral part of the architecture, creating atmosphere, supporting wayfinding and giving different areas their own identity.

Explore the Colour – Spatial finalist entry.

Best Lighting Design Finalist
Lighting was carefully considered to respond to the building’s contrasting conditions, from abundant natural light along the heritage façade to darker recesses within the deep floorplate.

Layered lighting, sculptural feature pieces and architectural illumination create warmth and atmosphere while highlighting retained heritage features. A continuous organic RGB installation flows through the arrival space, workplace and kitchen, helping connect the different areas and allowing the atmosphere to shift throughout the day.

Together, these elements make lighting an important part of the workplace experience, not simply a functional layer.

Explore the Lighting Design finalist entry.

While each category recognises a different aspect of the design, the four finalist places reflect a cohesive approach to the project: retain what makes the building special, respond thoughtfully to its history, and create a workplace designed around the people who use it.

Kernel brings together workplace strategy, adaptive reuse, colour and lighting to create a distinctive new headquarters within one of Auckland’s historic commercial buildings.

We’re proud of the collaborative effort behind the project and delighted to see the team’s work recognised across four categories at the 2026 Best Design Awards. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing Kernel to life 👏

View the Kernel project here.