Awards

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The Benefits of Pods and Booths in Today’s Office Environment

The Benefits of Pods and Booths in Today’s Office Environment 1920 1440 Watson Commercial
Discover why pods and booths have become essential in today’s modern office. From boosting productivity to supporting hybrid work, these flexible, functional spaces are reshaping the way teams work. At Watson Commercial, we break down how smart, modular solutions can transform any workplace into a more efficient, comfortable and future-ready environment.

At Watson Commercial, we understand that workplaces are no longer just places where people “go to work”—they’re environments that shape productivity, wellbeing and the overall success of a business. As organisations continue to evolve, so do the demands placed on their office spaces. That’s why more businesses are turning to pods and booths as a smart, modern solution for flexible work.

Designed to support focus, collaboration and comfort, pods and booths offer the kind of versatility today’s teams rely on. Here’s why they’re becoming an essential part of high-performing workplaces.

1. Create Quiet, Productive Zones—Anywhere

Open-plan offices have their benefits, but noise and interruptions can quickly derail productivity. Pods and booths provide acoustically controlled spaces that allow your team to focus, take private calls or work through important tasks without distraction.

At Watson Commercial, we see first-hand how these purpose-built quiet zones elevate the quality and efficiency of work.

2. Ideal for Hybrid and Remote Collaboration

With hybrid work now standard practice, teams need reliable spaces for virtual meetings. Pods equipped with built-in power, ventilation and acoustic control give employees the privacy and comfort needed for online collaboration.

Watson Commercial integrates these solutions seamlessly into existing office layouts, ensuring they complement your workplace—not complicate it.

3. Supporting Employee Wellbeing

Providing employees with choice and control over where they work has a measurable impact on morale. Pods and booths create calm, comfortable micro-environments where staff can recharge, reset or manage busy periods without feeling overwhelmed.

We believe better workspaces lead to better work—and wellbeing sits at the heart of that philosophy.

4. Maximising Every Square Metre

Space is valuable. Pods and booths allow businesses to make full use of underutilised corners or open areas, transforming them into high-functioning meeting or focus zones.

5. Confidentiality When It Matters

From HR meetings to client calls, privacy is essential. Pods offer a professional, enclosed setting that supports confidential discussions while maintaining a polished, modern look.

6. Encouraging Collaboration and Creative Thinking

Not all pods are for solitude. Many are designed for small team sessions, quick stand-ups or brainstorming. These intimate spaces encourage dynamic conversation, problem-solving and idea generation.

We often recommend collaborative pods as a simple way to boost team engagement without sacrificing space.

Pods and booths embody everything Watson Commercial stands for: quality design, functional solutions and workspaces that adapt to the people using them. As businesses continue to shift toward more flexible, employee-centric environments, modular solutions are proving essential for long-term success.

Also see this article on the Archipro website:

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Height-Adjustable Tables: Why They Matter — and How to Choose the Right One

Height-Adjustable Tables: Why They Matter — and How to Choose the Right One 2500 1219 Watson Commercial
Transform the way your team works. Discover how height-adjustable tables boost comfort, wellbeing and productivity — and find out what to look for when choosing the perfect one for your workspace.

In today’s evolving workplaces, flexibility is no longer a luxury — it’s an expectation. Height-adjustable tables have quickly become a staple in modern office design, supporting healthier habits, improving comfort, and creating spaces that truly work for the people who use them.

At Watson Commercial, we’ve seen firsthand how the right furniture can transform productivity, wellbeing and overall workplace experience. Height-adjustable tables are one of the simplest ways to future-proof your workspace and support your team’s performance.

1. Your team isn’t one-size-fits-all — and their workstations shouldn’t be either. Adjustable tables allow users to tailor their desk height to their natural posture, reducing strain on the neck, back and shoulders. The result? A more comfortable working day and fewer of those niggling aches that distract from great work.

2. Sitting for long periods affects circulation, energy and focus. A sit-stand table encourages regular movement throughout the day by giving staff the freedom to switch between sitting and standing in seconds. This simple shift boosts alertness, reduces fatigue, and supports long-term wellbeing.

3. Movement sparks clarity. Many users find they think more creatively or stay sharper while standing, especially during collaboration or deep-focus tasks. Height-adjustable tables bring an energising rhythm to the workday that helps unlock better performance.

4. Whether you’re reconfiguring the office, supporting hybrid teams or creating multi-purpose zones, adjustable tables offer the versatility today’s workplaces demand. They work for a wide range of users, making them ideal for shared desks, touchdown spaces and activity-based environments.

What to Look For When Choosing the Right Height-Adjustable Table

Not all sit-stand desks are created equal. If you’re investing in your workplace, here’s what we recommend you focus on:

1. Quality Mechanism & Smooth Height Range

Look for a motor or mechanism that transitions smoothly and supports both low seated heights and tall standing heights. A good range ensures everyone on your team can find their ideal working position.

2. Stability and Structural Integrity

A solid steel frame and quality construction are essential. Stability at full height is a hallmark of a well-built adjustable table — and a major factor in comfort during typing and screen work.

3. Motor Quality, Speed and Noise

For electric models, opt for a reliable motor with quiet operation and a reasonable lift speed. Dual motors or commercial-grade single motors deliver consistent performance and longer lifespan.

4. Worksurface Size and Material

Choose a desktop large enough to support monitors, documents and daily tasks without clutter. High-quality worktops resist warping and wear — important for long-term commercial environments.

5. Preset Controls & Smart Features

Memory presets allow users to save preferred heights, making everyday use effortless. Additional features like anti-collision technology, cable management and storage options enhance user experience.

6. Weight Capacity

If your team uses dual monitors, storage trays or heavier tech, check the load rating to ensure the table can support everything safely and reliably.

7. Complementary Ergonomics

A height-adjustable table works best when paired with ergonomic seating, monitor arms and effective cable management. Together, they create a workspace that is comfortable, organised and truly aligned with modern work habits.

Height-adjustable tables aren’t just a trend — they’re a meaningful shift toward healthier, more adaptive workspaces. When thoughtfully selected, they enhance comfort, wellbeing and productivity across your entire team.

At Watson Commercial, we help organisations create workplaces that combine style, function and long-lasting value. If you’d like recommendations tailored to your space — from desks to full workplace fitouts — we’re here to help.

Also see this article on the Archipro website:

Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design wins four Victorian Architecture Awards

Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design wins four Victorian Architecture Awards 596 408 Watson Commercial

Congratulations to Grimshaw, in collaboration with Monash University for winning four Victorian Architecture Awards for the Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design.  These awards include the illustrious Victorian Architecture Medal,  the Victorian chapter of Australian Institute of Architect’s highest honour.

Custom high back modular lounges in collaborative hubs

Custom high back modular lounges in collaborative hubs

The building is highly innovative in its approach to collaborative, technology-driven and flexible learning spaces, its construction methods and building services. In terms of sustainability, it is considered to be one of the largest certified Education Passivehaus buildings in the world. Large central skylights and a 50:50 window-to-wall ratio to manage heat from the sun, whilst 100% of the building’s electricity is generated from solar panels. Those solar panels connect directly into Monash University’s broader smart grid. In addition, the builder Lendlease used local labour and materials as much as possible, which reduced the amount of energy used in construction. These elements, among others,  are integral to achieving  Monash’s vision for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. They also contributed to the judges awarding the building the  Sustainable Architecture Award.

Locally-sourced structural steel is used on the building’s envelope with insulated Colorbond steel panels on the roof and façade. Internally it is used in exposed columns, beams and bracing. The latter strike an impactful yet visually unobtrusive presence throughout the “inside-out” style building and provides an immense sense of height and openness. This innovative use of steel throughout the exterior and interior building is what lead judges to award it the Colorbond® Award for Steel Architecture (VIC).

Woodside Design and Technology Building (monash)

Custom tables and Struve chairs

The building’s ultimate function as a flexible educational facility for the benefit of students and teachers was of course integral to its design. The choices behind the building’s ultimate design and integrated technologies were driven by data and research, and the building acts an educational tool in its own right. Students can physically see how the structure has been engineered and how its services, technologies and environmental controls actually work.  The judges awarded the building the Melbourne Award, considering the building “a skilfully executed building that illustrates a way forward and through the current climate crisis”* and as having a significant contribution to the local area and future generations.

Watson Commercial is proud to have worked with Monash and LendLease to produce a series of lounges, visitor chairs and tables throughout the building.  Modular lounges are placed throughout the student breakout spaces and staff administration areas in colours that reflect the earthy tones of the building.  Low back modulars are used to facilitate casual discussion, and high back modulars to envelop the user in more intense discussions. Tables were customised to suit informal discussion areas and workspaces – with and without integrated powerpoints and USB points, many fixed to the floor. A series of tables were customised in height to suit a sloped ramp.

Downstairs in the engineering laboratories, custom-made electrical lab benches were produced to enable students to work with tools on large mobile workbenches. Hundreds of High back  Leo Mesh chairs were used in the staff admin areas and on the collaborative meeting tables.

Electrical workbenches in learning laboratories

To view some of our images of the project and our furniture, click here.

To read more about the building, its design intent and the subsequent awards in the 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards edition of Architect Victoria click here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Architect Victoria Architect : Victorian Architecture Awards ‘Jury Chair Report | Melbourne Prize’  p120