Motion Sickness headquarters by Wonder

Located on Maidstone Street in Auckland, Motion Sickness’s new headquarters marks a significant milestone for the agency.

Designed in close collaboration with Wonder, the office masterfully intertwines elements of nostalgia with a contemporary edge, capturing the creative ethos that has propelled Motion Sickness from its humble beginnings to become a leading independent agency in New Zealand.

Designed in close collaboration with Wonder, the office masterfully intertwines elements of nostalgia with a contemporary edge.

True to its spirit of defying convention, Motion Sickness has always been about crafting bold work that stands out. “As an agency, we would never have suited a bland space; we wanted a place with character that reflects our creativity,” shares Sam Stuchbury, founder and executive creative director. The new Motion Sickness studio is designed to feel like home for a team that embraces the unconventional, a space that feels effortless yet rich with character, embodying the fluidity of their work.

Drawing on a “1970s Los Angeles with a modern twist” aesthetic, the design balances between playful and polished. The interiors mix rose-tinted glass, powder-blue plush carpeting, vibrant orange accents and brushed steel set against a clean, gallery-like space. “We wanted a breath of fresh air with a slightly vintage aesthetic,” says Stuchbury. “Our north star was ’70s Los Angeles in the sun; hints of pink glass and blue textures, but with enough clear space to give you room to think.”

Drawing on a “1970s Los Angeles with a modern twist” aesthetic, the design balances between playful and polished.

The layout was designed for function with as much intention as the visual elements. The headquarters accommodates the agency’s growing team, with varied spaces designed for focus and collaboration. Six open-plan work pods, a dedicated video editing suite, a production space and a 17-person boardroom are complemented by informal zones like restaurant-style booths, relaxed breakout areas and an outdoor social space. “Creative people can’t always be tethered to their desks,” says Stuchbury. “The softer breakout spaces provide room for informal discussions, workshops and a change of scenery during the ideation process.” The new office also includes a dedicated space for showcasing local artists, fostering a culture of creativity beyond its walls.

Central to the design ethos was the creation of distinct “microcosms” that support various activities, allowing the team to seamlessly transition between focus time and collaboration. Working closely with Wonder, who truly understood Motion Sickness’s DNA, enabled the team to create a space that reflects the quality of work and creativity produced by the agency.

The new Motion Sickness studio is designed to feel like home for a team that embraces the unconventional, a space that feels effortless yet rich with character, embodying the fluidity of their work.

Among the studio’s distinctive features is the playful yet thought-provoking ‘awards cage’, a creative spin on the traditional trophy wall. “Conventionally in ‘ad land’, clients are exposed to a wall of trophies upon walking into an agency. That felt too on-the-nose and crass for us,” says Stuchbury. “Having a bin to toss the awards into seemed perfect – celebrate the wins but don’t let the success go to your head.”

Reflecting Motion Sickness’s ambition and forward-thinking spirit, this new headquarters sets a benchmark for the next generation of creative workspaces. “We’re an ambitious team and like to think we’re helping push the advertising industry in the right direction,” says Stuchbury. “This space reflects this, a fresh approach and perspective. We can only hope that those who pass through our doors feel as creatively energised for the future as we do.”

Interior design by Wonder. Build by Casa Construct. Artwork by Nick Herd.