Suntory Oceania’s new Darling Park workspace is raising the bar, quite literally, for collaboration, creativity and culture. Designed by Greenbox Architecture and delivered by FDC, the 2,700sqm headquarters brings the beverage giant’s vibrant spirit (not to mention their incredible multi-beverage portfolio) to life through technology, craftsmanship and a shared vision for the future.

A Unified Vision

For Suntory Oceania, this project is far more than a fitout. It’s both a physical and symbolic manifestation of a major new chapter for the business. The move brings together Suntory Beverage and Food and Suntory Global Spirits teams together under one roof for the first time, marking the beginning of a new era as ‘Suntory Oceania’.

“Our alcohol and non-alcohol businesses had operated separately in the region for a number of years with the official Suntory Oceania partnership launching in July 2025,” explains James Houston, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Suntory Oceania. “Coming together in one shared space was incredibly symbolic. It represents not just our new identity, but the vision we’re building as one multi-beverage business.”

The Suntory team’s new home in the heart of the city is both a statement and a celebration, designed to bring people together in a space that mirrors Suntory’s ambition and collaborative energy. “We were building our brand in parallel with building the space,” James says. “It’s a reflection of our whole change journey, who we are, where we’ve come from, where we’re going and what we want to be known for. It was incredible to have a partner like FDC that could really collaborate with us and come on that strategic journey. They really brought everything together, from the materials that were selected, to creating all of the desired elements that we’re now enjoying in the space.”

Designed for Creativity and Connection

Spread across two light-filled floors, the headquarters is designed to spark collaboration and unlock innovation, creating a sense of community through flexible environments that help spark ideas. Alongside adaptable meeting areas and open zones for teamwork, the workplace features the SOzo Studio, a purpose-built research and development lab where Suntory’s teams can test and refine new products onsite.

“It’s unbelievable what the innovation lab will unlock,” says James. “Having the ability to do Research & Development right here in a commercial office space allows our teams to experiment and create in real time. It’s a game-changer for our business.”

The Bar, Redefined

At the heart of the design is a bespoke bar that embodies Suntory’s craftsmanship and hospitality heritage. Bartender-approved and fully fit-for-purpose, the bar doubles as a meeting room, an experiential training venue and a hub for social connection. Featuring a marble benchtop, premium timber joinery, integrated lighting and advanced camera integration, it reflects Suntory’s commitment to quality and experience.

“The bar is one of the core spaces that really brings our partnership to life,” James explains. “It’s functional, beautiful, and designed for connection. We can have meetings, deliver brand launches, run trade training sessions, host customers, or use it for events. There’s even a camera mounted above the bar that projects demonstrations live so you can see the hands-on moments.”

Technology in Every Detail

Beyond the bar and lab, the headquarters integrates advanced systems to enhance inclusivity, accessibility and support how people work and interact. “We’ve come from quite basic beginnings, so every new technological touchpoint feels transformative,” says James. “Every detail has been considered to ensure everyone can engage and feel included. The technology allows us to connect across teams and functions like never before. It’s all about interconnectivity creating a seamless experience for people, whether they’re collaborating in person or remotely.”

FDC Project Manager, Eddy Barakat says the project’s complexity lay in achieving that perfect balance between form and function. “This project stood out for its scale and level of integration, bringing together sophisticated systems, AV infrastructure and automation within a refined, people-centric design,” he says. “The custom bar and innovation lab both required meticulous coordination between specialist trades to perform seamlessly, combining aesthetic excellence with practical innovation. Working alongside Greenbox and Spitfire Control, we delivered a space that not only looks beautiful but also operates flawlessly. The vision was to create an environment that enhances connection, creativity and collaboration, reflecting the belief that some of the best ideas are born when people come together.”

The Suntory Oceania project is another milestone in FDCs growing Darling Park portfolio which includes GPT Space and Co’s premium shared-flex office space and IAG’s multi-level office fitout, both recipients of Master Builders Association accolades, reinforcing FDC’s reputation for creating workplaces that go beyond design excellence to genuinely empower people and drive long-term success.

A Culture Embodied

Since moving in, the response from the Suntory team has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone feels really inspired by the space,” James says. “It represents everything we’ve been working towards for the past two and a half years, a unified culture, a shared purpose and a vision for growth. From a long-term perspective, it’s an investment in our people and our brand. The space really encapsulates the vision and the overall strategic mission of what we're doing. The new office will be a really big talent drive for us. We are in the heart of the city, and one of the largest multi-beverage players in the region, and the space is representative of that.”

Suntory’s new headquarters have also proven to be a magnet for connection. “We don't have the problem that a lot of businesses have, trying to bring people back into the office,” says James. “We’re the opposite. People want to come in to work. We've created a special space that everyone wants to be a part of, and it’s a really exciting place to be.”

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