|
Session 3 - From Waste to Workspace: The Circular Approach to Office Fitouts
What does a truly circular office fitout look like and what role can government play in making it the norm? This practical and forward-looking panel explores how circular economy principles are being applied in real fitout projects, and what it takes to shift from intention to implementation.
Our expert panelists will unpack the design strategies, policy levers, and metrics that matter - from design for disassembly and material reuse to procurement pathways and performance indicators. They’ll also tackle common myths around cost, complexity and compliance - and share what works when it comes to bringing internal stakeholders on the journey.
Whether you're shaping policy, managing assets, or delivering sustainable workplaces, this session offers actionable insights to help you lead with circular thinking.
Jade Whittaker, Circularity Specialist & Interior Designer
Jade’s design practice is rooted in sustainability. She is known for her circular design thinking, rigorous assessment of materials and process driven approach to create healthy and low-impact that nurture connection. Her time spent as a Senior Interior Designer at Breathe Architecture, expanded her knowledge in regenerative practices and deepened her focus on driving industry-wide change. With experience spanning multi and single residential, workplace, and furniture design, Jade continues to advocate for progressive, practical pathways to embed sustainability across the built environment.
As Jade has recently started a new role with the ACT Government at the Suburban Land Agency, she wants to note that all views shared during the event are her own.
Clayton Bristow, Founder and Managing Director, FF&3
Clayton Bristow is the Managing Director and founder of circular economy consultancy FF&3. He brings over 25 years of experience in workplace project, including a decade delivering capital works projects at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Prior to that, he spent 12 years in the commercial furniture industry with one of Australia’s largest manufacturers.
Clayton has a strong background in Corporate Real Estate, having held roles in governance, strategy, and project delivery across major projects and programs. Passionate about sustainability, he has recently delivered over 60,000 m² of workplace projects that significantly reduce embodied carbon by applying circular economy principles.
He also serves on the board of ReLove, a not-for-profit organization with both environmental and social impact, which redirects office furniture from corporate de-fits to families affected by domestic violence.
Katherine Featherstone, Senior Manager, Responsible Products and Materials, GBCA
Katherine has worked in the construction industry for around 25 years. With a background in industrial and retail design, she has a keen interest in design and in-depth experience with fitout and construction practices.
As senior manager for products and materials at the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Katherine is part of the effort to transform the way products and materials are procured and specified, seeking to reduce waste and enable the sector to access better materials. Katherine recently finalized the GBCA’s Practical Guide to Upfront Carbon as well as developing the Responsible Products Program. She currently sits on Property Council Australia’s Circular Economy Working Group as well as the WorldGBC’s Circular Accelerator Steering Group and is the Sustainability Advisor for the Australian Interior Design Awards.
|