‍Honouring where it started — and shaping what comes next‍ ‍

Overview‍ ‍

Saje’s Lonsdale Quay location holds a special place in the company’s history. More than 30 years after the brand began on the North Shore with its first Peppermint Halo product, this renovation marked a return to one of Saje’s earliest retail communities - and an opportunity to reimagine what the next generation of stores could become. Working alongside McKinley Studios, our team supported the transformation of the space into a refreshed retail environment that balances Saje’s apothecary roots with a more contemporary customer experience. The result is both a meaningful milestone location and a prototype for future stores.

The Opportunity

This project carried a different weight than a typical retail renovation. Lonsdale Quay is not a conventional mall environment — and this store was never intended to be a standard rollout. Instead, the goal was to create a space that reflected the history of Saje while introducing new design elements that could inform future relocations and renovations elsewhere.

Key priorities included:

• honouring the North Shore origins of the brand

• incorporating updated retail concepts into a heritage location

• testing new store features as a potential prototype

• delivering within an active public market setting With members of the founding family involved in shaping the design direction, the store became both a reflection point and a step forward.

Our Approach

From the outset, the focus was partnership and clarity. Retail renovations inside active environments depend on strong coordination and communication, and this project was no exception. Working closely with Saje and McKinley Studios, our team supported delivery through detailed planning, transparent updates, and proactive problem-solving throughout construction. Equally important was supporting the operational transition between locations. Because elements from the existing store were being carried forward into the new space, coordination extended beyond construction alone - ensuring the move felt seamless for both staff and customers. The result is a store that feels grounded in Saje’s original identity while introducing new spatial and material ideas that can inform future retail environments across the brand.

Collaboration

This project was shaped by a highly collaborative working relationship between Saje, McKinley Studios, and our team. From kickoff onward, the priority was maintaining open communication and shared decision-making — particularly as design refinements and budget considerations evolved together through the process. Weekly coordination and clear approval pathways helped keep momentum steady while ensuring the project remained aligned with Saje’s broader retail direction. Because this location represents an important moment in the company’s history, that alignment mattered. The intention was never just to renovate a store, but to help establish a foundation for what comes next.

The Outcome

The refreshed Lonsdale Quay store now reflects both the legacy and future of Saje’s retail experience. New design elements introduced here are already informing how the brand approaches upcoming relocations and renovations, positioning the store as a meaningful reference point within the broader network. For our team, the project stands out not just for the space itself, but for the trust and partnership behind it — delivering a store rooted in where Saje began, while helping shape where it’s going next.