In an industry often dominated by static presentations and generic flythrough videos, Spatial Media has carved out a unique niche by putting storytelling and client engagement at the forefront.
As the company celebrates its 10th anniversary, the founders reflect on their journey from a bold startup to an industry leader.
The Spatial Media story began when a group of friends, Jai Eakin, Aaron Bernard, and Morley Foster, came together with a shared vision - to create a company that did things differently. "We had experiences that weren't great in different companies, and we basically wanted to start one that did everything the opposite to that," explains Aaron Bernard.
The trio, along with Nathan Green, were determined to build a culture that prioritised trust, autonomy, and collaboration over the traditional corporate structure.
"From the beginning, we had no office," says Bernard. "We believed that creatives shouldn't have to pretend to be creative between 9 to 5, Monday to Friday."
This unconventional approach has been a key driver of Spatial Media's success. "We're not trying to force you into the Spatial Media box," Bernard emphasises. "It's what is best for you, your project, and how the project comes first."
The company's focus on client relationships and delivering exceptional service has also been a hallmark of their growth.
"We're not there to just do the gig and never hear from you again," says Bernard. "Let's work on this thing together. Let's see what's going to improve." This collaborative mindset has led to long-standing partnerships, such as their work with the WestConnex project, which they have supported for over a decade.
"Tools and features we developed in partnership with our client and stakeholders on this project have created long-term benefits for numerous major projects and community and engagement professionals," says Bernard.
As Spatial Media has grown, the team has faced its share of challenges, including the need to diversify their client base and adapt to changing market conditions.
"Our biggest mistake was not diversifying the business quickly enough," admits Jai Eakin. However, the company's commitment to innovation and a strong team dynamic have helped them navigate these obstacles. "We have the best in the business," says Bernard. "It's just a matter of finding the people that are willing to take that jump with you."
Looking ahead, Spatial Media is focused on democratising its Spatial Engage tools, making them accessible to a wider range of projects, not just the high-profile ones. "Why shouldn't a $50,000 community update to a sporting field have the same level of engagement as a multi-billion-dollar project?" asks Nathan Green.
As Spatial Media celebrates its 10th anniversary, the founders are proud of the company they've built and the impact they've had on the industry. "It's been terrifying, exciting, and worth it," says Eakin. With their innovative approach and dedication to their craft, the future looks bright for Spatial Media.
