What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
The conversion of a building formerly used for storage, parking and as a workshop, into a modern office, using lighting, colour and pattern to create a more ‘domestic’ atmosphere. The design philosophy builds on current trends for offices to provide a variety of spaces, and for some of these, such as the reception, waiting and breakout areas, to offer a more relaxed environment. Lighting levels in these spaces are much lower than in work areas, and feature lighting defines different areas and roles. Light fittings over the reception desk evoke the traditional light globe, referencing TransGrid’s function as an electricity distribution network.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
Toga’s fitout brief called for a work environment that encourages integration, visibility, collaboration and teamwork. Bates Smart’s design established several interventions to enhance this heritage space: the common spine through the space (‘the central street’), open plan office and transparent boardroom. Light timber floors and wall cladding, coupled with extensive use of white and neutral colours throughout provide a backdrop for the display of Toga’s previous and current projects, whilst allowing the heritage shell to maintain its rustic character and beauty.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
With The Furnace’s new premises, Bates Smart considered the advertising agency interior and its place within the competitive arena of corporate office design with surprising outcomes. Champagne corks became kitchen joinery handles. Vintage teapots, bird cages and bread baskets became pendant lights. Uplighting was used to highlight the structure, reduce glare and closely reproduce natural light. The original timber floor has been retained and vintage fire extinguishers used as signage to reinforce the client’s name and branding.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?Geyer transformed its founding home, the Melbourne studio, into a flexible, transparent environment that fosters collaboration. Removing tradition and focusing on its evolving vision, Geyer created a diverse, visually transparent, mobile workspace where clients and industry partners are welcomed into an unassuming environment with no separation between public/client space and the studio. An important consideration when designing the welcome area was to accommodate numerous groups of people, host large functions and to provide for a regular flow of internal and external parties. Open plan workspaces cluster into naturally lit zones and bright colour on the walls and joinery punctuate perimeters.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
The client’s brief: an open flexible floor plate encouraging social connectivity, conceived to support the fitout requirements of security layers and social interaction within accessible shopfront services, semi-public meeting spaces and private work areas. Timber tables, incandescent light, a lounge and soft furnishings all create an environment of relaxed socialising. Artwork by Gary Carsley establishes this as a public institution prepared to be innovative. This will be the first New South Wales government building to achieve a five-star Green Star Rating.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
Grosvenor Place’s radial geometry and structural grid provided challenges when applied to modern working methods. The main issue was providing a high degree of flexibility whilst respecting the building’s elegant geometries. Department sizes vary frequently and the design responds to this need by establishing a framework of ‘architectural shrouds’, which can accommodate myriad configuration options such as offices, work settings, meeting rooms, satellite libraries, touch down spaces and support areas, with minimal building work required.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
The conversion of a warehouse/office into an architect’s office that would engage with the street. The formal idea was to insert a three-dimensional object behind the existing roller door, thought of as a ‘timber C’. This is the main meeting room and the heart of the office, as well as the first point of interaction. The timber finish of the ‘C’ becomes floor, ceiling, walls, bench, credenza and letterbox. The fourth side of the room is ‘laced up’ with hemp rope.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
To develop a friendly, non-conservative office interior in St Kilda Road’s corporate environment. The designer’s response: cleverly crafted juxtapositions (no ceiling grid!) creating a space both playful and professional – functional and pragmatic, yet aesthetically inspired. The company’s corporate hues accenting a white base provide a branding presence, with adhesive film used to create subtle representations of the company logo and contemporary signage. Sculptural furniture and lighting styles contrast with the white walls and concrete angles. Feature lights and fluid furnishings are points of attraction in the Level 6 reception and boardroom, and bold furniture designs feature in the meeting rooms and games room.

more images

What is the ‘big (IDEA)’ behind this project?
The ANZ Learning and Breakout Centre is a multipurpose space, designed to encourage creativity and freedom from the constraints of a ‘normal’ office environment. The Centre’s design supports a variety of activities varying in frequency, style and configuration. Corporate colours and branding are eliminated, and furniture and finishes are selected to enhance the playful, sensory experience of the space. Flexible and generous learning rooms are designed to support a range of learning activities and to suit differing learning styles.

more images