Inside the Workplaces of Four Melbourne Architecture Firms
Talented architects show us that they practise what they preach as we explore their workplaces
Emily Hutchinson
10 August 2016
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra wow-factor to feature. I love hearing all about the design process behind these projects.
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra... More
Open House Melbourne drew in the crowds over the weekend of 30-31 July, as people flocked to see some of the most influential yet usually hidden architectural gems across the city. Some of these gems included the workplaces of Melbourne architects that opened up their doors to the public, who marvelled at spaces that inspire designs across the city. From rooftop gardens to plywood fit-outs, there are plenty of features to be envious of in these inspiring architects’ offices.
Workplace at a Glance
Who works here: John Wardle Architects
Location: Collingwood, Victoria
Cool feature: Rooftop terrace with a kitchen garden
The lucky employees at John Wardle Architects work in a building that was constructed in the 1950s. It was previously a workshop for CSIRO printing, and before that, the outpost for a British paint manufacturer. Located in what was once known as the slums of Collingwood, the site was also apparently the stable area for the horses of the Carlton United brewery, which was located nearby.
Who works here: John Wardle Architects
Location: Collingwood, Victoria
Cool feature: Rooftop terrace with a kitchen garden
The lucky employees at John Wardle Architects work in a building that was constructed in the 1950s. It was previously a workshop for CSIRO printing, and before that, the outpost for a British paint manufacturer. Located in what was once known as the slums of Collingwood, the site was also apparently the stable area for the horses of the Carlton United brewery, which was located nearby.
The concept behind the design of the workplace was to create an open and light-filled studio environment within the heritage building. “We wanted our staff all clustered together in one large open-plan floor space, with moments of the building’s history appearing within it,” says Andrew Wong, a senior associate at the firm.
The staff are also encouraged to move around the studio and to foster this, the design team located the toilets, kitchen and meeting rooms on the upper level joined by stairs and a large void.
The staff are also encouraged to move around the studio and to foster this, the design team located the toilets, kitchen and meeting rooms on the upper level joined by stairs and a large void.
For many of the designers, the rooftop is the place to be. It also boasts a kitchen garden, which everyone takes turns harvesting for communal staff lunches. “It provides a great informal amenity for outdoor gatherings, design talks, and summer drinks,” says Wong. They also have plans to eventually get some beehives to harvest their own honey.
Be inspired by more rooftop gardens
Be inspired by more rooftop gardens
Workplace at a Glance
Who works here: Clare Cousins Architects and Maben Group
Location: North Melbourne, Victoria
Cool feature: This is a shared workplace of the architects and the construction group behind the building’s transformation
It may be hard to believe, but this stylish contemporary shared workplace was once a rundown 1970s office block, buying time before demolition. Clare Cousins Architects saved it from its fate with the help of Maben Group by giving it a new lease on life, and renamed the space Blackwood Street Bunker. After chipping away at the custard-coloured render over an eight-week period, they eventually discovered the building had a brutalist style that they happily embraced.
Photo by Lisbeth Grosmann
Who works here: Clare Cousins Architects and Maben Group
Location: North Melbourne, Victoria
Cool feature: This is a shared workplace of the architects and the construction group behind the building’s transformation
It may be hard to believe, but this stylish contemporary shared workplace was once a rundown 1970s office block, buying time before demolition. Clare Cousins Architects saved it from its fate with the help of Maben Group by giving it a new lease on life, and renamed the space Blackwood Street Bunker. After chipping away at the custard-coloured render over an eight-week period, they eventually discovered the building had a brutalist style that they happily embraced.
Photo by Lisbeth Grosmann
The objective of the design was to create a non-corporate environment that the staff felt comfortable and productive within, while also showcasing the work that both practices could create. The plywood used throughout the design adds a light openness to the design – a feature Cousins has previously used in other projects.
Photo by Lisbeth Grosmann
Photo by Lisbeth Grosmann
While both companies have separate entries and offices, they share a generously-sized kitchen, break-out space and deck area where all team members can socialise.
Photo by Lisbeth Grosmann
Ply: the wood that grows on you
Photo by Lisbeth Grosmann
Ply: the wood that grows on you
Workplace at a Glance
Who works here: Plus Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Cool feature: Angular plywood walls hosting meeting areas
Behind the corporate facade of this building on St Kilda Road is Plus Architecture’s cleverly designed studio. The company held an in-house competition to decide on the design, and asked employees to come up with something that reflected their office culture and Plus Architecture’s beliefs. It was actually the students of that year who won – Virginia Barlow and Jack Carolane were lead by Millie Anderson, who is now a project architect at the firm.
Who works here: Plus Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Cool feature: Angular plywood walls hosting meeting areas
Behind the corporate facade of this building on St Kilda Road is Plus Architecture’s cleverly designed studio. The company held an in-house competition to decide on the design, and asked employees to come up with something that reflected their office culture and Plus Architecture’s beliefs. It was actually the students of that year who won – Virginia Barlow and Jack Carolane were lead by Millie Anderson, who is now a project architect at the firm.
The angular walls were built without drawings and used unconventional building methods. Jessica Liew, a director of the company, says that this style of creating is important to their practice, proving that great design ideas are boundless and can always be made possible. “Our studio loves exploring and testing ideas, as we believe a strong, pure idea or story goes a long way in presenting itself and withstanding criticism and time,” she says.
Liew also believes that it’s important for all workers to be within inspiring workplaces; “People seek more than the standard workplace template to reinvigorate, to think, to reinvent, to just feel good, to be adventurous and to reduce or eliminate stress,” she says. “Why would you want to work in a little box when you don’t live in one? We love to redefine work culture by designing differently.”
Workplace at a Glance
Who works here: Harmer Architecture
Location: Collingwood, Victoria
Cool feature: An amazing view of the industrial Collingwood neighbourhood from the large windows
Harmer Architecture practice is located in a building of creatives in Collingwood, where web designers, graphic designers and landscape architects work 9 to 5. Director Phil Harmer designed the space and intended it to be an open and friendly work environment. “The concept was to create a semi-industrial type of workshop environment, in which the craft of architecture is expressed through inventive and experimental use of materials and details,” he explains.
Who works here: Harmer Architecture
Location: Collingwood, Victoria
Cool feature: An amazing view of the industrial Collingwood neighbourhood from the large windows
Harmer Architecture practice is located in a building of creatives in Collingwood, where web designers, graphic designers and landscape architects work 9 to 5. Director Phil Harmer designed the space and intended it to be an open and friendly work environment. “The concept was to create a semi-industrial type of workshop environment, in which the craft of architecture is expressed through inventive and experimental use of materials and details,” he explains.
On the stairway leading up to the the workspace, staggered stained glass has been added, which contrasts nicely against the industrial elements including the concrete floors, wire fence balustrade and steel handrail.
So your style is: industrial
So your style is: industrial
Harmer says that the workspace had to reflect the firm’s own design ethics and style. The office receives plenty of sunlight, with large windows running the length of the space overlooking Collingwood’s industrial landscape, and the open-plan layout allows for easy communication.
His favourite aspect of the final product is how comfortable it feels to work in. “It feels like home – our team is like a big family and we enjoy a calm, generous and expansive atmosphere,” he says.
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His favourite aspect of the final product is how comfortable it feels to work in. “It feels like home – our team is like a big family and we enjoy a calm, generous and expansive atmosphere,” he says.
SHOW US
Do you work in a beautifully designed office? We would love to see! Show us by posting a photo of it in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse more stories on architecture
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Plus Architecture's idea of letting employees and student interns propose plans was constructive.
It's refreshing to find Architects finally taking an eco smart approach to design. It's very Australian to turn up to work in jeans and T-shirt and to not have anything pretentious (such as the desire to make lots and lots of money) interfere with creativity and innovation. Using materials that are readily available to us, does not cheapen the space when the conceptual ingenuity is evidently lifting our expectations within the workplace. Work is a means to an end and our work environment should reflect a human being's real needs i.e. balanced lifestyle. Enjoy work but don't be a slave to the system.