DGS is an accounting firm in Ballarat that believes in making financial services welcoming and approachable; this ethos informed Studio Nicholas for the interior design of its new space.

Set inside a former paint shop at the entrance to the city centre, the new office designed by Noosa-based practice Studio Nicholas brings a sophisticated palette and warm atmosphere to the space. Material details and colour choices add a touch of playfulness, creating a friendly environment that goes against the usual formal mould for financial services.

The reception desk features alternating bands of California Burl and oak timber, which immediately communicate the firm’s values of heritage and expertise combined with openness and approachability. A palette of rich greens and blues beyond the reception area defines private offices and the boardroom, creating a calm confidence that reflects DGS’s professionalism.

Touches of maroon, ice blue and chutney are woven into the connecting spaces, bringing vibrancy and retro personality to the space. While light oak timber, modern furnishings and metallic details give the space a distinctly contemporary and intentional feel. Every design decision works to take the edge off an environment that many people may find daunting.

Texture also plays an important role in the design, with floor-to-ceiling drapery enveloping the boardroom and reception areas, creating a softness that contrasts with the metallic elements.

Each space has its own lighting to suit the tone and use. A free-standing lamp in the reception creates a soft, diffused light, while workspaces feature linear lighting designed to support focus.

The layout was resolved around the way the practice operates: open and inviting, while professional and discreet. Throughout the different rooms, a curated collection of original Australian art and decorative pieces by local makers reinforces the firm’s nature as a local business that supports its community.

Images: Ryan Cullen.

Top image: Studio Nicholas director and interior designer Nicholas Gilbert in the DGS office space.