Studio Tate prevailed in the Workplace Over 1000sqm category at last year’s Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) with its vibrant vision for the MECCA Support Centre.

Nestled inside a mid-century warehouse in Richmond, in Melbourne’s inner city, is a richly layered interior that houses the headquarters of a premium beauty retailer. 

It’s no secret that the modern office is changing, and this centre radiates with light and sophisticated beauty iconography to uplift the MECCA brand.

“The traditional office cubicle is a thing of the past and open spaces with generous natural light and breakout zones are becoming the norm,” says IDEA 2023 jury member Elvin Tan.

“Through cleverly layered interiors that feature punchy moments, Studio Tate has created a very attractive workplace in The MECCA Support Centre.”

Studio Tate director, Alex Hopkins, chats to Australian Design Review (ADR) about the winning project, and shares exclusive insights into what we can expect from this forward-thinking practice dedicated to craftsmanship fused with functionality.  

ADR: What did it mean for you to win your category?

Alex Hopkins: Winning the best Workplace Over 1000sqm is a wonderful achievement for the Studio Tate team. As the studio approaches 10 years in business, recognition like this for such a key project is instrumental in framing the next ten years to come.

Tell us about your winning project. What was its inspiration and how did you achieve the outcome that you did?

Set in the heart of Richmond, MECCA Support Centre draws on colour, tactility, and beauty iconography to craft a vibrant, light-filled home for Australia’s largest premium beauty retailer. 

Studio Tate worked closely with MECCA to create a workplace that would feel energising, inviting, and warm — reinforcing the company’s brand narrative, while fostering a thriving community feel for team members and visitors.

Forming part of a larger campus of buildings, all dedicated to MECCA, the mid-century warehouse offers an industrial backdrop to the centre’s richly layered interior.

Jo Horgan, MECCA founder and co-CEO’s love of colour inspired a playful, eclectic palette of finishes, reflecting the colour artistry of MECCA’s retail stores. The project was a true collaboration between client and consultants ensuring the workspace embodies the values of MECCA.

How would you describe 2023?

Productive and rewarding!

What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming or current projects you’re working on?

We are working on some really exciting projects across our key sectors being live, work and play. We are currently designing two unique homes in Western Australia, collaborating with Vicinity on various retail amenity projects in Victoria and NSW and we are delivering two hotel projects both due to launch in 2024. The next twelve months will be an exciting time for the team as they see their projects come to life. 

How did you wrap up 2023?

The Studio Tate team closed out some final deadlines, saw friends at various supplier end-of-year functions and of course had fun at the Studio Tate Christmas party!

Project photography by Sharyn Cairns. Lead image image of Studio Tate director Alex Hopkins and associate Anita Zampichelli by Narrative Post.

Check out the winner of the 2023 IDEA Residential Multi category.