Bates Smart has taken home the top honours at the 2024 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). As well as being named Designer of the Year, the architecture practice with studios in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane won the Overall Project of the Year and the Public Space category for its design of the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. Get to know more about the industry-leading practice and project in this profile from the IDEA Winners Edition of inside magazine, out later this week.

With a legacy spanning 172 years, Bates Smart’s central approach is the belief that architects and designers should closely control the creative process, fostering a cohesive team where directors are actively involved in design rather than management. This focus on collaboration allows for a more integrated understanding of what it means to create a complete building.

“Collaboration is at the heart of our practice,” Bates Smart director Mark Healey says. “It’s how we transform ideas into designs that resonate with communities and elevate urban life.”

The idea of completeness is a core tenet of the firm, emphasising the vital role of interior designers in the early stages of project conception. This holistic approach to design ensures the interior space aligns with the building’s overall vision from the outset, resulting in spaces that are not only functional but also enriching to the community.

“Interior design isn’t something that comes later in the process,” Healey adds. “For us, it’s the foundation that shapes a cohesive and harmonious building.”

By fostering an environment where every team member contributes to the collective vision, Bates Smart embodies a design philosophy that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve, ensuring projects maintain their relevance well into the future.

The Australian Embassy, Washington DC: A celebration of culture and sustainability 

Building upon the legacy of the original Australian Embassy in Washington DC, designed by Bates Smart in 1969, the design of the new embassy exemplifies Healey’s belief that public buildings are vital components of social infrastructure.

“We were animated about the project,” Healey recalls. “It was about creating a proud and confident Australian building in a context that had previously embraced a more international style.”

Capturing the true essence of Australian culture and identity, the project celebrates Australian modernism that translates into a contemporary architectural language, drawing inspiration from the ancient antipodean landscapes, particularly the striations found in the Simpson Desert.

“The facades uses copper panelling to evoke the land’s ancient qualities,” Healey explains, highlighting a deep connection to Country.

The design of the Australian Embassy acknowledges Indigenous connections through thoughtful integration of cultural elements. While direct consultation with First Nations peoples wasn’t formalised at the time, the artistic choices and natural materials reflect an intuitive respect for Australia’s ancient landscapes, honouring the rich heritage of Indigenous communities across the nation.

Tipping the scales of sustainable design

Among the innovative strategies Bates Smart employs to balance sustainability and aesthetics is the incorporation of eco-friendly design elements that complement their visual appeal. With the Washington DC project, Healey highlights the material choices his team made to maximise natural light and create inviting interior spaces.

“By opening up the building’s central area, the design team enhanced security while flooding the interior with sunlight, resulting in a high-quality workplace that also addressed the unique challenges faced by embassies,” Healey says.

The careful selection of sustainable timber, sourced from responsibly managed forests along the eastern seaboard, showcased the team’s dedication to functionality and beauty. With an emphasis on the textural qualities of the Australian blackbutt, the building’s interior showcases the tree’s thick, protective bark that offers fire resistance.

“This concept inspired a three-bay atrium space, reflecting the tree’s natural height and creating a beautiful protective element that envelops people, highlighting the connection between nature and architecture,” Healey says.

This meticulous approach underscores the belief that eco-friendly design can coexist with striking visual elements. Through these efforts, Healey illustrates a vision where sustainability and aesthetics work in harmony, creating spaces that inspire and enhance the user experience while championing environmental responsibility. 

New projects and recognition

Looking ahead, the team at Bates Smart is energised by several upcoming projects, including the completion of the Frankston Hospital, a significant healthcare facility. The project reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to quality in healthcare design. They are also excited about Prefecture 48, a vibrant hospitality venue in Sydney featuring six distinct venues, and the Rivière project in Brisbane, which sets a new standard for residential offerings by fostering a strong sense of community.

Their current win of both the IDEA 2024 Designer of the Year and Overall Project of the Year awards holds great significance for Bates Smart, reinforcing their culture of excellence. This recognition not only honours the team’s hard work but also inspires both senior and junior staff, highlighting their shared commitment to design innovation. Such accolades play a crucial role in shaping the studio’s identity and motivating the team to continuously strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

Healey sums it up this way: “We strive for excellence in everything we do, and to be recognised and to be part of that culture and this competition is great.” 

Photography of Australian Embassy in Washington DC by Joe Fletcher.

The IDEA 2024 Designer of the Year is sponsored by Cult. The IDEA 2024 Overall Project of the Year is sponsored by Miele.

View all the winners of IDEA 2024.