COX Architecture has completed an office fitout for legal firm Mallesons at the top of Governor Phillip Tower in Circular Quay.

The seven-storey workplace is a deliberate evolution of more conventional law firm environments. COX Architecture considered how distinct spaces – such as client-facing areas and staff settings – can work more cohesively while balancing open collaboration with private spaces for focused work and confidentiality.

Punctuated by natural light, a sculptural staircase and careful planning, the workplace provides a high-quality space for a high-performing practice. “By carefully planning how different spaces relate to one another, we were able to make the most of the Harbour setting by sharing the outlook more broadly across the workplace,” says Brooke Lloyd, COX director and project lead. “Alternative work and dining areas support connection and access to daylight, while carefully accommodating spaces for confidentiality. The outcome is a workplace that feels more open and connected.”

A floating staircase

The staff café and client welcome zone are connected by a sculptural staircase, which features cantilevered travertine treads that appear to hover. This illusion is enhanced by mirrored shadow gaps, which add a sense of weightlessness. The café operates as a daily gathering space for staff, while also providing a flexible environment in which to host clients while enjoying incredible views across the city.

Natural daylight was a key design driver, shaping both the workplace configuration and user experience. COX positioned enclosed meeting rooms and focus spaces near the central core of each level, supporting confidentiality and discretion while allowing daylight to flow more effortlessly through the floorplate. Work settings are arranged around these different zones to create quieter areas suited to concentrated work.

Confidence and precision

From the moment of arrival, the firm’s interiors establish a precise, confident palette that speaks to Mallesons’ prestigious position in Australia’s legal field. Timber plays a main role in this. For the Level 61 welcome space, a memorable first impression is created with timber panelling that aligns precisely with the timber ceiling grid. Continuing this materiality in the east-facing spaces, warm timber surfaces across the furniture selection, ceiling design and wall panels soften the intensity of morning sunlight.

Quality materiality and craft are expressed consistently throughout the fitout, reflecting Mallesons’ ambition to challenge the status quo and set new standards for how quality is defined and delivered.

Curating client interfaces

COX used textured glazing to elegantly define meeting rooms, while tables and cabinetry are detailed with double bullnose edges and finely articulated solid timber. Each meeting room is individually composed with a curation of bespoke rugs, pendants, credenzas and artwork, creating a resolved client environment.

The interior design is completed by a sophisticated art collection curated by Art Pharmacy in collaboration with COX, which includes contemporary artworks from Australian and Asian Australian artists.

“This is a workplace designed to support how we work today and into the future,” says Andrew Maynes, partner in charge at Mallesons Sydney. “It brings together a range of environments that allow our people to focus, collaborate and engage with clients effectively, while maintaining the discretion and standards our work demands.”

Photos: Cieran Murphy.