National architecture practice Gray Puksand has relocated its Melbourne studio to a new two-level CBD workspace designed “by Gray Puksand for Gray Puksand”.
Led by partner Dale O’Brien alongside senior interior designer Lauren Chan, Gray Puksand’s project team developed the design narrative for the new 1300-square-metre studio on Bourke Street in consultation with wider staff.
“The project team took us through the same consultation process that we do with all our clients, exploring the kind of organisation we want to be while reflecting on our core values and determining our best methods of working,” says Heidi Smith, lead partner at Gray Puksand’s Melbourne studio.
These discussions led to the conception of a ‘find and seek’ design narrative.
“As individuals, we find places to collaborate, interact, engage and inspire, and seek places to retreat, reflect and focus,” explains O’Brien.
“Gray Puksand’s Melbourne studio needed an environment that fosters creativity and innovation while catering to the diverse spatial and behavioural needs of our growing team.”
Upon arrival, the new studio welcomes visitors with a striking metal mesh curtain and polished plaster reception desk. Chan says the project team consciously included unexpected “peekaboo” moments like this throughout different areas to spark creative ideation.
“One of these moments is the perforated mirror ceiling above the staircase, offering fractured reflections of people moving up and down, creating a dynamic visual experience,” she says.
A carefully selected colour palette further enhances the studio’s welcoming atmosphere. Warm rusty tones complemented by greys and blues harmonise with the historic red-brick façade of the adjoining Gollin building.
Dubbed one of the studio’s ‘seek’ spaces, the presentation arena exudes a more saturated colour palette, showcasing richness and intensity designed to encourage collaboration, interaction and conversation between staff.
In designing these varied environments – from the arena to the quiet workstations and private pop-in booths – the project team hopes the studio’s neurodiverse workforce can find a setting where they can each “lean into” their respective strengths.
Multi-purpose wellness spaces with cork flooring also accommodate multi-faith prayer rituals and provide privacy for breastfeeding parents.
“When designing workspaces for diversity and inclusion, a key design guideline is to create an environment where everyone feels supported, wants to come to work and enjoys being there,” O’Brien says.
A diverse range of spaces also support Gray Puksand’s specific design processes. According to Smith, the Melbourne team raised the need for a Project Lab for workshopping and leaving pinned-up work, The Pit for review sessions and the Design Lab for a more inspiring library and sample experience.
Sustainability was also a key consideration in the design process. Most of the furniture has been repurposed from the previous studio and a conscious effort has been made to embrace recycled and eco-friendly materials.
“Designing our own workspace gave us an exciting opportunity to explore emerging sustainable products that we don’t always get the chance to use with clients,” O’Brien says.
The studio also boasts 3.8-metre floor-to-ceiling glazed windows that overlook an avenue of trees on Church Lane, providing streetscape views and forging a strong connection to nature for staff.
Reflecting on the project, both Smith and O’Brien were immensely proud of the team’s commitment to creating a space that embodies Gray Puksand’s identity.
“It can be intimidating to think about designing a space for designers because of the sheer number of passionate voices,” O’Brien says.
“However, everyone in the Melbourne team was respectful and supportive of our process. They were genuinely curious and excited about the choices we made.”
Photography by Nicole Edwards.
Watch ADR’s video tour of another workplace project by Gray Puksand: Medibank head office.