Commercial Law Firm.
The Brief
Taking over a well established family law practice and new premises in the heart of the CBD, represented new beginnings for brother and sister Partners, Adam and Nina. A new brand identity with clear values and a family legacy to be acknowledged, dictated the direction of this office refurbishment.
The Partners acknowledged they ‘do law differently’ and didn’t want a traditional, sterile and extravagant ‘law firm’ look, stating “We’re people conscious, environmentally conscious and design conscious.”
Seeking B Corp Certification, the space needed to convey these social and environmental commitments and showcase the firm as professional, progressive, approachable and accountable.
The Concept
‘On brand + Biophilic’, prioritises the brand’s values and places employee well being at the forefront.
Biophilic principles bring nature into the workspace to improve air quality and maximise natural light. Sustainable sourcing considers carbon footprint, RRR, toxicity levels and resource consumption.
Inclusivity a core value, is incorporated into the design ensuring accessibility for all and ergonomics and acoustics will ensure comfort, safety and flexibility for staff.
A contemporary tribute will take pride of place, honoring the firm’s founder and reaffirm its strong foundations.
Aesthetically, the brand’s calm and optimistic colour palette will give the space cohesiveness as it’s applied via materials, finishes and naturally through plant life.
The Design
Where possible, materials and finishes were specified with appropriate FSC and GECA certification along with low VOC finishes (Tas Oak, Natural Stone, Osmo Oil). Furniture and statement lighting selections support local Melbourne designers and manufacturers with sustainable practices.
The office layout specifically works around the natural light shining through glass partitioning into workspaces and custom joinery throughout incorporates planter boxes for living greenery. Flexible breakout spaces are located along the North facing windows and encourage staff to step away from the desk.
Workspaces incorporate custom Tasmanian Oak joinery, tailored to staff requirements, acoustic panelling and high quality ergonomic seating. Accessibility standards have been carefully considered in the layout, particularly to bathrooms and door/walk ways. The award winning ‘Steady Rack’ encourages staff to ride to work and offers space saving storage for bikes.
Curated artwork by local Melbourne artists, connects back to the calmness of nature and Catherine Martin’s ‘La Palma’ wallpaper adds a playful connection to nature in the communal spaces.
Custom joinery in the reception is a sophisticated and contemporary nod to the brand and the traditional pillars of law. Material and on brand colour selections ensure the spaces feels cohesive, calm and welcoming.
