30 January 2012

METIER3 Studio, Docklands

METIER3’s new Melbourne studio is a contemporary open workplace encouraging transparency and collaboration.

For a firm that's been in operation for a number of years, a change of location can be an important turning point – an opportunity to create the perfect space, realign with core values and propel forward with increased vigour.

Melbourne-based architectural and interior design practice METIER3 has been around since 1985, and the firm's recent relocation to a new building – designed by METIER3 – at Docklands provided just this opportunity.

The new studio environment needed to house 60 staff in an open, dynamic workplace that promoted transparency and collaboration.

Staff were invited to contribute ideas as to the desirable elements of their new studio, and the elements that should be avoided. Key concerns included the need for an open environment, transparent enough to allow ongoing projects to be apparent to all in the office.

The project team – consisting of Managing Director Andrew Norbury, Director of Interior Design Michael Hrysomallis, Associate Jean-François Lagace and Interior Designer Nathalia Suizu – based the design on an open plan, with all staff located on one level.

A courtyard provides ample natural light. Planning is modular and allows total flexibility, with staff able to move around as needed depending on project requirements. A natural colour palette and simple detailing, all carefully selected, aim to emphasise METIER3's design-driven focus.

A combination of new and existing furniture was incorporated into the fit-out. Amazingly, some of the re-used furniture had already survived 2 office moves – highlighting, as the project team noted, the importance of high quality workstation systems!