Find out how Gray Puksand’s recently revamped Melbourne studio is geared up for its progressive and agile workforce. Sandra Tan investigates agile working first-hand as she takes up residence in a variety of architecture practices for a series of stories.
Whenever an architecture studio has the opportunity to play both client and designer, the duality often leads to a more intimate understanding of change management. Particularly with a transition as significant as Gray Puksand’s total refurbishment of its 12-year-old Melbourne office.
In order to remain authentic to the company’s design method, the team endeavoured to follow the same process applied to all of its workplace projects, running a series of staff workshops to air out new concepts.
“This is our usual approach with all of our clients, so it was good to walk the walk with ourselves as clients,” says Heidi Smith, Gray Puksand partner and workspace lead. “I wanted to make sure that we respected our own processes.”
The new design is relaxed, open, and egalitarian. As you enter through the elevator, there is no front desk, and no sense of administrative gatekeeping – rather, guests are encouraged to introduce themselves directly to staff stationed at the first of two main work pods. These undulating stations neatly accommodate informal group interaction, while a number of sit-to-stand desks provide a more engaged work set-up for individuals.
A standout in the office is its playful breakout area, with tiered seating to one wall, and a slick kitchen, which doubles as an in-house presentation and event space. To the rear of the space is the light-filled casual work zone, complete with acoustic pods for private phone calls, and upholstered bench seating, perfect for perching with a laptop.
Formerly taken up by managing partner Robert Puksand’s desk, the corner’s striking city views and natural light have been donated back into this public area – one gesture which speaks volumes of the new project’s thoughtfully democratic intent.
Catch our interview with two of Gray Puksand’s newest directors – Maria Correia, Director of Interior Design Brisbane, and Anna Breheny, Director of Interior Design Sydney.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Pedrali’s Italian-made furnishings uplift the new Osteria BBR, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic venue within Singapore’s legendary Raffles Hotel.
With one of the largest custom flooring offerings in the Oceania region, GH Commercial can transform unique concepts into one-of-a-kind solutions that bring interiors to life.
Entries for the INDE.Awards close this Thursday, 31 March. Our Indesign editorial lead, Alice Blackwood, gives you the big deadlines and regales you with highlights of the past fortnight in design.
With a program so huge where do I even start? You may well ask! And we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the our top highlights ahead of Melbourne Design Week. Don’t delay – read now!
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
With a portfolio that extends from Hobart to Darwin and everywhere in between, Liquid Blu has played a key role in the development of Australia’s aquatic culture.
This year’s Saturday Indesign comes at a crucial point for humanity, where we are being urged to act, and act quickly, to stop the irreversible destruction of our climate. As members of Australia’s design industry, we recognise that we have an important role to play in creating and advocating for change.