Nic Sherwood explores how an unorthodox colour palette for one of Australia’s oldest law firms reflects the positive personality of the people at its helm.
August 6th, 2013
With a combined 285 years of experience in their respective industries, Australian law firm TressCox teamed up with respected design practice, HBO+EMTB, to rework their reception area, office and client spaces.

Well equipped to draw TressCox into their next chapter, HBO+EMTB were still conscious not to discard the law firm’s hard-earned, esteemed heritage.

Situated in the depths of Sydney’s CBD in Martin Place, Gordon Burns, Senior Designer at HBO+EMTB designed for the firm as he saw them, “sociable, entertaining, very hospitable and with a great sense of humour whilst maintaining a strong sense of professionalism.”

This met harmoniously with the client’s brief; TressCox wanted a space that would reflect their positive, welcoming culture and personality – something you wouldn’t often associate with a law firm.

The final design morphed into a physical representation of Burn’s words. Colour was bold and cutting, and showed a level of confidence about the law firm. “As there is no floor to ceiling glass with harbour views the focus was always going to be the interior,” he explains.

Selected furnishings from Wilkhahn were upholstered vibrantly to unite the broader scheme. One of the more striking pieces selected is the Asienta Chair, found in the reception spaces. Burns and Wilkhahn both proudly advise these to be the first models delivered, worldwide, after being launched last year.

HBO+EMTB
Wilkhahn
INDESIGN is on instagram
Follow @indesignlive
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!
For those who appreciate form as much as function, Gaggenau’s latest induction innovation delivers sculpted precision and effortless flexibility, disappearing seamlessly into the surface when not in use.
CDK Stone’s Natasha Stengos takes us through its Alexandria Selection Centre, where stone choice becomes a sensory experience – from curated spaces, crafted details and a colour-organised selection floor.
London-based design duo Raw Edges have joined forces with Established & Sons and Tongue & Groove to introduce Wall to Wall – a hand-stained, “living collection” that transforms parquet flooring into a canvas of colour, pattern, and possibility.
Walker Street Precinct, designed as a collaboration between Cox Architecture, H&E Architects and Etymon Projects, is a project to satiate your urban palette and palate.
Mim Design celebrates 21 years in 2021. We sit down with Mim Fanning to explore her career as founder of one of Australia’s most respected design practices.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Making a splash on the hair spa scene, the latest project from X + O makes a little slice of Japan right at home in suburban Melbourne.
The World Architecture Festival has named The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas in La Laguna, Spain as World Building of the Year 2025, alongside major winners in interiors, future projects and landscape.
Merging two hotel identities in one landmark development, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Little Collins capture the spirit of Melbourne through Buchan’s narrative-driven design – elevated by GROHE’s signature craftsmanship.