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.

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

hboemtb.com

Wilkhahn

wilkhahn.com