JLL’s newly completed Melbourne headquarters at the prestigious 101 Collins Street is a nod to the city’s storied past, specifically, the textile industry that once thrived in Flinders Lane. The design spans across two levels, offering a contemporary workspace that subtly interlaces historical references with cutting-edge design and sustainability.

Sited at the intersection of Collins Street and the urban grit of Flinders Lane, the office design merges these contrasting identities. Warm, refined finishes blend with cooler, edgier materials, forming a workspace that reflects JLL’s forward-thinking ethos and the rich industrial past of Melbourne. Meeting rooms carry the names of historic Flinders Lane buildings —namely Pawson, Tomasetti, Sargood, Ross and Swiss — invoking the iconic ‘Rag Trade’ era when the area bustled with textile workshops.

“It was important to us to create a space that celebrated Melbourne’s diverse local history,” explains Jennifer Moore, Senior Director for JLL Design Services. “Throughout the 12-month design process, we developed a narrative that juxtaposes the polished charm of Collins Street with the playful, industrious spirit of Flinders Lane, mirroring the diversity of our JLL teams.”

A floorplan was devised by overlaying the Hoddle Grid onto the footprint and rotating it 45 degrees, resulting in a layout of functional pockets connected by clear pathways. This approach – a first for the 101 Collins Street building – exemplifies a bold reinterpretation of the central grid of Melbourne itself.

Related: Just the right fit: Workplace design at Levi’s new Melbourne HQ

JLL’s Managing Director for Victoria, Kate Pilgrim, highlights the thoughtful integration of client-facing spaces within the design: “The new office not only elevates our team’s environment but also offers our clients an inspiring experience,” says Pilgrim. “The addition of the ‘Business Lounge,’ a JLL first, further enhances client engagement with the space.”

JLL
jll.com

Photographer
Tom Blachford

Next up: The adaptable future of modern workplaces