Timothy Alouani-Roby: What exactly was the brief here? What different needs do the workshop and showroom cater to?

Kiri Morgan: We needed a building that could accommodate every facet of our processes: from the early conceptual design phase, through to fabrication and production, all the way to sales and marketing. This integrated setup means our customers get to experience the entire journey of our brand under one roof. They can watch our team hand-finishing and assembling products, then explore the showroom to engage with the final pieces in person.

How was the experience of designing for yourselves as ‘clients’?

This was quite a seamless process. In theory, we design all of our products for ourselves – not to chase current trends, but to create pieces we genuinely love – items that we’d have in our own homes. The same philosophy guided the design of our new HQ.

The space is bright and open, intentionally designed to encourage collaboration and creativity. With generous natural light and thoughtful details, it reflects the same passion and purpose that inspires everything we design and make.

How does the design allow for multiple work uses – production, office work and informal gathering?

By taking the building back to its bare shell, we had the freedom to design a space tailored to every requirement of our team. The noisy, messy elements of our work are housed in a purpose-built workshop, which allows us to keep the rest of the environment calm and focused. We divided the remaining area with suspended sheer curtains, creating distinct zones that feel open yet defined.

Related: Piers Taylor podcast interview

Did the existing structure require a high level of intervention?

Fortunately, the space didn’t need any major structural changes. There was a small office pod and bathrooms located at the front of the space; we removed these to start afresh. Because the rest of the space was pretty open and free of heavy infrastructure, the disruption was kept to a minimum.

What are some favourite moments or details?

I particularly love how the curtains divide the space: they beautifully soften the environment while clearly defining different spaces. Another favourite feature is the large mural on the building’s front façade. We invited local Christchurch street artist Dcypher to create a bold, large-scale piece of artwork.

We wanted the building to spark interest and character on the street, to give the local community something to interact with, rather than simply blending in with the typical industrial warehouses in the area.

Nightworks Studio
nightworksstudio.com

Photography
Nancy Zhoh