Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, SOFT FIRM is a family law office that amalgamates the conviviality of home with the functionality of a professional workspace, created by Kim Kneipp. Lacquered in a palette of subtle hues, as its name would suggest, the workspace is intended to feel mutually grounded and uplifting.

SOFT FIRM eschews the division between front and back of house. Instead, Kim Kneipp Studio has conceived a space that references the sophistication of a Parisian apartment as precedent, then a conventional office. The design pivots around a central kitchen, a configuration commonly seen in residential undertakings. This meant that “The design recognised that many of life’s biggest conversations happen over a cup of tea around a kitchen bench.”

“The purpose of the office has changed dramatically in recent years,” Kneipp reflects. “With SOFT FIRM, we are contributing to the conversation about how workspaces can foster empathy, comfort, and a more holistic approach to professional life. It’s about creating an environment where people can bring their full selves to work, including their emotional intelligence.” Walls do not delineate but embrace the array of functions that cater to different needs and moods. From meeting rooms to multi-purpose zones and private phone booths, every area is designed to support various modes of interaction.

Porthole windows and curved, acoustically lined walls ensure privacy and comfort in meeting rooms. “In family law, cases are inherently personal,” explains Kim Kneipp. “We wanted to create an environment where clients feel at ease, surrounded by the comfort and informality of a residential setting. The kitchen becomes a focal point, inviting open conversations and fostering a sense of trust.”

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Timber mouldings, decorative wall trims and secret doors with continued wall treatments are a nod to the bygone eras, juxtaposed with modern features, namely exposed service ceilings. While the reception area houses a curatorial of antiquities, including a desk and vintage cabinetry.

And finally, harnessing just a few materials, Kim Kneipp has grounded the design firmly in its Australian context. The palette reflects the light and landscape of Melbourne – warm whites, soft pinks, and earthy greens – while botanical illustration wallpaper featuring native flora adds a provincial touch. A cadence of herringbone parquet flooring flows throughout, interrupted by custom inset carpeting that improves acoustics. In the kitchen, a feature marble island benchtop becomes a sculptural centrepiece, complemented by soft green cabinetry that continues the Australiana theme.

Kim Kneipp
kimkneipp.com

Photography
Lisa Cohen

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