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Too many designers on the drawing table? Not for this shared office

Architect Dan Webster, landscape architect Nathan Burkett, together with interior stylist Simone Haag, have created a new shared office space that feels inviting and homely.

Collaboration is a bit passé when it comes to talking about design projects. It goes with saying that for a well-crafted space to come off, collaboration is all part and parcel. But this project in Melbourne’s Hawthorn is different. It truly epitomises collaboration as it brought together two complementary design studios in the creation of their own design studio for architect Dan Webster and landscape architect Nathan Burkett. Joining the two to help in the design process was interior stylist Simone Haag.

Each of the three creatives brought their own unique set of skills to create a workable studio office with a distinctive industrial aesthetic. Not only was the design process for the office collaborative, but Nathan and Dan continue to collaborate where possible to bring an integrated approach across home and garden.

The space is a reflection of both Dan and Nathan’s design philosophy’s – open, light, well-detailed with a touch of luxury. As a shared workspace, it was important that clients and colleagues alike would feel inspired.

Housed within a 1900s heritage building, the studio respectfully references its industrial feel. The façade has been fitted with floor to ceiling windows with matte black frames, which offers passersby a glimpse into the creative workings inside. The shared office feels distinctly home-like, something which stylist Simone was inspired by when working on the project.

“The space pays homage to intricate, quality design and acts as a canvas for free thinking and collaboration. Nathan and Dan’s creative nous extends far beyond their architectural ability and they understand that people’s productivity and outputs stem from their environments, so we wanted to ensure the space was comfortable and stimulating,’ says Simone.

Simone’s signature style and soft approach to furniture selection and styling effortlessly complement the studio’s rich features and textures that are combined with the exposed beams, brickwork and greenery to provide a space that is light, harmonious and a gift to creativity. Having retained the industrial feel of the building’s rafters and arches, furniture and art objects add warmth with indoor plants and hanging pot plants dotted throughout.

Want to see another creative office space with a homely twist? Take a look at Jacky Winter’s HQ by Nest Architects.

Photography by Eve Wilson.

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