Our Sydney Studio is Moving!

Studio News / Sustainable / News

The DesignInc Sydney and Nguluway DesignInc teams continue to grow, so we are moving! Over the last five years our team has tripled in size, growing from 40 to over 120 people. In that time, we have created a Landscape Architecture team and established the Nguluway DesignInc joint venture.

In line with our core values, our new studio fit out enables a collaborative approach, and embeds designing with Country and sustainability principles. Construction is underway of our new premises, which is in the Deutsche Bank building on Phillip Street.

Designing with Country

Working with Craig Kerslake from Nguluway DesignInc the design places ‘brackish spaces’ along a central circulation spine where our team can connect, mingle and collaborate. ‘Brackish spaces’ are an Indigenous concept of place where ‘saltwater’ and ‘freshwater’ communities and activities merge. In our new studio they are the social spaces, where both planned and incidental exchanges between people are encouraged, fostering the permeation of ideas, energy and creativity between people. These zones include a large ‘town hall’ with kitchen and amphitheater for events and gatherings as well as smaller collaborative zones, a lounge and hot desks. Individual desks, which are considered more introspective and private, are located on the perimeter of the plan, where people retreat to focus and work independently.

A series of brackish spaces, or people-connected spaces, cater for a range of different collaborative working styles

Craig Kerslake, Director, Nguluway DesignInc

As well as bringing a designing from Country approach into the design, we are working with DLG Shape, a First Nations owned and Supply Nation certified company, to construct the fit out. Our connection with DLG Shape arose from a B2B event held last year during National Reconciliation Week, where we celebrated our shared values.

Sustainability

With our first Sustainability Action Plan under development, we applied a rigorous sustainability approach to the process. Wherever possible, existing furniture is being reused. At the outset we undertook an audit of our existing furniture and equipment, and as the design emerged we identified what elements could be incorporated into the new studio design. Where new products are necessary, our team has specified materials and finishes considering sustainability credentials.

With sustainability at the core of our Vision and Mission we wanted to embed this in our day-to-day experience of our office.  Reducing our impact on the environment was a key consideration. The design showcases our commitment to  putting first and foremost staff well-being and collaboration with work stations closer to natural light and greenery.

Mary Anne McGirr, Director, DesignInc Sydney

A flexible, collaborative approach

At DesignInc Sydney and Nguluway DesignInc we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach. For our new studio, we are making a big transition to being fully mobile. All team members will have a laptop, and will be able to connect to any desk – either in the social spaces or the more private zones.

Our new office layout and Information Technology set up allows all team members the flexibility to allow design collaboration and interaction.

Cameron Martin, DesignInc Sydney