We recently had the opportunity to transform a warehouse building on Ferrars Street, South Melbourne, into a spacious and modern two-level office for Affinity Advisory. This project aimed to move the client from their smaller, outdated office to a new workspace designed for collaboration and wellness.
Our team worked closely with the Affinity team to achieve their vision of a functional space with open work areas, enclosed offices for partners, ample storage, and maximised natural light from full-height windows.
The design was bespoke, tailored to the client’s preference for a light and bright environment with neutral tones. Pops of colour were introduced in the back-of-house collaboration areas. Key materials used included oak timbers for flooring, joineries, and furniture, black fixtures and skirting, acoustic panelling in meeting and quiet spaces, and a feature perforated metal screen to maintain an industrial look. We also upgraded the toilet and amenities.
Some design highlights were a high vaulted external window on the upper level, retained existing steel columns and windows, a new window framing the courtyard from the upper-level work lounge, and operable walls on the ground floor.
Affinity’s collaborative and community-oriented culture was reflected in the flexible breakout area designed for events, featuring a bar and loose furniture. We ensured the design allowed for future growth, aiming for a clean, timeless look with a neutral palette and premium finishes. The front-of-house was professional and welcoming, with soft finishes for comfort, while the back-of-house was vibrant, with pops of colour, promoting play and breakout areas with plenty of plants.
Sustainability was a key focus, with the reuse of existing furniture integrated into the new space.
This project exemplifies our ability to transform spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that align with the client’s vision and brand DNA, promoting productivity, collaboration, and well-being.
