It was crucial the new fitout designed by Woods Bagot did the same – and the impact is immediate. One of the first things visitors see is a barista making coffees for employees and clients, who can then take a seat and admire the stunning views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, which bring the outside in, both in real and symbolic terms.

Interior design project leader Melanie Porrins says HSF wanted the fitout for its 200 plus staff over floors 10 and 11 of One The Esplanade to reflect Perth’s relaxed character; exuding style, warmth and welcome. “That’s why the café is at the forefront of the entry experience,” says Porrins. “It says ‘we are different – come in, grab a coffee, sit down and have a chat’.”

It was also crucial the fitout motivated staff to make the commute and addressed hybrid “work from anywhere” trends which were not front and centre of the layout at HSF’s previous workspace in the QV1 Building on blue-chip St Georges Terrace. This new design direction was achieved in collaboration with the HSF team incorporating their Global Workplace Guidelines.

In the previous QV1 office, designed two decades ago, the lawyer’s private offices were positioned on the perimeter with all the views. Support staff were centrally located, which made sense in some respects but meant they did not have direct access to natural light.

“Now we’ve flipped it,” says Porrins. “All the open plan is on the perimeter, with partners’ offices more centrally located. This ensures everyone gets access to natural daylight and the lovely views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. That was a very definite move by HSF from their previous fitout– now every seat is a good seat.”

Porrins says, “An important element of the move was to increase the amenity, further enhancing the positive office culture with great breakout, relaxation and collaboration spaces. The fit-out also facilitates increased sharing of knowledge and experience within and across teams.

The building’s core is right at the back, enabling true open plan, maximum light and views. “They’ve got amazing natural daylight coming into the building, which is a quality, high performing building in all respects and was a blank canvas to build upon,” says Porrins.

Adding to the sense of transparency is that Woods Bagot introduced a new hybrid office design– semi-enclosed but with floor to ceiling glazed divisions, ensuring consistent line of sight through to the view and other workers. There is also a centrally located intertenancy staircase that encourages movement between the two floors.

Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River are significant design influences most obviously seen in the curves featured throughout, from carpet patterns to walls. They add to the sense of calmness and warmth, playing a supporting role to the extensive use of oak timber tones throughout the workspace flooring, desks, tables and chairs.

“The soft material palette creates warmth, and the feeling of welcome and calm. With the complexity and intensity that comes with legal work, the design team wanted to create a more relaxed atmosphere where you feel it’s friendly, like you belong here. The simple elegance feels calm and reassuring.”

This flows through to the furnishings, which feature economical but high levels of finish – soft leathers and textured fabric, deep greens, and abundant earthy tones.

For HSF it was important to use loose furniture either locally or Australian made and where possible sourced from Aboriginal owned and controlled businesses.

A significant proportion of furniture was from the “Alice Series” – designed by Koskela and manufactured by the Centre for Appropriate Technologies (CfAT).

CfAT is an Aboriginal-owned and controlled business based in Alice Springs, which works to develop the skills and experiences of people living in the Red Centre.

Some upholstered pieces are dressed in indigenous designed Koskela fabrics.

Carpets add texture and lush foliage is used throughout, the plants thriving in the light bright micro-climate while adding to the sense of calm and wellness.

Managing Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills’ Perth office, Elizabeth Macknay says the new office is working well.

“There is already a noticeable positive shift in the way we work and collaborate with one another and our clients,” Macknay says.

“Although we often visit our clients at their offices, we are finding that many are not just enjoying coming to us, but they are requesting meetings in our office.

“They too enjoy the calm and welcoming feel of our office, and they are giving the baristas at our in-house Café Maali a workout.

“We have had numerous client and staff events, and our staff are using the new office as a springboard to reinvigorate existing client relationships as well as make new ones.”

Media enquiries
Martin Kelly
Content and Communications Leader (Australia & New Zealand)