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
DesignInc Sydney is proud that three members of our team—Rachel Faber, Jennifer Forbes and Miriam Enoch—have been accepted into the ‘500 Women in Property’ 2023 program run by the Property Council of Australia (PCA).
Conceptualised as a ‘green spine’ through Sydney’s southern suburbs, Gujaga Park, McCarthy Reserve and Brighton Memorial Playing Fields provide a wide range of sport and recreation facilities for the community, while also remediating natural habitat and the endemic swamp ecosystem.
Embarking on our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), 2022 was a year of growth and learning for DesignInc Sydney. With the first year of our RAP under our belt, now is a great time to reflect on the successes as well as the challenges that we have faced.
Clarissa Lundy is a Senior Interior Designer in the Sydney team. We talked with Clarissa about all things design and her life beyond the 9-5, including her passion for interiors, her love for fitness and her fur baby.
Interior architecture is integral to the overall realisation of healthy buildings. Like a conductor, we carefully consider and curate all the interior elements to create nuanced, meaningful, and memorable spaces that make a difference.