DesignInc Sydney Studio Fitout

Our new home at Level 12, 126 Phillip Street marks the next step in DesignInc Sydney’s evolution.

The project unfolded as an opportunity to redefine our workspace—a new, low carbon home for over 100 staff at the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Beyond meeting functional requirements, our aim was to create an environment that not only supports our practice, but is the embodiment of our core values. The design journey is a showcase of our dedication to Designing from Country, harmonising principles of flexibility, communal interaction, craftsmanship, and a warm sense of togetherness.

The 'Brackish Space' concept, led by Nguluway DesignInc, is inspired by the flow of sweet and salt water—and shapes our workplace as a nexus for connection, exchange, and serendipity. Placing 'people space' at the forefront, design is rooted in spatial diversity, accommodating various interactions through thoughtful organisation and inclusivity. At the heart of our design lies a conscious partnership with DLG Shape—an indigenous business certified by Supply Nation, embodying our commitment to Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and indigenous support.

Workplaces are diverse in nature by the people that use them and by the way they are used. Over the course of a single day, our workplaces will need to support a range of different interactions. Accommodating these interactions requires a variety of flexible spaces and settings.

A large communal kitchen, visible from the entrance, serves as a showcase to the building and visitors. Abundant greenery and modular forms enrich the space, providing a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. Varied workspaces, both introverted and extroverted, promote inclusivity and diverse interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

A great home is a green one—proudly, the fitout achieved a low carbon output.

The building sector in Australia is responsible for one-fifth of all emissions nationally—placing an increased emphasis on delivery net-zero buildings to tackle the climate emergency. The significance of this is more prominent as Australia’s building stock is estimated to double by 2050 based on the 2019 level.

DesignInc’s strategy was led by a lifecycle analysis report which detailed strategies for decarbonisation. While the average office fitout equates to approximate 1,800kg of CO2 per square metre, our fitout resulted in a 17kg of CO2 per square metre reading (‘as designed’). A low-carbon solution is attributed mainly due to the adaptive reuse of existing office infrastructure, including the office’s structural composition and layout.

Approximately 85% of the existing fitout and furniture has been repurposed, reflecting our dedication to minimizing environmental impact. Extensive planting and indoor landscaping contribute to a healthier indoor environment, complemented by the selection of a 5-star Green Star rated building. Modular forms and joinery can be disassembled at its end of life, able to be recycled and reused for the next tenancy or project.

We successfully transitioned our staff to new technologies and work dynamics, engaging our team of designers and architects in a collaborative process that required deft stakeholder management. Surveys, working groups, and transparent communication became the linchpin of a change management strategy, ensuring alignment with our team members and stakeholders alike.

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Quotes attributed to Nathan Humphries (Principal Interior Design, DesignInc Sydney):

“We made a conscious decision early in the design process to commit to a low carbon design solution. The commitment guided decision making from design through to and delivery stages and the learnings are now integrated into practice for future design work.”

“We’ve created a new home to showcase our practice to our clients, our collaborators and the community. The design has a transparency and openness, intentionally focused around our communal space, providing a social heart and point of connection.”

“From a cultural perspective, spaces are connected by the flow or movement of people—both staff and visitors alike. We have organised the space to create a sense of inclusion and belonging, underpinning our concept design. Simply, the spaces are either introverted or extroverted. Introverted spaces support quiet reflective and discrete activities, and are positioned away from main circulation paths—typically on the edges of the space. Extroverted spaces promote interactive, collaborative and social interactions. They are normally the central organising and gathering spaces within the workplace.”