Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation
Victoria
The newly opened studio of the global design firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) occupies the third floor of a nearly 100-year-old Art Deco building in Melbourne’s central business district. Spanning 235 square metres, it is home to a diverse team of architects, structural engineers, and urban designers, reflecting the firm’s 90-year multi-disciplinary philosophy through a contemporary yet historically and environmentally sensitive design.
As a practice committed to reporting its embodied and operational carbon footprint annually, the studio takes a minimalist, sustainable approach to its design. Low-carbon materials—including Tasmanian oak, marble, and polished concrete—complement the building’s exposed structure. Flexible spaces—including quiet rooms, open workstations, a conference room, lounge areas, a kitchen, a wellness room, and an outdoor terrace—support different work styles, reinforcing a culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration for the local team.
The design of our office fosters collaboration, community, and well-being. The space is designed as a **contiguous environment**, where the **boardroom** extends the open work areas and the **kitchen** serves as a flexible space for both formal and informal gatherings, encouraging spontaneous collaboration. The integration of **biophilic elements** and a connection to nature through **canopy views, plants**, and access to **outdoor spaces** creates a warm and welcoming environment. The inclusion of private spaces support the team’s personal needs through providing a place to focus and recharge. These elements have helped to **foster team connection** and support a **healthy work-life balance**.
Scott Duncan, Design Architect
Adam Semel, Project Architect
Ariana Rodriguez, Graduate of Architecture
Jarrad Morgan, Graduate of Architecture
Chris Whelan, Project Architect
David Smith, Design Architect
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Engineer
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Project Manager
JBA Consulting Engineers, Mechanical Engineer