Studio Tate redefines the contemporary legal workplace with the design of Gordon Legal in Melbourne. Delivering the workplace strategy and interior design, Studio Tate has transformed what was once a traditionally structured law office into an adaptable, dynamic and human-centred environment that puts emphasis on growth, culture, personal wellbeing, and legacy.
Gordon Legal is a rapidly expanding law firm with a strong focus on compensation law and representing everyday people. Founded by Peter Gordon, one of Australia’s most prominent class action lawyers, the practice is driven by a progressive, people-centred ethos with a strong connection to its founding values of fairness, impartiality, balance, and enforcement of justice for working people. Gordon Legal’s brief called for a multi-faceted working environment that offered its people choice and variation to comfortably and collaboratively perform their roles. Just as importantly, the design must foster a culture of warmth and welcome – one attuned to the breadth of genders and generations within the team.
Responding directly to the client’s desire for a relaxing and nurturing environment, the material palette remains muted, employing gentle neutral hues and soft grey tones, enlivened by an occasional and astute injection of maroon (brought forward through seating, side tables and kitchen splashbacks). The soothing material palette is accentuated by plush carpets and gentle curtaining. Soft textures of cork are applied to the walls, while stone surfaces of marble and granite carry gentle notes of colour into key common zones such as the reception and kitchen areas.
Photographer: Tom Blachford
Project Manager: Claire Vallis
Builder: Capabuild
