The Australian Interior Design Awards recognize excellence in interior design across seven key categories: Retail, Hospitality, Workplace, Public, Installation, Residential Design and Residential Decoration.
Simone Oliver, Geyer.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Australian Interior Design Awards, we asked Simone Oliver, global design leader at Geyer, to comment on the relevance of the awards to the practice of workplace design.
“The shift to mobile and activity based working has created a completely new approach to workplace design, underpinned by a new ethos in workplace behaviour and technologies. A distinct overlap between education and workplace sectors has emerged that amplifies the need for workplaces to respond to new generational learning paradigms and the human experience within interior environments. Many Australian workplace environments are now the benchmark for workplace mobility solutions – it’s a very exciting time to be part of a design community that is setting global standards.”
Ten years of AIDA Workplace project winners
2012 Workplace Design Award: Paper Stone Scissors by Russell & George.
Image: Dianna Snape
2012
Paper Stone Scissors
Windsor, Victoria
Russell & George
The jury said
This project by Russell & George is a beautifully executed and thoughtful design, displaying a clear concept that extends from the entry door handle right through to every aspect of the interior form. The interior resolution embraces the spatial volume and confidently deals with the nature of multi-level space. Elements such as the stair form and fractured wall panelling are not overplayed and are thoroughly controlled by the designer’s hand.
2011 Workplace Design Award: Wilson Architects Office by Wilson Architects.
Image: Christopher Frederick Jones
2011
Wilson Architects Office
Spring Hill, Queensland
Wilson Architects
The jury said
This small-scale project makes a huge contribution to corporate interior design practice by suggesting a new direction for workplace design. The project ignores trend-driven influences and instead focuses on the qualities inherent in the site to achieve a sensitive and sophisticated work environment. The thoroughly researched project has been guided by the concept of “living” in an interior to create spaces for work. The design heightens the meaning of elements and maximizes the possibilities of spaces in between. The workplace design simultaneously retains the site’s heritage and gives it relevance.
2010 Workplace Design Award: Goods Shed North by BVN Architecture.
Image: Anson Smart
2010
Goods Shed North
Docklands, Victoria
BVN Architecture
The jury said
A timeless interior has been created through expert planning and manipulation of volume, in which the interior sits as an architectural landscape within a heritage envelope. It is an interior that creates a unique and diverse workplace experience, and inspires a meaningful and creative exchange between people. The challenge presented by the base building was expertly addressed with an unflinching, interior-focused design approach that maximized the spatial qualities through a clever break-up of planning and a mix of open, semi-open and enclosed volumes.
2009 Workplace Design Award: Elwood Clothing by Matt Gibson A + D.
Image: Shannon McGrath
2009
Elwood Clothing
Prahan, Victoria
Matt Gibson A + D
The jury said
The interior spaces of Elwood Clothing are true to brand: simple, resourceful and elegant for a modest outlay. The design reflects the personality of the client and represents a great outcome for a challengingly small budget. The clever reuse of materials, furniture, objects and the client’s product creates the interior equivalent of the ubiquitous but classic “jeans and white T-shirt.” These spaces are austere yet warm and reflect the rare qualities of honesty and genuineness in design.
2008 Workplace Design Award: Santos Centre by BVN Architecture.
Image: John Gollings
2008
Santos Centre
Adelaide, South Australia
BVN Architecture
The jury said
This project reveals an impressive understanding of the contribution of workplace design to business success. Using the design of the workplace as a commercial tool, the interior has the potential to contribute to employee satisfaction, the company’s recruitment success and general productivity. The interior is well integrated with its architectural envelope, with the sculptural stair being particularly well resolved. The workplace interior is a well-judged balance of human, commercial and even whimsical elements.
2007 Workplace Design Award: Transurban Operations by Carr Design Group.
Image: Earl Carter
2007
Transurban Operations
Melbourne, Victoria
Carr Design Group
The jury said
This is an excellent translation of the client’s philosophy. The plan extends from the front of house right through to the back of house, resulting in a completely democratic working environment. The exquisite and highly crafted detailing is also consistent across the entire tenancy. This simple concept has been successfully executed, without dilution, throughout the project.
2006 Workplace Design Award: JPW Office by Johnson Pilton Walker.
Image: Richard Glover
2006
JPW Office
Sydney, New South Wales
Johnson Pilton Walker
The jury said
This is a sophisticated and refined solution within a challenging building. An intellectual response. The jury was intrigued by the use of timber and the associated maintenance program, which involves all staff. This is a minimalist environment that also succeeds in providing a delightful level of warmth.
2005 Workplace Design Award: Lend Lease by Whittaker Hadenham.
Image: Marcus Clinton
2005
Lend Lease
Millers Point, New South Wales
Whittaker Hadenham
The jury said
The open and transparent environment of this corporate workplace belies the rigorous planning strategy. A sophisticated relationship has been formed between the architectural envelope and the interior form, producing a seamless transition. There is an impressive depth of commitment here to environmentally sustainable principles. The materials and finishes chosen for the interior are evidence of this high standard. Remarkably high ESD compliance has been achieved in concert with a superior design aesthetic.
2004 Workplace Design Award: Budd Street Office by Harmer Architecture.
Image: Trevor Mein
2004
Budd Street Office
Collingwood, Victoria
Harmer Architecture
The jury said
It is inventive, almost playful with a craft orientation, reminiscent of some of the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa’s best work. The space appears simple but invokes a multitude of materials and experiments harmoniously layered – a rich outcome. Excellent use and manipulation of natural light, and an honest expression of usually economic materials throughout.
