Design Group Stapleton Elliot (DGSE) required a new studio in the heart of Wellington.

The brief was to create a space that the DGSE office could work in a collaborative environment to blur the line between the team, consultants and clients. Engaging with their clients and consultants within their design studio and encouraging them to become involved in the collaborative architectural process underpins what DGSE is about and how they work.

This design studio creates a central working space with support spaces radiating around it, all connected to shared breakout and collaboration zones. Viewshafts from front to back remain unimpeded to retain visual connection to Wellington Harbour from all parts of the office.

Structural beams and columns are exposed in their raw state as is the existing vault which is retained as a private meeting room. The exposed concrete entrance floor is offset with refined cedar shiplap panelling. Attention to acoustics and lighting achieves a successful open and collaborative studio space.

Visitors enter directly via an angular gallery displaying examples of their work. An adjacent lounge affords an opportunity for casual interaction between staff and their clients. An open-plan kitchen and leaner are a key focus of the space.

A REMNANT OF THE BUILDING’S BANKING HISTORY, THE ORIGINAL VAULT, HAS BEEN RETAINED AND RE-PURPOSED AS A LOUNGE-STYLE QUIET ROOM