DLA PIPER

480 QUEEN ST, BRISBANE CBD

THE PROJECT

Building on our experience with this client and the base building, the design brief for the new premises sought to create a workplace and visitor experience that included elements of surprise and delight, with an engaging hospitality feel. 

The concept of a Queensland courtyard sets the planning language and approach, with illuminated ceilings above sunken garden beds injecting the feel of natural light into more internal zones and connecting meeting spaces directly to greenery.  The multifunctional space on level 28 is designed to host events, seminars and traditional meetings, while showcasing Brisbane’s iconic views and natural light present on these upper floors. Attention was paid to creating opportunities for showcasing artwork, both painting and sculpture, which continues the experience their clients enjoyed in their previous premises. 

A rich and textural palette of various figured marbles, bronze metals and warm tones, underpins the client meeting space located on L28.  Stepped partitions clad in feature marble, organic bronze-accented joinery, textured and polished venetian plaster walls sit above the cream travertine tiled floor synonymous with DLA Piper globally.  The use of drapery and oversized venetian blinds create a language that is both robust and soft at the same time. 

It was important that the design approach and attention to detail was continued to the workplace floor on level 27.  A layered approach to the planning rationale creates a unique journey as you move from one space to the next.  Upgrade of the base building fire stairs enables the client to transition from the formal visitor space on level 28 to a more relaxed, informal shared meeting and visitor working space on level 27.   Located outside the secure line and with a very different view experience out towards (Mt) Kuta, this blurred zone works a double shift as both client and staff space with a help-yourself beverage station.  Traversing through to the other end of the central lobby, a moody timber clad Library then opens up to the staff Breakout space, with key views of the Brisbane River and Kangaroo Point Cliffs given over to this important zone.  The palette, detailing and choices of seating reinforcing the importance of hospitality, feeling like your favourite café or bar, this area allows staff to take a quiet break or engage in social moments. A generously oversized island bench with metal finishes connects this space to the client zone and invites connection across teams. 

The design approach continues into the open plan workzone, with unexpected finishes shifting away from a traditional workspace.  Sections of transparent curtain allow staff to control filtration of natural light within the various workzones.  A range of quiet rooms, meeting rooms and private offices are provided to suit the business’ needs and have been designed with a mixture of solid and glazed partitions to balance connection to natural light and with the need for privacy.  The design of the work zone takes cues from the courtyard concept used on L28, with garden beds and pebble gardens integrating greenery into functional spaces increasing desirability and the element of surprise and delight.  The DLA Piper office fitout was completed in late 2023.

THE TEAM

Project: Interior Design

Builder: FDC Building

Date Completed: November 2023