MOTIV HQ by Dizain Interiors

The Brisbane office of MOTIV Group, a sales and marketing agency specialising in off-the-plan developments, is a Parisian-inspired escape that doffs its hat to the part-heritage, part-modern building it occupies.

Guided by a brief to create a space that uplifts, inspires and empowers employees, developers and buyers alike, the flagship office – designed by Gold Coast-based Dizain Interiors and located in Teneriffe – exudes a timeless elegance, promising to endure and adapt to evolving workplace demands. According to Rachel Hodges, founder of Dizain Interiors, the practice embraced a design approach that prioritises function before form. “I started by understanding the structure’s fundamentals, the end user’s intended use of the space and how to best maximise the existing envelope to achieve high-quality outcomes. Each element was intentional, well thought out and designed to enhance daily operations,” she notes.

The cornerstone of the aesthetic was Parisian design, characterised by mesmerising natural stones, ornate wall panelling and dark timber floors – hallmarks that contribute to an atmosphere of quiet luxury.

Carly Cottam, founder and CEO of MOTIV Group, concurs. “The positioning and aesthetics of this project were crucial. While our sales teams typically work from branded spaces, a neutral or white-labelled space is sometimes necessary for boutique offerings. Our new space aims to capture industry attention and reflects the future of development in south-east Queensland, especially Brisbane. We’re seeing significant interest from both local and interstate developers involved in high-profile projects,” she explains.

While Dizain Interiors drew some design cues from the building’s architectural heritage, it also looked farther afield. The cornerstone of the aesthetic was Parisian design, which is characterised by mesmerising natural stones, ornate wall panelling and dark timber floors ­–hallmarks that contribute to an atmosphere of quiet luxury. To create dedicated workspaces, the firm divided the office into zones, each layered with subdued tones and intricate details.

Dizain Interiors made a point of honouring the building’s history by juxtaposing French oak floors with contemporary concrete slabs in the new extension.

The foyer resembles a French postcard from the 1960s. Diaphanous silk pendant lights seem to levitate beneath vaulted ceilings, while chocolate velvet armchairs and a Calacatta Viola coffee table create a stage for a shifting interplay of sunlight and shadows. A custom presentation table with slender legs acts as the striking centrepiece, echoing the undulating wall in the adjacent heritage workspace. Dizain Interiors made a point of honouring the building’s history by juxtaposing French oak floors with contemporary concrete slabs in the new extension. For the overall palette, the practice chose light colours and finishes to give the space an enduring and weightless appeal.

Positioned at the intersection of function and sophistication, MOTIV Group’s new Brisbane office rewrites the narrative for traditional workspaces. By combining practical design with modern aesthetics, the workspace is a case study in creating effective and elevated work environments.

Architecture by Loucas Zahos Architects. Interior design by Dizain Interiors.