Melbourne Studio by Cera Stribley

Architecture and interior design practice Cera Stribley, renowned for its signature aesthetic of elegance with an edge, has unveiled its latest workspace on the top floor of a century-old textile warehouse in Melbourne’s Richmond. This is a major shift from its previous fragmented office in nearby Prahran. The new studio, designed by the Cera Stribley team, offers just under 1,000 square metres of industrial charm and contemporary functionality.

“The brief was to create a space that embodies, loud and clear, who we are and how we work,” says Juan Hernandez-Flores, interior design associate at Cera Stribley. “Aesthetically, we wanted a space that represented our personality – a juxtaposition of polish and grit – while programmatically, we wanted a pragmatic space that could facilitate gatherings and foster seamless cross-team collaboration.” However, as an adaptive reuse project, it was important to honour the heritage of the building. “We wanted to retain its industrial warehouse aesthetic and not go out of our way to conceal imperfections.”

“Aesthetically, we wanted a space that represented our personality – a juxtaposition of polish and grit – while programmatically, we wanted a pragmatic space that could facilitate gatherings and foster seamless cross-team collaboration.”

The decision to move from Prahran’s Conway’s Emporium to a more expansive warehouse in Richmond was not only driven by the team’s growth but marks a transformation in their working dynamics. “Our team had outgrown our previous office,” says Chris Stribley, co-founder and principal of Cera Stribley. “The new space allows us to come together, facilitating better collaboration and creating a dynamic work environment.” The studio features a central open-plan layout that encourages interaction among team members, with reception and boardrooms at the front and social areas at the rear fostering informal connections.

Cera Stribley skilfully retains the historical roots of the space while integrating modern design elements. The original character is preserved and celebrated through exposed brickwork, industrial remnants and an iconic sawtooth roof. “We approached the design as temporary custodians,” says Hernandez-Flores, “treating the fit-out almost like an installation that respects and complements the building’s original identity.” With this responsibility in mind, the team curated a material palette that complemented the industrial bones of the building, drawing on the tonality of the brickwork at every opportunity, from the bathroom tiles to the kitchen joinery.

“The new space allows us to come together, facilitating better collaboration and creating a dynamic work environment.”

The studio’s design juxtaposes refined features – such as frosted mirrors, clear glazing, stainless steel joinery and a stone reception – with the raw, unpolished elements of the existing building. “The monolithic stone reception desk and the steel laminate joinery wall are major wow moments, combining functionality with striking visual impact,” says Hernandez-Flores.

This reimagining of the office embraces the creative process, catering to various work modes. Throughout, private phone booths, collaborative pods, a grand amphitheatre and a materials library in the centre support diverse activities ranging from quiet work to large team workshops. “We designed the space around an intimate understanding of our team’s social, eating, fitness and working habits,” says Hernandez-Flores. The inclusion of a kitchen, breakout spaces and end-of-trip facilities enhances the versatility of the studio, supporting different work and lifestyle needs.

“The monolithic stone reception desk and the steel laminate joinery wall are major wow moments, combining functionality with striking visual impact,” says Hernandez-Flores.

“It feels like home now,” says Stribley. “The new space ticks all the boxes we aimed for, enhancing collaboration, work-life balance and overall team morale.” With its smart design, sleek appearance and historical charm, Cera Stribley’s new studio celebrates both its architectural heritage and modern functionality, setting a new standard for contemporary workspaces.

Architecture and interior design by Cera Stribley. Build by Coben. Furniture by Curated Spaces. Lighting by Koda Lighting. Stone by G-LUX.