The Local Project and The Local Production by Tom Robertson Architects

In a move recognising the evolution of The Local Project, the headquarters for the recently established full-service agency, The Local Production, by Tom Robertson Architects is a considered addition to the existing office.

As the team outgrew the original studio, the new workspace built by Arrivain Projects presented an opportunity to not only rethink the physical space The Local Project requires but also consider what the company needs to allow it to continue to thrive. The design plays on considered juxtapositions – between light and dark, openness and intimacy, playfulness and professionalism – revealing the power of curating atmosphere to nurture creativity.

The design plays on considered juxtapositions – between light and dark, openness and intimacy, playfulness and professionalism – revealing the power of curating atmosphere to nurture creativity.

Housed in the shell of a former Hawker de Havilland aircraft manufacturing complex in Alexandria – the suburb is now a busy hub for creative practices and studios – the offices seamlessly blend into the location’s identity. “The brief was to create a series of workspaces for a young and vibrant workforce – a collaborative environment that employees would be proud to work within,” says Tom Robertson, director at Tom Robertson Architects.

Stepping inside the foremost office space for The Local Project, fondly known by staff as “Office 9”, immediately feels welcoming. A palette of subtle navy hues with honey-toned timber flooring from Made by Storey is complemented by an open-plan layout and ample natural light, which peeks through the sheer curtains that shield the large, industrial-style windows. Cabinetry by Ensemble and joinery by Made by Morgen make up the bespoke work zones, complete with Herman Miller chairs from Living Edge. Despite the fairly minimalist and pared-back approach, moments of drama come from considered decor. Contemporary art adorns the walls, a Radiofonografo record player by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Brionvega takes pride of place towards the entry and vignettes upon open shelves are scattered throughout, while indoor plants add natural vibrancy and magazines and treasured coffee-table books line the bookshelves. As one could imagine, the muted sounds of background music and a mix of lighting options from Est Lighting set the scene; it is open, airy and inviting.

“Working with the existing features of the warehouse shell, we introduced a series of timber materials to soften the space, as well as strategic colour for freshness,” says Robertson.

Walking across to The Local Production headquarters, also known as “Office 17”, the space is similarly at ease. The open layout and use of timber continues here, offset by controlled moments of colour including sage and jet black, while bold accent stone from Artedomus in the kitchen elevates the office. “Working with the existing features of the warehouse shell, we introduced a series of timber materials to soften the space, as well as strategic colour for freshness,” says Robertson.

The workspace on the main middle level features a sinuous cocooning motif that sets a collaborative, sophisticated and engaging mood, while a curved timber mezzanine and bespoke desks convey refined craftsmanship. Natural light from a bank of clerestory windows floods the space, and Fisher & Paykel appliances add a level of function and ease to the communal kitchen zone.

Tom Robertson Architects perfectly aligns The Local Project office and The Local Production headquarters with the company’s ethos – fresh and fun, yet sophisticated and refined.

In contrast, the studio downstairs and the concealed editing suite upstairs evoke entirely different moods – deliberately more condensed, intimate and professional. The editing suites are completely blacked out, with soft lighting and feature lamps subtly illuminating each space. The recording room and client viewing room features a plush green Ligne Roset Togo sofa and dark timber coffee table for easy sophistication. From this moody ambience comes a sense of tranquillity, which helps to harness focus and creativity. The ground-floor recording studio is suited for video and photography work, with a shower in the bathroom and a make-up room for greater functionality.

Tom Robertson Architects perfectly aligns The Local Project office and The Local Production headquarters with the company’s ethos – fresh and fun, yet sophisticated and refined – which is evident in the material choices and considered spatial layouts. The vibrant essence and creative energy in both offices is tangible – an integral component of the company’s continuing growth and impact.

Architecture and interior design by Tom Robertson Architects. Build by Arrivain Projects. Joinery by Made by Morgen. Cabinetry by Ensemble. Flooring by Made by Storey. Lighting by Est Lighting. Appliances by Fisher & Paykel. Stone and tiles by Artedomus. Surfaces by Laminex. Furniture and lighting by Living Edge.