Our new Perth studio is quintessentially of its place, shaped by its context while reflecting our national collective
Occupying level 8 of OneNinety on St Georges Terrace, Rothelowman’s new Perth studio celebrates Western Australia, harmoniously translating local culture, craft and personal stories into the everyday rituals of design. Creativity and collaboration are at the heart of the human-centred space, while the palette and detailing are an expression of the local landscape and architectural context, grounding the studio in an unmistakable sense of place.
Designing for creativity and connection
Guided by The Beautiful Plan, the studio reflects how we work as a tightknit team and a national collective. As a physical expression of our shared creativity, it showcases the act of design in everyday practice. The layout breaks free from the formal conventions of a traditional office, with the entry leading directly into the heart of the studio – creative and social space anchored by the generous Viking Table that centres the people who shape the practice. This sense of openness and transparency invites clients and collaborators to be part of the energy and conversation. The planning flows seamlessly around it, supporting a natural rhythm of work as team members move effortlessly between workstations, meeting rooms and utility areas.
An expression of Western Australia
While the DNA of Rothelowman’s collective approach is shared across Australia, the identity of each studio celebrates its place. In Perth, the warm, tactile, sustainable palette is a familiar expression of Western Australia, while feeling fresh and playful. Rich terracotta and burnt ochre hues are reminiscent of the earth, while electric-blue furnishings inject a bold counterpoint, evoking the vast ocean and vivid skies. Natural materials – jarrah, cork flooring and wood wool ceilings – are quintessentially of Western Australia. In the meeting rooms, the original exposed brickwork extends from the studio interior to the building’s exterior, deepening the sense of continuity and place.
Crafting the everyday rituals
Throughout the studio, local culture and craft are woven into the everyday rituals of work and design. The custom front door and Viking Table are handcrafted from jarrah, paying homage to the enduring legacy of Western Australia’s native timber. Representing local craftsmanship and authenticity, the richly grained wood is also a tribute to the craft heritage of Rothelowman Principal Kylee Schoonens whose grandfather shaped fine furniture from jarrah. Cork panels lining the walls provide a warm, tactile backdrop for pinning plans and drawings – a working wall that showcases creativity, inspiration and the act of design.
Echoing the architecture in the details
Inspired by the pivoted columns of the building’s façade, a diamond motif is subtly carried through joinery and handles and echoed in the glazing proportions and angled thresholds to the meeting rooms. Ornament with intent, this precise geometry connects the studio interior to its architectural context, adding another layer that imbues the studio with an unmistakable sense of place.
