Rothschild & Co

The Melbourne Head Office of Rothschild & Co is a modest fitout enjoying south facing parkland views of the Melbourne city scape. The brief for this fitout was to take cues from Sydney head office and create a new language for the Melbourne team that embodies the business values.

The established Rothschild & Co brand palette of royal blue formed the basis of the design, to ensure consistency with its Sydney counterpart. This existing aesthetic was further explored and successfully layered with key accents of warmth via joinery and furniture. Mixed grain oak veneers with highlights of warm white and polished nickel, work effortlessly together with the white limestone and Noce travertine to front of house joinery. Subtle detailing across the built environment draws down on period architecture and makes reference to the long and rich heritage of the business - further complemented by the long-held pieces of historic Australian art.

The design is divided into two halves; the front of house client spaces and the open office area, delineated by Royal blue plush carpet, guiding the user through the spaces. A meet and greet moment capturing the brand identity within a softly lit, full height timber reveal, is a welcoming arrival. The client areas are accessed off the main corridor - A large operable wall separate two large meeting rooms and create a flexible space for staff and clients alike.

The hero of the fitout is the central lounge, a multi-disciplinary space showcasing a delicate balance of oak veneer and Noce travertine. The lounge is separated from the work area by bespoke timber and glass pivot doors to share light and connection to open plan areas. Strategically positioned to enjoy Yarra parkland views to the south, the space wraps elegantly around a central custom designed White Ash meeting table. Designed with purpose, the powder blue soft leather banquette seat forms the backdrop to the space, allowing for a chic look, transforming from a daytime informal meeting hub to an elegant evening event space.

Working within the context of the branding identity, Studio May was able to gently transfer the look & feel of the Sydney office whilst maintaining a modern sophisticated feel appropriate for the Melbourne Office. The branding tones & blue hues carry throughout the fitout in unexpected ways to form a coherent sense of calm, a nod to the prestige of the brand, reinterpreted for a new era.