Grimshaw, Melbourne: Transformative, Democratic, Investigative.

Grimshaw opened its Melbourne office in 2002, following an invitation to lead the design of the renewal of Spencer Street Station, in collaboration with a local practice. Opened in 2006, Southern Cross Station remains one of the practice’s most iconic projects, and spearheaded Grimshaw’s entry into Australia. The 100-strong studio now works on a range of major projects in infrastructure, aviation, education and commercial workplaces with a portfolio spanning the Middle East to New Zealand.

Based in a former industrial print works on the edge of Melbourne’s central business district, the open-plan workspace is designed to support the practice’s core ideals of exploration, collaboration and ingenuity. On the ground floor, an events space with connections to the street and adjacent laneway is used for events which celebrate design and creativity beyond architectural practice.

“As the events space is directly connected to our studio, we use it often and for a variety of purposes,” comments Partner Neil Stonell. “It’s also a key connection space between our studio and the local community, providing opportunity for invigorating exchange with other organisations and groups. In this way, the studio is a culturally rich environment that intersects with many other disciplines on a regular basis.”

In recent years, the practice has run an annual Leadership Development Programme to prepare and connect its future leaders in Melbourne and Sydney.

“I see this as being a key aspect to how the culture of the practice may evolve,” says Stonell. “This investment in our leadership is to help foster a transformative culture, and to enable us to connect with people, whether they be our colleagues, clients, consultants or stakeholders, in a more meaningful and truly collaborative way. I think this will enable us to realise more exciting and innovative outcomes for our projects.”