The Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation
Western Australia
Arup’s new workplace, located on Whadjuk Noongar Country, is reflective of the global consultancy’s values, unique culture and commitment to sustainability. It is imbued with an authentic connection to – and reverence for – Country, cultivating space to acknowledge the stories of its place and past, and to nurture those yet to be shared in its future.
To spatially articulate this philosophy, Arup partnered with design practice Hames Sharley and local First Nations artists and advisers Peter Farmer Designs to codesign a workplace that honours the local context, fostering meaningful connections between people, Country and culture.
Sustainability was key to the project, with Arup undertaking the Living Building Challenge (LBC), as well as achieving the WELL Building Standards. Regenerative and sustainable principles have been embedded throughout the project’s design and delivery with rigour and care, creating a fit-out that prioritises people and the environment.
The Arup Workplace Project is a compelling example of the power of early, thoughtful, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Every element has been executed with a clear commitment to the project’s core values. The result is a workplace that is truly innovative, culturally respectful, and genuinely sustainable.
The engineering excellence of client Arup is evident at every scale. From an interior architecture perspective, the pivotal design gesture—cutting and offsetting the central portion of the CLT slabs—sets a stage that celebrates each engineering discipline. Clever structural solutions, such as the ‘offset column’ reduce the need for steel while doubling up as a sculpture celebrated within the void. Elevated above, the acoustic and Maker Labs stand as bold statements of innovation, setting an inspiring and generous tone for the users of the space.
Early collaboration with Peter Farmer Designs enriched the project with deep local Indigenous knowledge, influencing both site selection and spatial orientation. These early conversations make for a richness in concept, enhanced through artistic interventions that speak to the stories of place and culture.
Environmental responsibility is also seamlessly woven throughout the project. The decision to occupy Perth’s first hybrid timber office tower was central to unlocking the spatial concept, with each cutout portion of the CLT slab retained and on show, so that they could be replaced at a later date if required. The materiality is left largely unfinished to increase opportunities for recycling and re-use, yet is combined in a way that feels refined and intentional.
Overall, it is evident that the team at Hames Sharley, Arup, and Peter Farmer Designs approached this endeavour with a spirit of genuine collaboration. The outcome is a project that remains true to its intent in every detail—making it a highly deserving recipient of this year’s Julius Elischer Award for Interior Design.
Arup Workplace, Perth/Boorloo exemplifies sustainability-led fitout design with a strong emphasis on material conservation, waste minimisation, indoor environmental quality, and social sustainability. The project demonstrates an exceptional commitment to staff wellbeing and amenity, setting a high standard in workplace design. An impressive 99.6% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, significantly exceeding industry benchmarks. The prioritisation of locally sourced materials further highlights the project’s holistic approach to environmental and social responsibility.
Arup’s Perth/Boorloo workplace is resonant with our commitment to sustainable development and creating an inclusive, inspiring environment for our people. By embracing regenerative design, biophilic principles, and authentic First Nations voices, the team has codesigned a space that is not only a joy to work in, but that fosters collaboration and connection. It is a welcoming, innovative space, where we can work together with clients, partners, and collaborators to solve complex challenges. The meaningful integration of art and culture deepens our sense of belonging and connection to Country through the sharing of stories of the past, present and future.
Jessika Hames, Design Director
Ben Fetherstonhaugh, Project Lead
Jessica Green, Design Lead
Codie Biddulph-Harding, Interior Designer
Arup, Acoustic Consultant
Arup, AV Consultant
Arup, Hydraulic Consultant
Arup, Electrical Consultant
Arup, Structural Engineer
Arup, Mechanical Consultant
Arup, LBC / ESD
Arup, Specialist Lighting Consultant
Arup & Holmes, Fire Engineering
Resolve Group, BCA
RBB, Quantity Surveyor
Studio Semaphore, Wayfinding & Signage
Miranda Farmer, Cultural Adviser
Peter Farmer & Peter Farmer Jnr., First Nations Artists
Little Rhino Designs, Art Consultant
Paola Anselmi, Art Consultant
Ingrid Cumming, Noongar Language Consultant
C8Advisory, Project Manager – Schematic and concept design
Acuity, Project Manager – Design development, tender and construction