For Melbourne Design Week, Living Edge hosted a discussion exploring how the recent Australia Post relocation project set new standards in workplace reuse and sustainable design. The panel featured Kate Osborn, Senior Construction Manager (Southern) at Australia Post; Dan Cox, Principal at Hassell; and Guy Walsh, Sustainability Strategist at Living Edge.

Living Edge has long been a leader in authentic design and is now recognised as a driving force in sustainability and circular procurement. Through its Relive program, Living Edge helps clients extend the life of their furniture by offering refurbishment, resale, and responsible end of life strategies. This approach goes beyond product supply to support clients in meeting ambitious environmental goals.

Kate Osborn, as PM for the project, led the logistics which saw over 4,500 pieces of existing furniture reused, including more than 1,800 Herman Miller Mirra chairs originally purchased from Living Edge. These chairs were refurbished on site, providing major savings while also reducing landfill and preserving continuity for staff.

Dan Cox spoke about the co-design process undertaken by Hassell and Australia Post. Beginning nine months before design work formally started, the process prioritised stakeholder engagement to deeply embed Australia Post's values and culture into the physical space. Inspired by Australia Post's network and the joy of receiving mail, this nine-floor workplace blends the functional aesthetic of a warehouse with national identity and a sense of community connection. Reclaimed materials and layered finishes transform collaborative work areas into unexpected, engaging environments that foster connection and bring people together.

Guy Walsh explained the three essential elements of circular design: the product, how it is used, and its end of life outcome. He described how the Relive program supports each of these stages and emphasised that lasting circularity depends on early planning, quality materials, and strong partnerships. "The decision made fifteen years ago to invest in quality made this entire project possible,” says Guy.