A considered, simple and symmetrical studio environment for the creative agency headed by twins Mark Moffitt and Andrew Moffitt, designed by the DesignOffice.
Moffitt.Moffitt. is an independent creative office based in Sydney. Led by twin brothers Andrew and Mark Moffitt, the aim of the agency is to bring together strategy, creativity and technology to improve the way consumers experience our world. The new Sydney location is the creative headquarters and heart for the business, where Andrew and Mark envisioned a place for collaboration, inspiration and contemplation. The brief from Moffitt.Moffitt called for a warm, welcoming and simple studio environment for a collaborative team of 6 people including a meeting and presentation space for clients.
“We set out to create a destination that brought comfort to our daily lives, amplify our creative potential, and create a sensory impression that matched the quality of our work. A home-away-from-home of sorts that captured the personality and values of our brand while showcasing our work and the artefacts we’ve collected over the years,” explained Andrew.
The existing conditions provided a deep office shell of concrete and plasterboard at the ground level of a modern apartment building in Surry Hills. Natural light is only provided at one end with base building services and structure creating an irregular perimeter footprint. With subtle reference to the sibling duality of the client, the design is anchored around a new perimeter lining of oak – a perfectly symmetrical framework, concealing the services and structure, to provide a rectified whole. Consolidation of support areas and storage at the rear, and the insertion of a new central white wall to accommodate power and data act to foreshorten the space and suggest further facilities beyond those visible.
Because of its length and relatively small proportions the design needed to be precise in the positioning of workstations, kitchen, storage, presentation areas and break out spaces. Each zone with a purpose that covers collaborative teamwork, individual focus or client gatherings. Design Office took the challenges of our space and turned them into opportunities.
In selecting the interior furnishing, Andrew and Mark worked collaboratively with Mark Simpson of Design office. To bring new life into the space, the team endeavoured to create a mixture of timeless and contemporary pieces that were sophisticated but still delivered plenty of personality and warmth. Working with Design Office Andrew and Mark made selections that worked across colour, purpose, comfort and character to arrive at the balance they had set out to achieve.
“The studio is filled with the things that inspire us and the design pieces that bring us comfort and joy every day. We believe in being here together so we can share our ideas, test our opinions and strengthen our skills while we bring out the best in each other and our work,” said Andrew.
When making certain furniture selections, there were several Andrew and Mark were quite passionate about. For example, Eames® Moulded Plastic Side Chairs were selected for the space. “How can you go past these design pioneers?” Noted Andrew. “Their reputation as creators and artists is embodied in each piece so having them in our space is a reminder of what greatness looks like.”
With the health and wellbeing of their team being another key factor in the design and furnishing, they wanted the best in ergonomic support. “We want the best for each team member so they needed a chair that would deliver comfort and support so they can be focused on their work and creativity. That’s why everyone gets an Aeron,” said Andrew.
A prominent feature in the space, Eames Segmented Tables have been utilised in a long workstation table configuration as well as round meeting table. Graceful and versatile, Eames Tables offer a choice of sizes, top shapes and materials, bases and power options. However they’re configured and wherever they’re used, they bear the signature Eames mark of beauty and utility in design.
The brief from Moffitt.Moffitt called for a warm, welcoming and simple studio environment for a collaborative team of 6 people including a meeting and presentation space for clients. The resulting space, a considered, simple and symmetrical studio environment has delivered on ambitions.
“As a team it makes us feel united, inspired and simply happy. It has a relaxed formality that never fails to impress any visitor who joins us here. Our clients old and new see our space as a preview to what we will deliver for them – a true extension of who we are as a studio, a reflection of the work we create and the standards we hold ourselves to.” - Andrew Moffit.
Design: DesignOffice
Photography: Terence Chin
