Well, there’s much to celebrate for Russell & George. The practice established by Ryan Russell and Byron George in 2010 is fifteen years old and Toby’s Estate Chippendale, designed by the dynamic duo, has just been named the world’s best coffee shop. But then this studio is used to receiving accolades and awards – it just seems to be a part of its DNA.

Ryan Russell and Byron George each had successful careers before joining together to create their eponymous studio. Finding that certain synergy with a partner is rare, and the pair recognised that they could create more extraordinary projects together, although they had achieved much separately.

Ryan studied design first at The University of Queensland where he obtained his Bachelor of Design then at The University of Melbourne where he completed a Masters of Architecture. Byron, gained his Bachelor of Architecture at The University of Melbourne.

It was in Melbourne where the two designers met, as each was pursuing their own pathway in retail and hospitality design and it’s no surprise that success was immediate when Russell & George was established. Now with a multitude of completed commissions and many on the drawing board this practice is in demand in 2025.

For Ryan and Byron, it is in the merging of architecture, interiors and all other aspects of design to create a total experience for the client that is key to every project. Their designs span hospitality, retail, commercial, workplace and residential commissions and throughout, there is no replication, simply site-specific and exciting design that comprises the unexpected and always provides the client with something special.

It is fair to say that Russell & George was one of the first practices to realise the importance of a multi-disciplinarian approach to design that incorporated architecture, interiors, landscape, graphics, art and experience together for the very best outcome of projects. Today this approach is a given but very few can achieve the result that Russell & George produce.

Suggested: There are no golden rules in retail – Russell & George

Over the past 15 years that the studio has been operating there are myriad projects that stand the test of time and look as fresh today as when they were first completed. It’s called timeless design, and the pair understand the essentials for creating this through a singular vision.

Russell & George have enjoyed many collaborations with clients over the years, such as the partnership with Aesop, where the pair were encouraged to explore the depths of design and to innovate. To date,17 stores have been designed for the brand, each different in style, tone, colour and resolution but the commonality is that each pushes the boundaries of creativity.

While many projects have been completed in Australia, Russell & George work overseas in Asia and Europe as well and particularly in Rome, where they established a studio in 2011. It made sense with one or the other of the pair in Australia or Europe as the practice could operate 24 hours with concepts and projects passed between the two during the night and day.

While there are many notable projects from Russell & George, perhaps illuminami, Ishizuka, Society and Yakimono and Space & Time are a good representation of the breadth of their expertise.

illuminami was their Rome studio and the interior was completely crafted from the timber fittings left behind from the previous fit out. There is inherent sustainability in this project and, mindful of the environment, each project the practice undertakes displays innovative and creative solutions that are sustainably focused.

Ishizuka is a Japanese restaurant and incredibly beautiful where form and aesthetics coalesce in harmony. More art installation than restaurant, it made waves when first completed and is the essence of fine design.

Society and Yakimono were created for the Lucas Group and constructed during the pandemic, there were multiple challenges that also included the making and installing of bespoke chandeliers for Society that weighed 500 kilos and spanned three metres in diameter! However, the end results are two finely crafted restaurant hubs that define hospitality design.

Space & Time, is Russell & George’s Melbourne home. Part office, event space and gallery, this workplace broke new ground with its concept and multi-functional design and is still a trailblazer today

While 15 years may have past it’s evident that Russell & George is a force to be recognised and with new projects in Japan and at home, Ryan and Byron are in demand. Their design is universal and whether the language spoken is Japanese, Italian or English the visuals are understood by everyone.

Happy birthday Russell & George and congratulations on the global win. We look forward to seeing more exceptional design over the next 15 years and beyond.

Russell & George
russellandgeorge.com

Photography
David Yeow, Diana Snape, Earl Carter, Felix Forest, Funkydali, Jan Dee Kim, MR.P, Paul Martin, Peter Bennetts, Sean Fennessy, Tim Oconnor, Trevor Mein, Tyrone Branigan and Wai Kay

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