Despite what it looks like, SJB Interiors’ latest project won’t be up for any awards in the ‘residential’ category. But if the eligibility criteria permitted it, the Square Peg Office would make a fine candidate for the AIA’s next Victoria Chapter residential interior design award.

The crude shell of an old warehouse in Richmond, Melbourne, formed the figurative canvas for the commercial fitout, carried out for a venture capital fund specialising in early-stage tech, Square Peg. The brief called for Andrew Parr and his inimitable interior design team within the preeminent design practice SJB to transform the industrial space into a light and spacious workplace imbued with a sense of youthfulness and sophistication.

“The understated, almost domestic overtone of the design creates an environment that feels familiar, relaxed and attuned to the business aspirations,” says Parr, practice director and the driving force behind SJB Interiors.

“While retaining the rawness and exposed ceiling rafters of the existing shell, we balanced functionality, vibrance and warmth at a human scale using some clever ‘zoning’ tactics, low-rise furniture and an organic colour palette.”

Within the open-plan, zones are partitioned using furniture and semi-permanent fixtures including custom shelving and floating acoustic walls suspended from the ceiling. Against the neutral backdrop of existing concrete floors and block walls, a palette of soft furnishings including deep crimson, greens and blues come richly to the foreground. Exposed brick walls on the upper level were white-washed to preserve their material texture in the mix.

The kitchen is the nucleus, located centrally between the floating partition and an enigmatic glass meeting pavilion, where sheer curtains and muted colours lend privacy and calm. In juxtaposition, the entry is a dynamic and welcoming space with striking artwork by Dale Frank and furniture by Swedese, Caselli and other exceptional makers.

Various shades of green in the soft furnishings and art are inspired by the Square Peg logo. These are accented with lime-washed timber in the meeting pavilion and an abundance of plants, they subconsciously echo the brand identity without direct imitation.

An eclectic mix of furnishings combines global and local classics from Cult, Hub Furniture, Supertuft and Australia’s Jardan, with lighting by Rankumba and custom pieces by Paris Decor, Made by Morgan and Lightforce lending a youthful, international edge