In the 1970s, the legendary I.M. Pei & Partners (along with Bates Smart & McCutcheon) made history designing one of their only two Australian projects - Collins Place. For its time, it was an architectural marvel and a leading example in workplace design, with its space-frame roof and disciplined language of squares and triangles.
Half a century later, Bates Smart pays homage to this original design with an aesthetic nod to the 70s in BDO’s office interior. The project went on to be shortlisted in the Workplace Design category of the 2026 Australian Interior Design Awards.
The space feels warm and modern with small unmistakably 70s elements sprinkled through. This sings through the earthy colour palette, sunken seating silhouettes, chrome accents, bold shapes and heavily textured upholstery.
Bates Smart’s concept - ‘Purity of Geometry’ is artfully extended through gridded ceilings, screens, flooring, layout and a hanging piece of art. The grid is the main visual motif that’s drawn from Collins Place’s original design. Historically, the grid also reminds us of the 70s cubicle farm era, where excessive walling created a sense of division and overwhelm. In this workplace, the idea of a grid is used more effectively. For one example, overhead grid geometry aligns with furniture settings below, subtly dividing open floorplates into distinct zones and influencing traffic flow without relying on walls.
Lighting continues the architectural logic. Designed by Electrolight, with architectural lighting supplied by Lucian Light, the scheme follows the geometry of the ceiling and circulation routes. Concealed circular luminaires sit above the grid, giving it a glow from above and providing a focal point for the space.
Warm circular lights create an ambience across the space in varying sizes. Another motif, alongside the grid. Complementing the warmth of the colour palette, it gives a refreshing cosiness to a typically corporate context.
Photo by Black Tree Studios
Photo by Black Tree Studios
Furniture is chosen with the intention of longevity and circularity. HOW Group supplied Humanscale Liberty task chairs across the workstation areas to support periods of focused work and extended sitting. These chairs are supported by a 15-year warranty and Humanscale’s Refreshed programme for refurbishing existing pieces.
Through both intention and aesthetics, the design of the new BDO workplace carries forward the legacy and history of Melbourne. This is a full circle moment for Bates Smart and further emphasises how the practice continues to set the bar for forward-thinking workplace design, both back then and now.
Credits
Interior Design
Original Collins Place Architects
I.M. Pei & Partners with Bates Smart & McCutcheon (original name)
Lighting Design
Architectural Lighting
Furniture
Task Seating
Humanscale - Liberty Task Chair
Photography
Black Tree Studios (Liberty Task Chair imagery)