Buchan’s ethos of collaboration can be seen in the way the Melbourne team has designed their own architectural design studio, featuring a large open-plan working space shared equally by everyone.

The studio is located in the 1917 heritage listed Mail Exchange Building. Originally owned by the Post Master General’s department it was built to relieve the congestion at the nearby Melbourne GPO and to modernise the postal system in the early 20th century.

Buchan occupies the entire first level. A sheer entrance curtain offers glimpses of designers at work. The open, agile workspace features a central spine drawing designers together. Project teams sit in pods to encourage good communication and foster Buchan’s philosophy of integrated design.

All interior elements are painted white. There are high-quality fixtures, exposed ceilings to greater increase the ceiling height, and a concrete look render on the public area floors. The studio takes advantage of natural light and simplicity of plan to form break out creative spaces.

There is an interior design library, a model making section, room for the 3d printer and informal seminar spaces.

A quick match on the ping pong table in the break-out area instils a sense of fun into the workplace. It’s already turned into everyone’s favourite spot!

The Melbourne office is part of Buchan’s global design practice, which includes studios across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.