Ashurst
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When international law firm Ashurst set out to revitalise their Perth office, they envisioned a workplace that would embrace agility, support future growth, and reflect their reputation for global excellence—while also responding to the specific needs of their Western Australian team.

The Challenge

Ashurst's Perth Office was facing a declining office utilisation rate, outdated dark interiors, and a shortage of desks and collaboration areas, all within a space they didn’t want to leave. With growth on the horizon, they needed to modernise their fitout, improve space efficiency, and upgrade old solid wood furniture without creating waste. They also required a staged approach to minimise disruption, ensuring business continuity while transforming their workplace.

Axiom Workplaces was engaged to lead the transformation, providing a solution to Ashurst's problems by delivering a flexible, human-centric workplace designed to evolve with the organisation—integrating strategy, design and construction to create a cohesive, future-ready environment.

Key Features of the Transformation

  • Adaptable planning to support organisational growth and change
  • Design focused on wellbeing and enhanced user experience
  •  Reduction of storage footprint 
  • Sustainable solutions including the reuse and repurpose of some of the existing furniture and efficient modular systems
  • Alignment of space with business accommodation goals through strategic workplace planning
  • Diverse zones to encourage collaboration and agile workstyles
  • Integrated technology enabling seamless connectivity and productivity
  • Supporting tools and team needs with technology upgrades and work setting variety

 

Brookfield Place Perth – Tower 2

Situated in the heart of Perth’s CBD, 123 St Georges Terrace is a premium-grade commercial tower that exemplifies high-performance sustainability and workplace excellence.

Sustainability Highlights

  • 5.5-Star NABERS Energy Rating reflecting best-in-class operational energy efficiency
  • Smart Building Systems enabling real-time optimisation of energy, lighting, and HVAC performance
  • LED Lighting and Motion Sensors to maximise energy savings throughout common areas and tenancies
  • Water-Efficient Fixtures contributing to reduced consumption and enhanced NABERS Water outcomes
  • Comprehensive Waste Management Program aligned with commercial best practices and tenant engagement

Premium Facilities

  • Modern End-of-Trip Amenities including showers, secure bike storage, and changing rooms
  • On-Site Building Management with dedicated operations and concierge support
  • Flexible Floorplates and Premium Fit-Out Potential to accommodate high-end tenancies
  • Strategically Positioned within Perth CBD offering seamless access to transport, retail, and dining
  • Sustainably Maintained Parking Facilities with EV charging readiness under consideration

Design Strategy

Ashurst’s Perth team played a central role in shaping the design approach. Engaging internal stakeholders from the outset, Axiom developed a plan that aligned with both local workstreams and global workplace principles.

Key spatial outcomes included:

· Conversion from 116 fixed desks to 138 agile work points.

· Dedicated collaboration areas, quiet rooms, private booths, and enclosed team rooms.

· A retreat and first-aid / parents room supporting staff wellness needs.

· Uninterrupted views of the Swan River and Perth skyline, enhancing connectivity by removing all perimeter offices.

The result is a layout that supports deep focus, dynamic teamwork, and future flexibility—wrapped in a calming, textural material palette that respects and layers with the existing fitout.

Reusing Office Furniture in Partnership with FF3

Sustainability was a key design opportunity of the Ashurst Perth fitout. A circular solution reduced waste and landfill imapcts, extended the life of high-quality furnishings, and generated positive community outcomes. In collaboration with FF3 (Furniture for Good), the project achieved measurable environmental and social impacts.

See below left to right: The FF3 removalist team transporting Ashurst furniture ready for reuse at the chosen charities and The FF3 founding team who have been in operation for 12 months and already supported enormous diversion from landfill, proving that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand

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Resource Recovery & Landfill Diversion

  • 644 items audited, totaling 211 cubic meters

  • 87.5% of items (by weight) diverted from landfill:

- 312 reused

- 188 rehomed

- 118 recycled

- Only 26 items went to landfill

Environmental Impact

  • Carbon avoidance was the equivalent to 349 trees planted for 25 years
  • Generated an estimated $11,000 in economic value
  • 620 kg of metals recycled
FF3 Team

 Community Contributions

Surplus items were donated to two local charities:

  • SecondBite – supporting food redistribution efforts

  • People Who Care – helping furnish homes for people transitioning from crisis situations

Donated items included:

  • Workstations, tables, seating, storage, and equipment

 Emissions Offsetting

  • 525 km of transport generated 280 kg CO₂e

  • 100% offset through Carbon Positive Australia by planting native trees

 Sustainability Results

A cost-effective, low-impact fitout that delivered:

  • Reduced carbon emissions

  • Extended product lifespan

  • Strong support for local communities

  • Certification and reporting via FF3’s outcomes framework

This approach allowed Ashurst to reduce costs, lower their carbon footprint, and support community benefit—proving that design excellence and social impact can go hand in hand.


Smart Construction Delivery in a Live Environment

Delivering a full refurbishment in a live legal office required meticulous planning. The build was staged over two phases to allow business continuity throughout.

Construction highlights:

  • Fully operational office throughout both stages of delivery.
  • Delivered on time and within budget.
  • Zero disruption to daily operations.
  • Collaborative engagement with staff to support change management.

 


Outcome: A Future-Ready Legal Environment

Ashurst’s new Perth office is a highly functional, sustainable, and flexible workplace that responds to the needs of its people today—and is ready for the firm’s growth tomorrow. It reflects Ashurst’s brand, culture, and commitment to responsible leadership.

  • Top-Line Project Results: Agile, future-proof design aligned with global workplace strategy.
  • Certified environmental and social impact through circular design.
  • Wellness-focused zones that support employee performance.
  • Seamless delivery under live occupancy conditions.

Client Feedback

Net Promoter Score: 10/10

"Ashurst had a really good experience working with Axiom, I like the work they did. I like how they organised their team and what I've seen of other projects they have completed.”

 

 

Photos taken by DMax Photography

This workplace was designed using a workplace strategy guided by an ESG framework with a focus on Wellness & Wellbeing. Find out how design principles can boost Wellness and Wellbeing in the workplace.

 

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The Design

The key design themes - Authentic, Inquisitive, Engaging - serve as the foundation for the transformative design elements implemented in this workspace. The hospitality aspects of PIP's Sydney office fitout underscore the organisation's commitment to creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where employees can socialize and work harmoniously with their coworkers. By driving purpose and innovation through colocation, PIP leverages its office design to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.

The new workspace embraces the principles of biophilia, and the integration of lush greenery and natural elements. Not only did this beautify the outdoor space but also significantly expanded the breakout and function areas, creating a harmonious connection with nature.

Furthermore, strategic changes in floor finishes have been carefully curated to guide visual pathways throughout the workspace, enhancing the flow and functionality of the environment. The emphasis on natural light not only benefits the well-being of the staff but also adds a sense of warmth and vitality to the space, with the built environment thoughtfully positioned against solid walls to optimize exposure.

In addition, the inclusion of a wellness space, equipped with amenities such as a fridge and an occasional armchair, caters to the diverse needs of the employees, providing a dedicated area for activities like prayer, meditation, and relaxation. The arrivals area has been thoughtfully designed to exude a sense of welcome and inclusivity, achieved through strategic zoning and the selective use of timber ceiling panels upon entry, setting the tone for a positive and inviting work environment.

 

 

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The Outcome

Axiom truly excelled in maximizing the functionality of the limited floor space available through innovative and thoughtful space planning techniques. By incorporating softer curves and angles into the design, they were able to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic, balancing out the building's rectilinear structure. This design choice not only enhanced the visual appeal but also helped to clearly define the different areas within the workspace, from open workspaces to meeting rooms and breakout areas, using a clever combination of colours and textures.

Moreover, the creation of a versatile collaborative zone in the breakout space showcased Axiom's commitment to creating dynamic and multifunctional work environments. This space not only served as a town hall or presentation area but also doubled as a communal meal space, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among employees. Its strategic location near the large balcony further enhanced its functionality, allowing for seamless transitions between indoor meetings and outdoor gatherings, ultimately promoting the social well-being and connectivity of the staff. Axiom's attention to detail and focus on creating spaces that cater to both practical needs and social interactions truly set them apart in the world of design.