Ashurst

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Ashurst's Perth Office was facing a declining office utilisation rate, outdated dark interiors, and a shortage of desks and collaboration areas, all within a space they didn’t want to leave.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

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

 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.

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