We are humbled to announce our shortlisting for Designer of the Year for a third year as part of IDEA 2018. More information about our shortlisting for this award can be found at idea-awards.com.au
Images: Space & Time
Photography: Paul Martin
Melbourne
2017
2018 Australian Interior Design Awards / Premier Award / Winner
2018 Australian Interior Design Awards / Installation Award / Winner
2018 Australian Interior Design Awards / Best of State - Victoria / Winner
Photography : Paul Martin
The experience of space isn't static yet our interiors generally have static function. What if a space could have a mood and change itself based on what it felt like at the time. Like humans this could mean dinner, breakfast, lunch, exercise, work, party, special event, art, experience, workshop, making, creating, going to the movies, gardening & socialising but all within a framework of recycling, reuse, adaptability, nurturing, excitement & transformation.
This is Space & Time. One space, multiple functions, multiple business, multiple human experiences governed by only one factor, a particular time of day. Desired time of day uses drive the reconfiguration and adaption of the interior making a purposeful fit, out of dynamic & reusable elements rather than a fit for purpose that causes spaces to remain idle when unused.
All elements are custom designed and products in their own right. It has fundamentally been designed to change the way we think about space.
Melbourne
2017
2018 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Hospitality Interior
2018 Belle Coco Republic Awards / Shortlist / Hospitality Interior
Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese dining experience where courses are curated, crafted and served over several hours. This 16 seat basement diner is designed to celebrate the Kaiseki tradition, but with a uniquely Australian take. The interior is bold, unusual, controversial, thought provoking yet in complete balance - just like Kaiseki.
Photography : Felix Forest
Melbourne
2014
2015 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Workplace Category
Great cities provide a framework for their citizens to thrive. The Cloud at Medibank uses this urban metaphor to drive all aspects of design. An undulating urban landscape with a reflective cloud above, it offers environments for connection and contemplation, fundamental requirements for idea generation in our crowded digital world.
Photography: Earl Carter
Melbourne
2014
The Emporium Cafe court is a 1000 seat food precinct in Melbourne’s new Emporium development between Little Bourke Street and Lonsdale street on the site of the former Myer Lonsdale Street store.
The project is designed around a series of pod tenancies, with dining zones framed by custom curved banquettes. The banquettes create intimacy on what is a broad floor plate and separate traffic flow from dining.
The whole precinct is united by 20km of draped brass chain on a catenary system grid and a grid of lights. This references the grandeur of a Victorian great room in it’s detail and offers a unique and spectacular backdrop to a palette of bronze mirror, tan leather and Australian White birch.
Photography: Dianna Snape
2016
Singapore
Drawing inspiration from key infrastructure elements and modern domestic life in Singapore, the Aésop Tangs counter creates a strong yet layered respite within the city.
Curvilinear forms of render and blackened steel create an enveloping backdrop, echoing weaving roadways, bikeways and garden spaces found in the metropolis. Woven within these forms are accents of brass and leather adding a touch of delicate craft to the spatial experience.
A sense of modernity and dynamism is aimed for the space where traditionally hard elements create sinuous dialogues with one another. Other embedded elements, like a garden area, are revealed once one crosses the threshold to experience the Aésop product offering, creating a sense of discovery within the spatial environment.
Photography: Marc Tan
Sydney
2016
A venerable Italian brand, an iconic Australian Retail location. The new Diesel Strand store is a celebration of one of the world’s great denim brands. The store explores the idea of “Denim God,” a play on the word “demigod”, referencing the respect this brand has internationally, with a touch of Australian irreverence.
Photography : Tyronne Branigan
Seoul
2016
2017 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Retail Interior
Drawing inspiration from traditional Korean construction, the Aésop Seoul IFC store is an ethereal space of contrasts. Soft curvilinear forms of concrete render and aged copper are set against a soft, but saturated colour accent of scalloped curtaining. The overall effect is one of modernity with reference to Korean building and material jointing tradition.
Photography : Jan Dee Kim
Global
2016
The Millipede is the first collaboration between Russell & George and Grazia & Co, and is a celebration of comfort, luxury and graphic austerity. Designed to be a signature piece in any living room, hotel or corporate foyer the Millipede explores the notion of objects that change shape depending on how they are viewed or positioned in a room. It’s a playful piece, able to be customised with any combination of frame colour, fabric or leather.
Photography: Lauren Bamford
Melbourne
2015
2017 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Retail Interior
Drawing on the original design intent of the space the refurbished Aésop Doncaster space reminds the occupant of the joys and subtleties of bathing. Within the space a central sculptural element clad stainless steel has been added to house the product range and testing sinks. The form of this element is derived in response to artist Marcel Duchamp's sculptures and studies. It is an element that is in complete contrast with the existing interior, thus establishing a dialogue between old and new.
The aim of the design is to create a space that would allow the customer to explore the expanded Aésop product range, remind the viewer of the original design and allow new elements within the space to explore progressive ideas surrounding tactility and form.
Photography : Trevor Mein
Melbourne
2014
2015 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Residential Interior
2015 Vogue Living / Feature / May-June Issue
This house is stage one of the transformation of an existing 1950s suburban house into one half of a grander vision. Dubbed The Bride and Groom, stage one is The Bride, a decadent layered and luxurious series of reception and sleeping rooms. Stage two will be an open stone pavilion.
Photography : Paul Martin
Australia
2016
Invited by Brickworks Building products, we talk about our work & our thoughts on style.
brickworksbuildingproducts.com.au
Russell & George is an internationally recognised and award winning design practice employing architects, designers, theorists, strategists & urbanists.
We believe in good design as problem solving. We believe in spaces, buildings and cities that improve the way we live & work. We believe in efficiency in delivery and we believe in design that responds to site and social context, wherever that may be.
With offices in Australia & Italy we work globally. We have completed projects on four continents, in cities as diverse as New York, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Toronto, and Rome. This is in addition to projects in New Zealand and five Australian states.
We continue to work with some of the world's most dynamic brands, leaders, institutions and individuals creating unique works that push, challenge and evolve our clients' businesses as well as the way they live.
Singapore
2015
2017 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Retail Interior
Drawing inspiration from heritage Singapore shophouses and Peranakan culture the Aésop Capitol Piazza store is a subtle yet vibrant addition to the Singapore retail scene. A space of plasticity offset against strong decorative motifs the store plays with contrasting elements to create an environment based in history and one that is forward thinking in experience.
Within the space, curvilinear wall forms and counters in white cement render and display shelving in oak create the backdrop to the most striking element, the tiled floor where the reference to Peranakan culture is overt. Ultimately, the space aims to create a sense of calm and retreat with a gentle nod to the rich and diverse traditions Singapore as a city offers its visitors and inhabitants.
Photography : Wai Kay
2007
Melbourne
2008 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Commendation / Hospitality
2008 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Hospitality
2009 / American Express Restaurant Awards / Commendation / Restaurant Interior
2009 / Urbis Design Annual / Restaurant Design of the Year
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2016
Our table for the fundraising event "The Best of the Best" for The National Gallery of Victoria is completely clad in mirrored surfaces. It is about reflection, referencing great artworks that force us to look at ourselves in relation to the world around us.
In this immediate context, the table is simply dressed by the beautiful Leonard French ceiling of the great hall, and the theatre of the dining experience.
Photography: Paul Martin
Fremantle
2013
Unbuilt / Competition
A tilt of the land, a twist in the grid. The southern triangle is reinstated as a hybrid of public park and public building. An open building filtering the movement of people, air and light. A stony cliff face reinstating the southern and eastern edge of the square, an elevated park to the north. The new Fremantle centre is an open representation of the spirit of Fremantle and it’s people.
Melbourne
2009
Unbuilt
Melbourne
2006
2007 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / Retail Interior
2007 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2011
Attica is theatre. Dishes and service are completely crafted to give diners that thrilling experience that is rare in restaurants, when that dish takes to you to a place or memory that is completely unexpected. It’s that good.
In this environment, the interior must disappear. The existing interior wall murals and colours were painted out black. The ceiling was painted black. Lighting rigs were introduced with new narrow beam lights focussed only on the tables. New curtains were installed in scrim and heavy wool. Banquettes were re-upholstered in black textured wool. New artwork was installed by artist Colin Page that was dark and moody.
We created a theatre space.
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2011
2012 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Workplace Category
2012 / Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards / Winner / Workplace Category
Melbourne
2016
Under Construction
Melbourne
2011
2012 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Colour / Stepped House
2012 / House & Garden / Top 50 Rooms
The philosophy with this project was “if it ‘aint broke, don’t fix it”. The original bones and proportions were beautiful and any additions had to be designed in a way to complement the original. Although significant parts of the house were completely remodelled, the existing concrete block wall to the living room and timber panelling formed the basis for all new elements. Windows were removed and simplified. Ceiling lights were removed and replaced with LED strip lighting to all pelmets and above the kitchen. Other lighting was provided to tracks concealed within pelmets or via simple wall sconces that would throw a wash of light on the ceiling. This reinforced the general horizontal and open nature of the house, blurring the lines between rooms and allowing the space to flow from one room to the next.
Photography: Dianna Snape
Russell & George have a thorough understanding of how hospitality businesses operate. Depending on your needs, our service can include full kitchen design and specification to the design and manufacture of custom furniture and interior elements to enhance the experience of what your business offers. Our experience ranges from fine dining to franchised fast food with functional and tailored environments unique to the offering.
Kuala Lumpur
2015
Referencing the natural forms found in the rainforest environments of Borneo the Aésop Gardens store creates a subtle yet poignant reminder of the natural and fragile landscape found within this region. Curvilinear shelving, wall and counter elements in oak envelop the store creating a neutral backdrop. A testing sink in tarnished brass is a sunken focal point of the design providing a rich contrast to the timber.
Photography: Iz Mady & Elaine Yuen / Funkydali
Melbourne
2015
2016 Dulux Colour Awards / Winner / Commercial Interior - Office Fitout & Retail
Photography: Sarah Anderson
Kuala Lumpur
2015
2016 Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / International Category
2016 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Retail Interior
Designed to create a calming and ephemeral experience for the customer, the Aésop KLCC store explores the repetition of a single rod that gently undulates around the store creating interplays of light, shadow and plasticity of space. This lightness of approach to the store is contrasted and subsequently anchored by a tarnished copper testing basin creating a wellspring from which the Aésop products can be explored.
Photography: Iz Mady & Elaine Yuen / Funkydali
Led by Directors Ryan Russell and Byron George, Russell & George can deliver successful projects at any scale from object to urban. With backgrounds in social theory and hospitality, both Directors approach every project with a thorough examination of the unique set of circumstances that led to the project in the first place.
The studio operates across a variety of sectors and applies the same personal and lateral approach to any design problem, leading to outcomes that are as diverse as our clients.
Ballarat
2014
2015 Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Hospitality Category
Catfish captures the spirit and energy of Thai cooking. Set in two Victorian rooms the design uses strong colour and a Thai fishing metaphor to signify the style of cooking and dining and to create the ambience suited to it.
Photography: Paul Martin
Melbourne
2011
2011 / World INSIDE Awards Shortlist / Hospitality
2012 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Hospitality Category
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2008
2009 / Retail Design Awards / First Place / Retail Interior
2009 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / Retail Interior
2009 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Colour in Commercial Interior
2009 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior
The tactile chamber of Aesop Doncaster attempts to create a unique escape from the hermetic conditions of the shopping centre type whilst presenting the products within the space in a harmonious and complimentary fashion. The two key ideas of the project were to subtly ensnare all the senses and remind the viewer of the process of washing and cleaning one’s self. The chamber aims to sit within its context without being obtrusive but rather discretely loud via the stores lack of fittings and fixtures, its sense of depth and its integrated colouring.
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2013
Photography: Paul Martin
Melbourne
2012
2013 / World INSIDE Awards Shortlist / Retail
2013 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Category
Russell & George bring our experience in environment reinvention and brand discovery to all retail projects. We offer a holistic, full service approach to spatial design that looks at all aspects of a business or client, and design spaces that are individually tailored to each organisation.
Melbourne
2015
Complete awaiting Photography
Singapore
2015
2016 Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / International Category
2016 Interior Design Excellence Awards / Commendation / International Category
Aésop Westgate is simply designed to house a garden. This garden is intended to change with the seasons and evolve over time. The resulting space provides a place for respite as well as a gentle reminder of the fragility of ecology and a nod to the area of Jurong as it moves away from its industrial past towards an environmentally conscious future. A material palette of oak, brass and white render, composed in simple and structured configurations, provides a subtle and inviting backdrop for the garden to gradually envelop.
Photography: Wai Kay
Melbourne
2011
Unbuilt
Today’s large malls are impersonal, cavernous and anonymous. Spaces are large scale and mass produced having little local relevance. People are forgotten in the rush to internationalism where malls from Minnesota to Malaysia all have the same “formula” and look.
The Orchard is a masterplan that investigates the issues around an existing Australian mall to create a sustainable, cheaper to run and waste reduction future for an ageing asset. The scheme was derived from three ideas of an Arbour, an Aqueduct and an Enfilade as these were seen as simple elements that can fundamentally deal with issues around, shade, temperature control and water management. These were to be woven into the existing mall environment.
The resulting scheme reduces waste, manages resources onsite, increases leasable area, reduces cost of fitout for tenants and merges the natural environment with retail and broader community objectives.
Depending on your needs, we can offer a full design service from an initial design consult to managing the entire process (including contract administration) of a large architectural project.
Whatever your project is, we build and maintain a live three dimensional computer aided design model of it for the duration of the project. For larger projects we engage in building information modeling with external consultants.
The communication of our designs to you may include 3D visualisations and animations, rapid prototyping via 3D printing technologies, hand sketches, spreadsheets & prose.
Melbourne
2012
2013 / Dulux Colour Awards / Commendation / Colour in Commercial
Photography: Nicole Reed
T + 61 3 9038 3240
E info@russellandgeorge.com
Australia / 18-24 Baillie Street, North Melbourne, VIC, 3051
Italy / Viale Pasteur 67-69, E.U.R., 00144, Roma
Melbourne
2015
Forming part of a multi-residential development in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Loft A is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 220sqm warehouse conversion.
Photography: Paul Martin
Melbourne
2012
Photography: Dianna Snape
Your home is deeply personal. Your development is not. Russell & George approach both projects from the same point, creating interesting spaces to live that enrich lives. Whether the project is a regional subdivision, an urban apartment development or a single family dwelling, we tailor the approach to deliver an outcome suited to your needs, personal or financial.
Melbourne
2013
Photography: John McKenzie
Melbourne
2013
Photography: Paul Martin
Melbourne
2013
Photography: Nicole Reed
Queenstown NZ
2014
This project is an immersive experiential space designed to capture the essence of chocolate and the spirit of place. From the laboratory like retail gallery to the dark and warm salon, the project has been designed to transform and envelop the patron while drawing on unique physical attributes of it’s location.
Photography: Fredrik Larsson
Melbourne
2009
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2015
Complete awaiting Photography
Melbourne
2011
White box is a small residential project for a diplomat and an artist who had previously lived in Switzerland for the last 10 years. The apartment is situated in one of Melbourne’s early generation CBD apartment developments from the late 1980s.
The client has an extensive art collection and is an accomplished artist in her own right. This project was to provide her with a three dimensional blank canvas for her to curate depending on the season or desires.
Photography: Dianna Snape
Perth
2011
2012 / Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards / Winner / Retail Category
Photography: Stephen Nicholls
Russell & George design urban projects with the same level of detail and respect for spatial awareness as our smallest most bespoke interiors. Using a strongly collaborative and coordinated approach, our urban projects are designed to enhance the lives of the people who occupy and use them.
Rome
2011
Dubbed “il porcospino” by the locals (the porcupine), the element provides a dramatic and striking interior, which draws a lot of attention from the passing trade during the evening when Romans gather in the streets for socialising and window shopping.
The previous fitout had modular pine shelving stacked floor to ceiling throughout the space. This was carefully disassembled and the main elements painted white & reconfigured into the current composition, with some new timber elements added, particularly for the structural supports of a new mezzanine level. This provided an extremely cost effective and sustainable outcome.
Photography: Peter Bennetts
Bendigo
2013
Photography: Dianna Snape
Metung
2009
Unbuilt
Sydney
2009
2010 / Viridian Vision Awards / Winner / Commercial Interior
2010 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior
Photography: Dianna Snape
Sydney
2013
The Aeon Spa pop up in the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney was designed to take patrons out of the city. Based on an abstraction of being in a sub-tropical forest, it offered a little bit of local respite in a big international hotel.
Photography: Paul Martin
Melbourne
2010
2012 / World Retail Design Awards New York / Winner / Soft Line Retail
2012 / World Retail Design Awards New York / Winner / Innovative use of Materiality
2011 / Melbourne Design Awards / Winner / Retail Interior
2011 / World INSIDE Awards Shortlist / Retail
2011 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Retail Interior
Photography: Dianna Snape
Various cities across Australia
2010
2011 / Dulux Colour Awards / Winner / Sustainable Interior
For Review we re-envisioned the typical store design as part of a national roll out across multiple sites. The store is fundamentally an exploration in light and shade. It is designed to challenge the notions of traditional decoration. Rather than utlising applied surfaces of material and pattern, light and shadow is used to accentuate ideas around heritage, femininity and delicateness. All 3 ideas being integral to the core brand.
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2010
Photography: Dianna Snape
Understanding the needs of your business is at the heart of our approach to designing workplace. Relying on the latest research and evidence based design, we start with a thorough briefing process that seeks to unlock what you are about and how your environment can facilitate what you do. Whether speculative, owner occupier, or fit out, Russell & George will deliver a custom solution that addresses the needs of your organisation and provides a unique physical expression of your brand.
Perth
2014
Photography: Stephen Nicholls
Melbourne
2011
Photography: DIanna Snape
2016 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Retail Category / Aésop KLCC
2016 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Shortlist / Retail Category / Aésop Westgate
2016 Dulux Colour Awards / Shortlist / Commercial Interior - Office Fitout & Retail / The Doctor's Studio
2013 / World INSIDE Awards Short listed / Retail (one in five in each category) / Crumpler Prahran
2013 / Dulux Colour Awards / Commendation / Colour in Commercial / QV Amenities
2012 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Workplace Category / Paper Stone Scissors
2012 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Hospitality Category / Mister Close
2012 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Colour / Stepped House
2012 / Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards / Winner / Workplace Category / Paper Stone Scissors
2012 / Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards / Winner / Retail Category / Aésop Claremont
2012 / World Retail Design Awards New York / Winner / Soft Line Retail / Crumpler Doncaster
2012 / World Retail Design Awards New York / Winner / Innovative use of Materiality / Crumpler Doncaster
2011 / Melbourne Design Awards / Winner / Retail Interior / Crumpler Doncaster
2011 / World INSIDE Awards Shortlist / Hospitality (one in five in each category) / Mister Close
2011 / World INSIDE Awards Shortlist / Retail (one in five in each category) / Crumpler Doncaster
2011 / Dulux Colour Awards / Winner / Sustainable Interior / Review Melbourne Central
2011 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Retail Interior / Crumpler Doncaster
2011 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Use of Colour in Commercial Interior / Crumpler Doncaster
2010 / Dulux Colour Awards / Commendation / Commercial Interior / Aesop Armadale
2010 / Retail Design Awards / First Place / Retail Interior / Aesop Doncaster
2010 / Viridian Vision Awards / Winner / Commercial Interior / Aesop Chatswood
2010 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior / Aesop Chatswood
2009 / Urbis Design Annual / Restaurant Design of the Year / St Jude’s Cellars
2009 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Emerging Practice / Byron George Architects
2009 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Sustainability Grant / Byron George Architects
2009 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Colour in Commercial Interior / Aesop Doncaster
2009 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior / Aesop Doncaster
2009 / American Express Restaurant Awards / Commendation / Restaurant Interior / St Jude’s Cellars
2009 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / Retail Interior / Aesop Doncaster
2008 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior / H&B
2008 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Hospitality / St Jude’s Cellars
2008 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / Retail Interior / Igloo Zoo
2008 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior / H&B
2008 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Commendation / Hospitality / St Jude’s Cellars
2007 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Winner / Emerging Practice / Ryan Russell
2007 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior / Left
2007 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / Retail Interior / Left
Melbourne
2010
Photography: Dianna Snape
Brisbane
2014
The Aésop Indooroopilly store is designed as an undercroft, echoing a place for respite and survey so often used to escape the heat of Summer in Queensland. A simple palette of white rough cast render, blackened steel, grey mirror, natural coir and oak has been utilised to create a clean, fresh and elegant backdrop to the Aésop product and service.
Photography: Scott Burrows
Melbourne
2011
Photography: Dianna Snape
Melbourne
2012
A 900 sqm office fitout for Crumpler consolidating their main headquarters.
The fitout incorporated custom furniture and stripping of the main shell to bring what was a standard office fitout inline with the Crumpler brand values.
Photography: Nicole Reed
Sydney
2011
Photography: Nicole Reed
Hong Kong
2015
The Aésop Moko Hong Kong store is designed to be a sophisticated verandah for escape and respite, a type of space and experience that is well known in the Hong Kong environment. A place for gentle contemplation within the bustling metropolis that is Hong Kong.
Within the space, blackened steel work creates a framework to which timber elements in European Oak, perforated metal elements and foliage are delicately placed. The overall aesthetic is simple yet structured, restrained and thoughtful allowing the Aésop product and the values of the company to explored seamlessly.
Photography: Scott Brooks / Imagennix
Thorough planning and collaboration are key to successful events. Russell & George have designed and collaborated with key industry leaders in this field in the design of temporary events as diverse as hospitality marquees for blockbuster events to set design for the theatre industry.
Melbourne
2007
2008 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Winner / Retail Interior
Photography: Dianna Snape
Singapore
2012
Brisbane
2014
This project is an immersive experiential space designed to capture the essence of chocolate and the spirit of place. From the laboratory like retail gallery to the dark and warm salon, the project has been designed to transform and envelope the patron while drawing on unique physical attributes of it’s location.
The site is in a prominent corner within a mall, and draws on the Queensland outback for inspiration
Photography: Scott Burrows
Melbourne
2007
2008 / Interior Design Excellence Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior
2008 / Australian Interior Design Awards / Commendation / Retail Interior
Photography: Dianna Snape
