Located within its existing premises at Wynyard, the project transforms the studio into a flexible workplace built around a modular kit-of-parts approach. Demountable partitions, adaptable joinery and height-adjustable workstations create a spatial framework that can evolve over time and extend beyond the current tenancy. 

Woods Bagot Principal and Project Lead Hayden Crawford says, “This studio reflects our focus on longevity, adaptability and human connection. It operates as a working prototype of the values we bring to clients, where sustainability, creativity and collaboration are embedded in the day-to-day experience.” 

“Designing our own space allows us to test how we work and collaborate, using the tools and technologies we rely on every day. It also shapes how our people and clients experience the studio,” Crawford adds. 

At the heart of the studio is a modular meeting “village”, a demountable architectural system that functions as the collaborative core of the workplace. Designed for disassembly and future relocation, the village provides a range of settings for project dialogue, critique and review within a cohesive framework. 

Woods Bagot Director Domenic Alvaro says, “The centrepiece of the studio is based on the Citterio Village System by Unifor, designed by Antonio Citterio. Conceived as a village rather than a fixed layout, it brings together workstations, storage, screens and services within a cohesive framework that supports different ways of working.” 

A dedicated model-making and material laboratory reinforces the studio’s creative identity, embedding a culture of making and material experimentation into daily practice. Informal display and critique spaces are integrated throughout, supporting the iterative nature of architectural work. 

“The planning strategy is anchored by the studio’s relationship to the adjacent Wynyard Park. Shared social and client-facing spaces are positioned along the park-facing facade, drawing natural light deep into the floorplate and establishing a meaningful visual connection between the studio and the surrounding public realm,” says Alvaro. 

The refurbishment was informed by consultation with studio team members, shaping decisions around acoustics, spatial variety, collaboration and wellbeing. The result brings together staff from across disciplines in a connected workspace that supports the exchange of ideas. 

Acoustically treated rooms provide settings for focused individual work and private discussion, complementing open project areas that encourage team interaction. This balance supports both concentration and collective design exploration. 

Woods Bagot Principal Tracey Wiles says, “as a studio with clients at the heart of all we do and a foundation of talented teams, it was imperative that the social space formed the core of the design.” 

“The generous reception and flexible seating allow for informal presentations and the display of project visuals. The kitchen and club encourage social interaction through casual lunches, meetings and celebrations. We pride ourselves on our collaborative relationships with clients, consultants and internal teams, with the hospitality designed to encourage and elevate,” says Wiles. 

The studio also incorporates a series of social spaces developed in partnership with Molteni, alongside a lighting strategy by iGuzzini that supports both function and atmosphere. 

Sustainability underpins the project at every scale. The modular approach extends the lifecycle of components beyond the tenancy, while access to natural light and park views is prioritised in the shared spaces most central to daily studio life. 

“Woods Bagot partnered with MPA Projects to deliver our Sydney studio, and the result speaks for itself. Their ability to interpret and execute fine-grain detail, while maintaining discipline around time and cost ensured a highly resolved and successful outcome,” says Alvaro.  

The refurbishment coincides with a broader milestone: the launch of 7C,  an integrated network of brands united by a shared ambition to become the most trusted voice for the future of the built world, all operating under one roof. 

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Adrien Moffatt
Content and Communications Manager (Australia)