Clean lines, restrained palette, effortless cool – does this sound like the unmistakable touch of Ritz&Ghougassian, or what? Their latest project for visualisation and image-making practice MR P in Melbourne redefines the growing studio’s needs to establish a separation of client meeting space from workspaces.

Tasked with a naturally low lit and dark interior shell (great for the glare but not so great for entertaining clients) Ritz&Ghougassian reorganised the area creating a central lounge space bordered by an office and workspace on either side.

The palette is simple and minimal. White walls and square concrete tiles act as a neutral backdrop to the utilitarian furniture and fixtures. Everything sits in perfect balance. A glass partition wall with stainless steel detailing and a sleek stainless steel door separate the office from the lounge area creating a sense of openness, allowing light from the office window to flood in.

Metallic materiality in all its luminous glory brightens up the space reflecting and enhancing the natural light. The bespoke orthogonal furniture designed in house embodies the meticulous nature of the work MR P produces. This is paired with a silk rug and rattan wrapped furniture that adds warmth to the spaces while still abiding by the ordered poise of the design.

Cubic images by MR P are projected on the lounge wall on entry, interplaying with the minimal interior. Mostly unadorned, bar a few books on the mantle, the sophisticated spaces reflect the studios unique approach to visualisations and image making.

While all of Ritz&Ghougassian’s designs are uniquely tailored to their client’s needs, rich in varying materiality, there is an overarching visual language that flows through to all their projects and can be felt in MR P’s studio too. Focusing primarily on the user experience and one’s relationship to the built environment through an interiorised lens, their work feels considered and resolved.

This project ultimately emerges as a celebration of stainless steel. A brutal and unforgiving material that’s oft overlooked, Ritz&Ghougassian have used it to form a warm and inviting space that speaks to MR P’s personality and design sensibility.

[Images courtesy of Ritz&Ghougassian. Photography by Tom Ross.]