Ashurst Sydney Workplace

A future-focused vision

At the core of the project is a commitment to redefining the purpose of a legal workplace in a hybrid world. The design responds to lessons from the pandemic, translating reactive remote work solutions into a thoughtful, flexible planning, and a purpose-driven workplace strategy.

Spanning 10,000 square metres across eight podium levels and crowned by an outdoor terrace overlooking Martin Place, Ashurst’s Sydney office is the firm’s second-largest workplace globally after its London headquarters.

The new environment breaks from traditional legal office design, embracing an agile, activity-based model. It features diverse collaborative zones, focused work areas, meeting and mediation suites, adaptable training rooms, and team-specific spaces – catering to the dynamic needs of a modern legal workforce.

Key workplace innovations include:

-Adaptable workfloors: A modular planning system ensures ultimate flexibility and efficiency, while offering future reconfigurability.

-Optimised space sharing: Deep analysis through a rigorous workplace strategy uncovered optimal sharing ratios, allowing Ashurst to flex into a broader suite of spaces and space types, available to all.

-Innovative collaborative spaces: Level 04 features a collaborative work floor, designed for agile, seamless teamwork, a novel approach for a law firm embracing collaborative workstyles.

-Wellness through hospitality: Premium amenities create a vibrant hub with a dedicated café floor and terrace, fostering well-being and professional excellence.

-Storage and joinery reduction: The design responded to a firm-wide mandate to minimise paper-based storage and resulted a 70% reduction. This was achieved by centralising a single joinery spine on all floors, shared across all neighbourhoods. Limited local storage zones support agile workstyles, allowing for more shared spaces.

The new workplace represents a 26% reduction in footprint while allowing Ashurst to accommodate 13% more people than before. 

Engaging people, place, and purpose

A highly consultative design process engaged Ashurst’s people through workshops, interviews, and planning sessions—ensuring the workplace serves diverse needs across practice groups.

This inclusivity has created an environment where teams come together purposefully, supported by intelligent spatial planning and seamless digital infrastructure.

In the firm’s post-move survey of staff, the new desktop technology achieved an 85% positive rating for effectiveness.

Warm, welcoming interiors

The interior scheme balances professionalism with warmth and vibrancy.

Natural materials—including timber and stone in warm terracotta tones—create a sense of welcome and authenticity.

Sculptural green stairs connect all work floors through the stack, with each work floor punctuated with a social hub supporting the firm’s dynamic culture and bold brand identity.

One of Ashurst’s clients in Markets + Growth said the design had “completely changed the energy” of the environment.

A sustainable workplace

Sustainability is embedded throughout the project.

Along with limiting over-cladding on the project and using locally sourced materials, strategies to optimise natural light and air quality and reduce water consumption contribute to both carbon reduction and employee wellbeing.

Other highlights include:

-Around 500 items of furniture and equipment reused from their 5 Martin Place location
-Around 700 items donated to support people and communities when vacating the previous workplace, and
-96% of all waste from construction recycled.

The building is 100% powered by renewable energy sources and has achieved a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

A prototype for the firm’s future workplaces

This transformative project serves as a prototype for Ashurst’s future workplaces worldwide. More than just a new office, it’s a strategic and cultural shift.

‘Collaborative, friendly and flexible’ were the three most frequently used words to describe the workplace culture in a post-move survey.

It demonstrates how law firms can evolve to embrace agility, sustainability, and employee wellbeing without compromising on excellence. It’s about a democratising of space.

With direct links to Martin Place Train and Metro Stations, the office is uniquely placed at the intersection of business, culture, and civic life.