Arup’s Brisbane workplace by Hassell

One of the few projects in Australia to pursue the Living Building Challenge certification, Arup’s new Brisbane home sets a benchmark in sustainability and reinforces the importance of designing flexible, dynamic spaces.

Title:: Arup’s Brisbane workplace
Architect:: Hassell
Category:: Commercial/; Office
Completed:: 2025
Photographers:: David Chatfield, Jon Wright -...

Spanning three levels in the recently refurbished 123 Albert Street building in the Queensland capital’s central business district, global built environment consultancy Arup’s Brisbane base is the latest iteration of the decade-long Hassell – Arup workplace collaboration. It leverages learnings from our other recently designed Arup studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Building on the workplace approach developed with Hassell’s strategy team, our design team collaborated closely with Arup, sustainable materials advisors Five Mile Radius, and First Nations design consultants Blaklash to embed the vision.

HOW REGENERATIVE DESIGN IS RESHAPING THE WORKPLACE

A thorough material audit of both the new fit-out location and Arup’s existing space quickly identified opportunities to breathe new life into familiar elements. Working iteratively with Five Mile Radius, 111 components in the fit-out were salvaged, ranging from metals and timbers to stones. Existing ceiling tiles, carpets and furniture were earmarked for reuse, setting the stage for a design that honours the past while embracing innovation.

With a focus on flexible, social environments, the space invites people to connect and collaborate. Two side areas maximise openness, while a central shared spine — with stairs and curated sightlines — physically and visually connects teams. Around the spine, four neighbourhood-style zones, varied in size, champion daylight, textured materials and greenery to create a sense of comfort. Arup’s Brisbane office is a fully agile workspace powered by smart tech and seamless operations with shared amenities and diverse work settings where every individual stays connected and supported.

On Level 26, occupants are greeted with a spacious forum complete with adaptable tiered seating, an auditorium staircase and moveable furniture that can be rearranged as needed. Spaces of varying scales cater to different users: some places feature lower ceilings and lush plantings for a more intimate atmosphere, while others offer high ceilings and open layouts for a brighter, more expansive feel.

The fit-out offers a curated experience where every detail delights and surprises as you explore the space. It demonstrates that elegance and sustainability can coexist harmoniously — refined aesthetics blend seamlessly with regenerative design principles.

Project Gallery

“Our new space celebrates regenerative design principles, enhances wellbeing and provides a vibrant setting for collaboration and community.”

Eliza Howell, Principal, Queensland State Leader, Arup

98.4% of all building waste diverted from landfill
100+ types of salvaged material used
1,900 plants throughout the space

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Professionals used

HassellArchitects

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hassellstudio.com

Hassell. Our purpose is to design the world’s best places – places people love.Globalisation, climate change, urbanisation, and digitisation present new opportunities and challenges for how we live.In this fast-changing context, we bring together the best designers and thinkers in a unique collaborative process that results in both beautiful design and measurable value.We work across architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and urban design - a rich multi-disciplinary mix of skills and perspectives that unlocks the economic, social and cultural value of projects.We combine our creative design expertise with capabilities in strategy, research, technology and experience design, and we regularly collaborate with experts and partners from further afield.Through our work, we’re trying to build a more inclusive, sustainable future for communities - and create a more socially and ecologically resilient world.Our clients look to us for more than our design skills. They want us to help them unlock value for their business and their end users – and find ways to better connect people.