“The way we work is not so much driven by inspiration but rather by intuition.  Whether we contrast materials or compliment them, it’s all about creating a balance in the spaces we create.”  -  John Bornas, Creative Director at Workroom

Founded in 1999 by John Bornas and Jo-Anne Gleeson, Workroom has firmly established itself at the forefront of residential architecture and interiors, renowned for its highly considered bespoke solutions. This Melbourne-based studio excels in creating homes that transcend fashion, instead weaving stories of space, form, and material into each design. Their approach, centred on wonder and awareness, ensures that each commission evolves into a narrative that intimately connects the house and its family. The focus at Workroom is on creating a profound link between design and construction, ensuring every project remains true to its architectural narrative.

Workroom's recent project, Dunraven, was led by a client with a discerning eye for design and architecture who presented a unique brief: to create an inviting, calm, and timeless home that caters to a family's diverse needs, including housing an eclectic art collection. This client's trust allowed Workroom to craft a space driven not by overt prescriptions but by functional requirements and an aesthetic vision. 

The project’s standout feature is its use of contrasting materials and textures. We wondered if this use of contrast was a hallmark of Workroom's design philosophy but John explained that ”these choices are about achieving a balance within the spaces we create. Whether it's playing with a specific material that a client is interested in or aiming to elicit a certain emotional response, the team at Workroom ensures a harmonious blend of elements.” This intuitive process of balancing materials, lighting, and spatial dynamics results in spaces that are both captivating and harmonious. 

When it came to window furnishings at Dunraven, the design process was a collaborative journey. Initially, curtains were proposed to complement the space's balance, but this idea evolved as the project progressed. The final agreement to incorporate Lovelight curtains in the main living areas came after the completion of the spaces, with the client actively participating in selecting fabrics. This collaborative effort between the architect, client and the Lovelight team underlines how window furnishings are not mere additions but integral elements of the overall design, considered from the outset to enhance the space's light and mood.

The most rewarding aspect of the completed Dunraven project, according to John, isn't a single feature but the overall satisfaction and joy of the clients when they move into their new home, “we feel very privileged being entrusted to design our clients’ homes.  It’s a very personal and emotional undertaking. So, my favourite thing is not any particular part of the house, as I really do believe the house is the sum of its parts, rather, my favourite thing is when our clients move into their house and they love it. “

Dunraven is not just a testament to their architectural and design prowess but also to their ability to deeply understand and respond to their clients' needs. It's a perfect illustration of their philosophy where homes are not just structures but narratives of art, emotion, and architecture, each telling a unique story.

Profiling John Bornas | Workroom | Gallery House