Woods Bagot gives shared Surry Hills office a Mad Men aesthetic

Shared workspaces get luxury treatment.

The shared office in Surry Hills, Sydney.

Ex-physio turned business manager Naomi Tosic and her husband Boris, a builder, saw potential in an unusually shaped 1940s art deco Paramount Pictures building on a corner in inner-Sydney’s Surry Hills.

Not to fill with a cafe, restaurant or gallery but with luxury offices. Success with a similar venture meant the pair were confident a new style of co-working was in demand.

“We have had a longstanding love affair with this iconic Surry Hills building and we felt we could do something really special with the heritage-listed site,” says Boris.

The pair worked with international global design and consulting firm Woods Bagot on the project, taking inspiration from the 1960s New York aesthetic of Mad Men.

From the dark curves of the American cherry oak walls, to the tan leather and brass fittings, the handcrafted suites celebrate Australian design with a nod to the building’s heritage. Small touches such as the cigar humidors housed in hidden oak cabinets, suggest Don Draper would feel at home here.

“It’s designed for people who either love design themselves or want to impress their clients,” says Naomi. “The CBD is the CBD anywhere, whereas this has got a unique flair.”

The offices are used by clients working in property, project management, architecture, advocacy groups and marketing. The office spaces accommodate singles or groups of up to four people, and unlike the system in other corporate hot-desking chains, individuals who are travelling can use the meeting rooms and workspaces without committing to ongoing office rental. Perks include full use of the kitchen and bar, outfitted with marble benches, Marc Newson and Noritake glassware and decorated with art by Ben Quilty; a full concierge service; and access to a fully equipped boardroom.