In Conversation with Studio Y

What core philosophy guides your approach to design, and how has it evolved since the studio began? 
Studio Y’s work has always been driven by purpose. We begin by listening and deeply understanding the client, the brand, and the people who will live or work in the space. From there, the big idea emerges. It’s never recycled. It is always specific to the story in front of us. What has stayed constant is our belief that spaces should feel good, not just look good. Over time, our work has become more refined, narrative-driven, and collaborative. But at its core, the goal remains the same: creating spaces with emotional resonance that people remember long after they leave. 

How do you uncover the story or intention that will shape the final experience of a space? 
After listening to a client’s stories and understanding their brand, we study the site, its history, constraints, and quirks. Once the narrative is clear, we move into spatial planning, where concept and function need to lock in together. Flow, transitions, customer journeys, and operational needs must align so the experience feels effortless. By the time we layer in materiality and detail, the space already knows what it wants to be. 

Rodd & Gunn’s new four-level Melbourne flagship is a milestone for both the brand and Studio Y. What drew you to this project, and what vision did you set from the outset? 
What drew us to this project was the challenge. Rodd & Gunn is a well-established retail brand, and introducing hospitality at this scale required absolute clarity. Neither experience could be compromised. They needed to elevate each other and form a cohesive, seamless journey. We set a vision built on layered discovery, where each level offers something distinct, a shift in mood and purpose, yet still sits within the same narrative: retail, dining, bar, lounge. 

What were the biggest design considerations in creating cohesion across four distinct levels? 
The building’s art deco heritage gave us a strong design spine, which we carried through the joinery motifs, lighting language, and material palette. Historic cues ensured every level felt connected without enforcing uniformity. Wherever we could retain or expose original elements, we did, revealing layers that created continuity as you move vertically through the space. 

What did the Rodd & Gunn flagship teach you, either about the building, the brand, or your own design practice, that will influence Studio Y’s future work? 
Even after more than 300 projects, there is always something new to learn. The project reinforced the value of a client who brings a clear vision yet trusts the design process enough to let us fully explore it, creating space for genuine collaboration. It also affirmed our methodology: a defined process does not restrict creativity; it protects it. What we will carry forward is a renewed respect for the dialogue between brand, heritage and experience. When those elements are aligned, the result is a space that feels both grounded and elevated, and that is a direction we will continue to pursue. 

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