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DESIGNERS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO MELBOURNE’S ROUGH DIAMONDS

Announcement posted by Greta Donaldson Publicity 27 Sep 2016

With unprecedented heat in Melbourne’s hospitality market, entrepreneurial folks are transforming previously overlooked nooks and crannies into the city’s hottest bars and eateries. But it’s not without its challenges.

Dynamic Melbourne architecture, interior and urban design agency Ewert Leaf works with its clients to breathe new life into spaces that were previously thought to be commercially unviable.  

 

Using clever design and bespoke furniture and lighting, they bring vim and vigour to every project.

 

Working with a team of more than 26 employees, Ewert Leaf co-directors Toby Ewert and Will Leaf offer creative as well as commercial solutions, combining their skills as architects and developers so they can walk in their clients’ shoes. Together they solve problems using creative solutions, often designing and manufacturing the furnishings, fittings, fixtures and lighting required to suit a client’s brand.

 

“As a result of such a competitive industry, people are becoming more creative and adventurous and buying into spaces that once upon a time they may never have touched,” Toby Ewert said.

 

“It’s all about finding a diamond in the rough. They can be tight spaces, unusual shapes, poorly lit or in an unexpected location. Our challenge is to transform these spaces, working to help our clients achieve their vision and their business goals. Often that means finding innovative solutions for unusual spaces. It’s our job to help clients see the potential in these spaces, as the more unusual the existing conditions, the harder it is for people to picture the end result.”

 

A registered architect with a degree in architecture and property development, Will Leaf understands the commercial reality of developer-driven projects and is known for his ability to develop commercially viable, cost-effective designs for complex projects.

 

Toby Ewert has been working as a registered architect for over 13 years, and his extensive expertise in the commercial, retail and hospitality sectors and has led many successful and award-winning projects.

 

The Ewert Leaf co-directors supervise every project. All aspects of the design are completed in-house. Ewert Leaf also had a strong focus on problem solving to devise and deliver fast and cost-effective solutions and the company prides itself on its reputation for delivering projects on time.

 

 “We have always designed furniture pieces in our projects, particularly in hospitality, but in the past two years we have moved towards lighting as well,” Mr Ewert said. “From stools, to custom banquette seats, communal tables, we see it as a vital aspect to our design. Unique spaces need unique fittings to work with their business and branding. We love creating innovative ideas and seeing them realised.”

 

For example, the award-winning interior of Glen Eira’s Hawk & Hunter, which was completed four years ago, includes site-specific benches and tables designed and manufactured for the project.

 

“It was a large space so a sea of loose furniture wouldn’t have suited the interior design. We needed to create furniture that would fit the room, and delineate spaces without using walls,” he said.

 

Ewert Leaf has since designed the interiors, exteriors, furnishings, fixtures and lighting for some of Melbourne’s hottest bars and eateries, including Rock Sugar in South Yarra, with Samantha Eades, which includes custom lighting and a wall lighting feature, and Chow City in Exhibition Street, Melbourne, which features a whole suite of furniture and lighting.

 

“Too many designs don’t carefully consider furniture until the end, and then often the options or budget don’t allow the proper attention to detail,” he said. “We have found some fantastic bespoke manufacturers who can make something custom that is comparable in cost to any off the shelf item. Saying that, sometimes a unique piece of work that costs a bit more will create a level interest that increases the marketability of a venue tenfold.”  

 

For further information, visit www.ewertleaf.com.au