The practice has instituted several initiatives which ensure they deliver on their promise. With a strong media skill set and focus on communications, the ‘Connect’ briefing phase is intensive, client-centric and ‘different’.
Led by principal Greg Bond, whose commitment is to deliver Big Ideas in a simple and approachable way, translates through to even the smallest details, each AB team member is tasked as a subject matter expert, responsible for research and sharing this knowledge in the weekly Design Jams. The culture is collaborative and equitable, with a commitment to living out their values and culture—and recognised through their annual ‘High Roller Award’ represented by the Fluffy Dice—an acronym we love for their values.(You’ll have to ask them for the backstory here).
Whilst there is consciously no recognisable design style or vernacular, each AB project demonstrates an expert understanding of materiality and light—with a focus on textural, natural materials and craftsmanship, often involving local artisans, most projects featuring stone and timber veneer—specifically Eveneer in most projects.
Somehow the essence of each project is evidenced in the simple and evocative nomenclature.
Our 2 favourite recent projects:
The Use the Good Plates project ‘is about embracing the moment and not waiting for special occasions to gather in style, connect over a shared meal, light that fancy candle, and bring out the gift registry wine glasses. It’s about living in the now. ’ This project involved an extensive renovation to create a cohesive family kitchen. This historic 1880s former brewery had been subject to several mish-mash renovations. Atelier Bond unravelled the complex layout, resulting in a glamourous yet truly functional space reflective of the couple’s eclectic tastes and family life, a stunning design combining brass, stone, and Elton Group’s Eveneer Charred.
The Big House on the Hill, Balhannah, was designed in response to the brief of creating something worthy of the incredible site, a legacy project for present and future generations. The vast home, partly subterranean is cleverly crafted into 3 pavilions, our favourite space, the library, featuring Eveneer Ravenna. The Big House on the Hill has received industry and public acclaim—included in the Top 50 rooms 2022, published by House & Garden.
Interior Design: Atelier Bond
Photography: David Sievers
Products used: Eveneer Ravenna, Eveneer Charred