Designcraft

Designcraft worked closely with designers Bates Smart and end client DFAT on this large scale and high-profile project.

Designcraft were appointed the sole supplier of the entire loose furniture and workstation package for this new building for the Australian Embassy in Washington DC, USA.

Showcasing the very best in Australian design, materials and architectural excellence, innovative design, with a focus on sustainable design, construction and products.

Items supplied for the office and residential buildings included task seating, workstation, breakout furniture, storage, sofas, dining, meeting furniture, outdoor furniture, lighting, rugs and accessories.

DC Ref: J112059 (CN3845970-A6)

 

"Our new Embassy showcases the very best in Australian design, materials and architectural excellence, thanks to the innovative design by prominent Australian architectural studio, Bates Smart, who also designed our original Embassy building over half a century ago."

- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

 

 

The Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C - An Integral civic space and enduring symbol of Australia.

The new embassy honours the legacy of its predecessor and continues the special relationship between nations. 

The design for the new Embassy of Australia stands as an integral civic space and an enduring symbol of Australia. Honoring the legacy of its predecessor built on the very same site and continuing the special relationship between allies, partners and friends.

Located at the heart of the U.S. capital, the embassy remains contextually respectful of Capitol Hill’s predominant architectural style, completing Scott Circle and addressing the street axes to 16th Street and the White House and Massachusetts Avenue, commonly referred to as Embassy Row. The design acknowledges the site’s transition from the predominantly residential urban realm to the north and the more commercial to the south.

The building’s transparency manifests the inherent Australian values of welcomeness and trust, while the interior’s expansive atmosphere is representative of the vastness of the Australian landscape, evoking a sense of something greater than ourselves, carved out through the enormity of time.

At the heart of the building, a large atrium serves as an organising and orientating space displaying a powerful connection between the ground and the sky. This central atrium gives rise to an axial arrangement of representational spaces where every visitor is granted an equally immersive experience. A key element of the design is the staff hub – a series of breakout spaces vertically linked by a feature stair within the controlled access zone, encouraging staff to move easily between departments and social spaces. Open and equitable workspaces with ample daylighting promotes a calm and ordered atmosphere. The U-shaped plan and side core arrangement ensure efficient floorplates, allowing departments to adapt to changing requirements.

Acting as the threshold to the formal and ceremonial areas, a waiting room celebrates Australian furniture designers and First Nations artists with an arrangement of bespoke furniture and speciality rugs.

The display of Australian artworks emphasise the nation’s artistic excellence, rich indigenous heritage, and depict stories of vibrant diaspora communities. The selection and commissioning process for the works was guided by the Australian Government’s cultural policy pillars of supporting artists, creating a space for diverse voices, prioritising First Nations representation, and ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience for all visitors.

Specialty rugs based on First Nations artworks define a series of key spaces, creating an inviting space for cultural exchange. Through close collaboration with Aboriginal artists and their representatives, a unique design process involving the artists, interior designers and rug manufacturers captured the unique essence of each selected artwork, which was translated into captivating hand-tufted wool rug designs.

The building’s interiors are complemented by selected furniture showcasing leading Australian artists, designers and manufacturers. Incorporating both contemporary and historically significant designs, such as the re-interpretations of iconic Robin Boyd designs, the furniture selection celebrates the essence of Australian design. Crafted using sustainable materials and finishes, the pieces embody a future-forward aesthetic and informality.

 

Designcraft were pleased to promote both Australian and international brands in this project, showcasing design and quality of our brands including;

• Derlot
• Didier
• Herman Miller
• Nau
• Walter Knoll 

 

Designcraft were appointed the sole supplier of the entire furniture package, and our experienced team delivered and installed the entire project with products including;

• Autobahn by Derlot 
• Molly Collection by NAU
• Chameleon Tables by NAU
• Verus Chair by Herman Miller
• Ratio Workstations by Herman Miller
• Keypiece Conference Tables by Walter Knoll
• Leadchair Management Chairs by Walter Knoll
• Outdoor furniture
• Storage
• Rugs
• Lighting
• Accessories

 

 

Client Organisation: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Architect / Designer: Bates Smart

Construction: Clark Construction Group (US)

Area: 19,890 sqm

Sustainability: LEED Gold Rating

Photography: Joe Fletcher

Project: 2016 – 2017

 

Awards

• AIA (International) Architecture Awards, The Louise Cox Award for Public Architecture, 2024
• AIA (International) Architecture Awards, Commercial Architecture Award, Winner, 2024
• AIA (International) Architecture Awards, Interior Architecture Award, Winner, 2024
• International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Best of Competition, 2024
• International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Institutional Category, Winner, 2024
• Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA), Best International Design Award, 2024
• Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA), Public Design Award, Commendation, 2024

 

The Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C. | Bates Smart