The combination of slick contemporary interiors and a heritage white space has transformed the office of Hughes PR into an open and creative working environment full of soft light.

“We really wanted an open-space environment and when we first arrived it didn’t have any walls; it was just completely open and we could see the potential,” Tim Hughes told InDaily Design.

“We wanted to make the most of the old building’s features and be able to open the windows and be part of the life of Rundle Street, so that’s why we’ve used lots of space and lights.”

One of Hughes’ favourite things about the office is that it mirrors life on the busy CBD street above which it sits.

Hughes PR’s Rundle St Office. Photo: Nat Rogers / InDaily

“By having the exhibition space and by having art on the walls and by having the natural timbers of the old building, yet making it a bit more contemporary in line with what’s happening outside [in Rundle St], that really did give us the basis of designing the office.

“When our clients come in for meetings, to be able to open the windows and hear people going past downstairs is great.”

On Friday afternoons, however, it is a different story.

“Friday afternoon, you know it is Friday afternoon because you can hear everyone drinking beer at [local pub] the Austral and you know it’s time to finish.”

The décor of the office was chosen to match the colours of the company, which are red and white.  The furniture, artwork, walls, rugs and ornaments arranged around the office all repeat this palette.

“I think the red is warm, a little bit powerful and it made a bit of an impact … at the time [it was chosen], it was a little bit different; now it’s not so different.”

Hughes PR’s Rundle St Office. Photo: Nat Rogers / InDaily

Entering the office, visitors are greeted by a long sleek reception desk. They can sit in one of the ultra-modern – and ultra-groovy – ball chairs, which are, of course, red and white.

The mission statement – ‘the power to influence action and opinion’ – is written large on the wall along the entrance and immediately captures attention.

Hughes says having such an open space ensures silos don’t form between teams. The office offers a lot of freedom, which allows everyone to move around with ease and chat face-to-face.

“This is fun. We all join in each other’s jokes, we know what everyone is doing, we can contribute to the creative side of things, we know if there are issues we can contribute to.

“I think this space is fantastic.”