Description

Wardle's studio is built around and within a former mid-twentieth century outpost of an English paint manufacturer in Collingwood. The architectural interventions interact in a respectful and complementary manner.

The workspace on the first level is densely populated by staff with spaces for meeting and reviews. On the top floor, set beneath the original steel trusses and gable roof, there are further meeting rooms, a shared flexible open space and a sample library and layout spaces. Updates have concentrated on ground level works to the lobby, workstations, meeting rooms and EOT facilities. The kitchen connects to an external terrace with views across neighbouring rooftops.

LM&O Café is located at ground level, named for the pigments (lemon, middle & orange) offered by the former paint factory. The cafe occupies the long sliver of space in what appears to have originally been a laneway space adjacent to the three-storey brick building. 

The project has re-lifted a neglected industrial building, and in doing so retains the building for future generations to appreciate. This gesture is significant on a local heritage level and on a sustainability level.

What's On

Wardle will open its doors for visitors to wander through. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through our studio. Along the way you’ll see project pin-ups and our collection of project prototypes.

Don't miss our special On Top of the World (OTOTW) flag-raising ceremony for Open House Melbourne 2026. OTOTW is our series of irregular events, convened in collaboration with Spacecraft, inviting local and visiting artists, designers and thinkers to contribute to contemporary debates through a bespoke flag design and informal talks.

The flags are designed and created in collaboration with Spacecraft, before being raised and flown atop our Rokeby Street studio.