St Ignatius’ Therry building is an environmentally sustainable design in which healthy and inspiring environments support the academic, social, pastoral and community needs of 21st Century learning and demonstrate a courageous commitment to stewardship.

The design for Therry is a unique transformation of an existing building that supports the College’s ambition to adapt its current teaching and learning, reinforce its pastoral commitments and achieve a sustainable solution, fulfilling their mission to remain relevant, nurturing and responsible in todays world.

The brief for the Siena Senior Centre called for agile learning spaces that supported and encouraged a range of learning styles, provided opportunities for the mergence of learning and social space and extended the learning outside.

The design provides a range of different sized learning spaces that provide 

•The sanctity of the classroom, to enable operation in this mode when required and support gradual and purposeful transition of teaching practices, 

•The transparency to raise awareness and enquiry, celebrate the learning and improve the quality of teaching, 

•The connections to provide the flexibility for reconfiguration of space to encourage and support different learning modes.  

These spaces are supported by a range of seminar and breakout rooms that offer further opportunities for contained group work or individual work and reflection.

The College’s investment in the exterior spaces to support the learning and social ambitions is commendable.  The College recognises the value of designing outdoor space as an extension of the learning and to that end encouraged design of landscaped solutions that supported both class instruction and presentation as well smaller group and individual work, play and socialisation.

Located in Sydney’s rapidly growing North-West suburb Kellyville, the William Clarke College STEAM building represents the genesis of a new building typology for the college and the first stage in a transformative masterplan prepared by PMDL.

The location on the existing campus aims to create a new learning node to integrate with future campus development as well as connecting site lines across the schools significant greenspace. 

The design caters to the existing student population, providing new learning spaces for the 6 stream high school, a home-base for two year groups and purpose-built faculty areas for Science, Art, TAS and Maths. 

The integration of home bases and student ownership areas are a means to instil a lifelong love of learning and craft amongst the student population.

The building massing reaches out to connect with the reimagined North and South forecourts whilst capturing campus views and framing the activity inside. Striated cladding and an emphasis on authentic material finishes connect the building to the history of the college’s founder – a renowned figure in the field of Australian Geology.

A variety of flexible and specialist spaces are provided over three levels – offering high calibre, future-thinking environments to prepare students for careers that exist and are yet to emerge.

Before embarking on a campus wide masterplan, St Aloysius' College wanted to create a space to explore and define the opportunities for learning settings through a prototype space. The space was to set parameters for both the learning environment and the pedagogy.

Currently the College’s learning environments are traditional cellar classrooms. The FX Lab is intended to challenge the current teaching and learning methods through trialling space, furniture arrangements and configuration as well as experimental, project based and collaborative learning.

The FX Lab has been designed, constructed and used to inform the College’s Master Plan and associated classroom experience, by challenging the current teaching practices through a range of different learning opportunities. Research into and evaluation of the pedagogical effectiveness of the space, conducted by The University of Melbourne’s Learning Environments Applied Research Network (LEaRN), has further informed the school, teachers and designers for future decision making.

The two general learning areas are transparent and connected to each other as well as the project based learning space. The FX Lab enables students the freedom to work independently on group work with peers, while benefiting from the skills of more than one teacher through team teaching. 

The concept of the ‘Learning Centre’, integrated with a ‘Learning Street’ running along the north south axis of the site, provided new possibilities to link facilities and strengthen connections throughout the campus.  The concept was a relaxed structure with blurred boundaries, promoting enquiry and discourse, providing flexible but discrete connected learning environments.  A three storey building was considered an appropriate scale to accommodate a new Knowledge Exchange, Middle School and Science Discovery.  The establishment of a Knowledge Exchange as an integrated part of the ‘learning street‘ is pivotal to the concept.

The learning street and Knowledge Exchange connects administration services, the canteen and the sports field to the north with the central courtyard as the ‘heart space’ of the senior campus.  The open design creates social spaces to interact, relax, and share while enjoying distant views of Yarra Valley Ranges.  Playful integration of landscape treatments assist to blur the boundaries between internal and external spaces.

The Knowledge Exchange, on the ground floor, evolved from the idea that integration of teachers, students, technology and books creates an invaluable learning resource for all.  With its open plan design, the Knowledge Exchange incorporates spaces for personal reflection, individual study, open and private interaction, group work, presentation, focused learning settings (both informal and formal) and relaxation.

On the first floor, the Middle School provides independent learning spaces for years 7 and 8 students with supporting breakout areas to create a variety of learning settings, giving students and staff greater input and control over their environment and a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for their own learning.  The students enjoy communal space to assemble as a group or combine for assembly of the middle school group.  Learning spaces for the Sciences occupy the second floor of the Learning Centre.  The design provides seven generous, purpose fitted learning spaces for each science discipline, with integrated theory and practical spaces. Central demonstration areas promote hands on and inquiry based learning opportunities. Placement and integration of display tanks, LCD screens, gardens and display space provide opportunities to connect and celebrate science.

Strathcona’s continued commitment to the environment and sustainability, influenced and informed design decisions throughout the process.  The energy efficient design incorporates a building management systems allowing the School to monitor indoor environments ensuring efficient and comfortable spaces for learning.  Environmentally friendly and sustainable materials are incorporated extensively throughout the building.

The Learning Centre results in students and staff being closely connected around the central heart space of the campus providing increased opportunity for interaction and pastoral care.  Specialist learning areas combine with the general learning areas through a number of connections and paths, extend learning opportunities while providing future agility and flexibility.

The Learning Centre was awarded a Commendation in the 2016 Boroondara Urban Design Awards.

St Aloysius’ College is a Catholic independent day school for boys from Year 3 to Year 12, situated in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The College comprises of three campuses. The Junior School campus, housing Years 3 to 6, is situated on Burton Street. The Main campus, housing the Middle School is located on Upper Pitt Street and is opposite the Wyalla Senior School campus which is on Jeffreys Street.

PMDL Architecture & Design was engaged by the College in 2016 to develop a masterplan for redevelopment across the College’s three campuses. The masterplan identified that the teaching and learning environments of the campuses present the most pressing needs of the College, similarly the study acknowledged a range of other facility requirements that need to be addressed.  

The Upper Pitt Street Main Campus was identified in the masterplan as requiring the most significant work of all the College’s Kirribilli sites. The proposed expansion and refurbishments are a sensitive response to the need to create flexible, contemporary learning spaces at the College, whilst reinforcing a sense of community and creating opportunities for study and recreation. It will create more collaborative areas for staff, and improve connection and circulation through the levels.

Activation of the new rooftop as a recreational area will provide the campus much needed outdoor space for its staff and students to enjoy.

The exterior architectural approach is formal and composed, it is contemporary and responds to the urban surroundings of the site. The goal is to create a strong identity for St Aloysius’ College Upper Pitt Street Campus that is grounded, elegant and timeless. 

Located in Cecil Park in Sydney’s far west, the Saints Peter and Paul Assyrian Primary School campus will cater to students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

The design is for 630 students as a three stream primary school to meet the growing need for an educational facility, fit for the 21st century, which serves the Assyrian Church of the East’s Christian faith, heritage, language, culture and community.

The mostly two-storey proposal incorporates primary and support facilities organised around a central ‘Civic Heart’, facing the vista towards the Blue Mountains overlooking a restored riparian woodland.

The proposed school site has a strong sense of connection for the local Assyrian community, being next door to their Saints Peter & Paul Parish Church.

In addition, the proposed Primary School is close to the newly-opened, purpose-built, Saint Narsai Christian College (Years 7 - 12), also designed by PMDL.

The Masterplanned design creates a safe, balanced environment for exploring and learning, where highly-adaptable, multi-purpose, indoor and outdoor spaces aim to develop a strong sense of identity and community. 

Extensively landscaped grounds for passive and active play, as well as outdoor learning opportunities, are incorporated into the proposal.

Environmentally sensitive design principles are at the heart of the proposal.

PMDL and Arterra Design collaborated on the site landscape design in order to integrate and maximise the learning opportunities as well as respond to the ecological and environmental management issues presented by the site.

Key to PMDL securing the commission for this prominent project for St Edwards College was an initial concept that went beyond simply accommodating the College’s education and facilities brief to considering what value the solution could offer the wider campus. The initial brief called for the replacement of the existing library, located centrally within the campus, with a larger contemporary learning environment as well as performing arts facilities, including music and drama and an auditorium.

The sloping site provided the opportunity to design a building over 4 levels that, nestled into the slope, was in keeping with the scale of the surrounding context. The solution is a building, completed within time and budget, that provides a greater range and area of accommodation than initially envisaged, key connections to existing outdoor spaces, reinforcement of main circulation routes and generous civic space at multiple levels for gathering, play and extension of the learning. With no requirement for natural light the drama facilities and auditorium are buried in the ground providing the opportunity above ground to relocate the majority of staff facilities and the cafeteria into this central facility, aptly referred to as the learning hub.

A unique project in replacing an existing outdoor pool with a first class 50M multi purpose indoor pool with diving. Supported by a commercially run learn to swim centre that was the backbone of the business case for the facility, and a top rate fitness gym for training student rowers, tennis, hockey, football and swim teams. 

Recent pools at other elite schools are relatively insular, but this pool expands the existing grandstands to house 750 spectators to stage full regional school and community swim carnivals.  Multi purpose by use of a floating boom that creates 1 x 50M pool, 2 x 25M pools, separate water polo, and diving at 3 heights up to 5M.  

Central to the design was a very clever Arup inspired sustainable water and air heating system using full fresh air cycles with heat exchangers and focusing all dry heated air up and across the external glazing to minimise any winter corrosive condensation.  

Pool hall acoustics are often disastrous so we used heavily absorbent materials on wall surfaces and ceiling baffles together with close spaced speakers to achieve great results.  

The pool project was combined with a 220 space car park and hockey field over forming an entire Centenary Precinct project. 

The College undertook a comprehensive Masterplan study throughout 2012 with formal adoption of the outcomes in February 2013.  The study identified a number of key responses to the site and the education Strategic Plan including the need to provide accommodation that could respond to changing demands in teaching and learning and supported a more collaborative approach.

One of the key drivers in the Masterplan was the realisation by the College that they were not a “suburban” school but rather had to identify themselves as an “urban” campus and therefore needed to assess the quality of spaces and places differently.  Similarly the connections and circulation needed to build a structure capable of encouraging and reinforcing links and circulation around the campus, creating civic spaces and be much more than a collection of “classrooms” and corridors.

The first development stage identified in the Masterplan included the need to provide contemporary science teaching and learning spaces accessible to both the Junior and Senior Schools.  Council requirements for traffic management and provision for car parking as well as a duty of care for “kiss and ride”  also meant a strategic response which again was much more than just teaching and learning spaces.

The design of the new and refurbished facilities commenced with the detailed overall site planning to ensure spaces were created and circulation was much more than corridors.  Key to this was the creation of a podium terrace above the new car parking level which created a Junior School sense of place but clearly visible from the Senior School.  Once infrastructure was agreed the building footprints were planned with the future in mind, through the creation of large floor plates allowing future intervention and update in response to changing needs.  These floor plates optimised structure and services allowing current and future sub division into a variety of spaces  by partition walls with maximised transparency.  The new building also creates a new strong identity and entry from Gulliver Street, something previously lacking for the campus.

The general feedback from staff and students has been very positive particularly in the ease of access and diversity of teaching and learning opportunities on offer.  The science team has found the spaces significantly improve their ability to facilitate a variety of learning options and be more agile in responses to learning enquiry.  The Junior School feels it is now part of the overall College but with their own special place and sense of identity.

The project was awarded a Commendation in the Learning Environments Australasia NSW Chapter Awards 2016.

PMDL was invited to submit a design proposal for a newly acquired 26Ha parcel of land in Meadowie, NSW. The vision of the new precinct included brand new childcare, primary school, secondary school and a place of worship. 

PMDL’s design concept of the new precinct was centred in the philosophy of Catholic Earthcare ASSISI approach and the CSO’s framework around Faith + Identity, Community, Learning and Stewardship. Site planning and orientation was developed to retain the existing site character and vegetation whilst respecting bushfire and native habitat whilst looking to maximise the assets and opportunities for the school and community. 

A new 7 stream secondary school complex was further developed as part of this brief. The concept is developed from a central, predominantly internal “learning street”, providing a clear sense of orientation and integrated with the visible learning spaces. The street is an active place, providing opportunities for learning and social interaction, with connections to both the learning spaces and the external environment. 

The built facilities connect to the outdoors physically as well as visually. The plan form reaches out to the environment and also invites the outdoor in, creating protected, human scale spaces, which in turn connect to the active unbuilt zone. 

The proposed International Maarif School of Australia, Gallipoli Campus will be the first of its kind in Australia, catering to students from years K to 12 in an integrated education campus. The design is for 728 students as a two stream school to meet the growing need for a contemporary educational facility which services its local community in the same faith and culture. The three storey urban proposal incorporates primary and secondary general, specialist and support facilities organised around a central community heart. 

The proposed school site in Auburn has a strong sense of connection being in close proximity to the iconic Gallipoli Mosque and good access to supporting local and community services such as sporting & recreational facilities. The proposal goes beyond a collection of classrooms and corridors, in providing a strong sense of community both internally and externally. 

The massing of the building responds to the varying heights of the surroundings, with the building envelope aligning with Percy St and Gelibolu Pde, and cascading down to the north, opening up to outdoor landscaped play areas for the students but also allowing daylight to penetrate the internal facing building façades. Landscaped terraced areas also provide opportunity for outdoor learning for students. The Percy St and Gelibolu Pde corner provides opportunity as a focal point and for a continuous facade ribbon element to wrap around the street façades by arrangement of perforated screens revealing the central heart of the building. This central heart is the main gathering space for the school and its community to come together and celebrate the joy of learning and knowledge.

OLOR Learning HubThe project was shortlisted for the Insitute of Architects Awards.

As part of a campus Masterplan, existing facilities were examined and new learning model developed. Facilities have included the Mutlipurpose Hall and a significant new learning cohort building and surrounding courtyard area, including the creation of 16 new homebase learning spaces together with resource, specialist and support facilities. The planning provided for a new “front door”, administration and staff accommodation.

Other facilities have included the development of a new Prep School to expand the Junior School offer as well as an upgraded sports pavilion.

Our work with Pymble, spanning two decades, includes a several significant new and refurbished facilities, and - importantly - an ongoing contribution to the stewardship of this outstanding campus. We are proud of our contribution to the high quality learning environments for Pymble girls across the K-12 spectrum. Landmark buildings include the Conde Library, the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts, Kate Mason Senior Centre and the Centenary Precinct Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

In 2002, Strathcona BGGS won a tender for a new site, 50m from their main School campus in Scott Street, Canterbury. Following a successful design competition which saw the birth of a new master plan for both sites, pmdl has assisted the school to realise its’ potential resulting in a complete transformation of the site. Projects include the Early Learning Centre, Junior School, Senior Centre, Performing Arts Centre, Fitness and Aquatic Centre, refurbishment of Featherstone Hall and most recently a Learning Centre including Knowledge Exchange, Middle School and Scientific Discovery. We are currently working on their new Year 10 centre, due to be complete later this year. The presentation of the school, along with the spaces between the buildings has been a constant focus. Every part of the campus has its own distinct environment that is linked by a learning street that provides the connection to the main heart space of the school.

The School facilities have won CEFPI Australasia awards.

A unique learning village campus with strong environmental connections.

Development concept in Shanghai, China for a new Prep-12 greenfield International School catering to 1,300 students. Facilities include agile and flexible learning spaces together with communal facilities including Aquatic, Sports, Performing Arts, Science and Resource Centres. The design is based around integration with the landscape, the planning reflecting a learning village arranged into clear precincts reinforcing a sense of identity and place.

Wesley College is a co-ed residential College within the grounds of Sydney University, and they wished to extend and maximise their student accommodation numbers on the small land holdings they control.

PMDL were commissioned to do a Masterplan study, which identified the primary expansion opportunity as being vertical expansion of the Purser and E Wings by raising the roof and rebuilding it a higher level, whilst maintaining the heritage character of the building. A simultaneous upgrade of the central courtyard has been be carried out. Accommodation has been expanded by a total of 58 rooms together with an upgrade of existing facilities.

Originally built in the 1960s and since fallen into disrepair, PMDL worked closely with the client to revitalise the building by providing a full renovation aligning it with modern minimal design sensibilities while retaining the original’s character and enhancing the burgeoning neighbourhood. The design utilised the building’s 1960’s beam and post concrete construction to open up its facade to flood the relatively small apartments with natural light. The facade was finished with high tech render and contrasting windows which, while giving the building it’s minimal outlook, prolongs the lifespan of its construction breathing life into a previously inconspicuous building.  

The building consists of five apartments above retail at ground floor. Each apartment, with an area of 25m2, is designed around a service wall which implies a subdivision of the apartment while not minimising sense of space. The service wall facilitates kitchen equipment, AC ducting and storage, freeing up the rest of the apartment for use. The apartment is focused on a new corner window which overlooks the prominent Queens Road and maximises daylight in the apartment.

The Astor Pty Ltd engaged PMDL to upgrade all public spaces throughout this iconic building. This included upgrades to fire regulations, lighting, access and finishes, whilst maintaining and restoring the historic fabric of the interiors. All apartments are individually owned through company title.

PMDL delivers a unique scheme, a pair of 3 bedroom houses with generous and intriguing designs. The houses are intended to ‘peek’ over their walled garden with textured and reflective materials, which simultaneously announce their presence and complement the materiality & scale.  The plans maximise the sites development potential, using natural day light, and connection which create living areas that flow into their gardens. A beautiful setting for family life.  Bedrooms and bathrooms are luxurious, innovative, and provide flexibility to the marketplace or as the family shrinks and grows.

PMDL participated in a limited competition for the design of an integrated high density residential development, with a retail podium. A collaborative design, with Shenzhen Hauzhu Architectural & Engineering Co. Ltd, pmdl and Shenzhen Hauzhu designed a scheme that allows for a coexistence of commercial, leisure and residential development, with a green public space.

Masterplan concept for 50,000sqm site in the centre of Nanjing. The design, which centres around villa modules on a North / South orientation, aims to preserve and enhance the exisitng landscape features, whilst maximising natural ventilation throughout the site and creating a sense of community.

George and Matilda is a innovative optical retailer on a mission to re-frame the eye care category across Australia. The new eye care provider has a unique offer, partnering with local established optometrists to provide a new approach to progressive vision care and stylish frames in a welcoming and warm retail environment.

George and Matilda Liverpool project involved PMDL providing schematic design, tender and construction administration to take the brands recently acquired Liverpool store from inception to realisation. The store was operating as a optical retailer which had been acquired by G&M for a complete re-brand. The brief required a new concept and retail experience as well as increasing capacity of the optometry service.

As a start-up brand, initial workshops and SWOT analysis’ were undertaken to define the brief and identify the key moments in the customer journey. Client workshops also assisted the development of a look and feel that embodied the brand DNA and codes: local, at your best, Australian Warmth, Home and their signature G&M roundel.

 Clear design objectives were: 

1. Celebrate the Optometry - 50/50 optom/retail model

2. Create dynamic functional spaces

3. Provide clarity of the customer journey

A palette of warm natural finishes and materials were proposed reminiscent of the Australian landscape with a home-like feel reflective of the brands core DNA. With the notion of Home, customer touchpoints were developed to define the key moments in the retail and service journey, reminiscent of rooms in a home. For example; the study being a private area of a home was linked to the testing rooms. The kitchen being the communal area of home was linked to Glasses assembly where new completed frames were served up.

Due to shopping centre constraints and project budget, the existing shopfront was maintained and a custom graphic inspired by the contours of the Australian landscape was designed to coat the existing glass. Custom joinery and other signature design elements such as large digital screens were included in the design, with the ambition that these could be scaled across future role out stores as a part of the brand’s story within the built environment.

As the first built store for G&M defining the budget and scalable design elements - PMDL worked with the project manager to address value engineering through out the design development process. The store has currently been in operation since November 2017 and has seen an increase in sales since the new fitout.

PMDL Architecture + Design recently completed a new 450 sqm flagship store for fashion brand V Grass in Nanjing, China. Working closely with the client, the design team developed a scheme inspired by the materiality and grandeur of the Italian palazzo, and the geometrical composition of classical European architecture.

The retail floor consists of four spaces, lined in rich silks and white terrazzo, linked axially with grand terrazzo portals. A monolithic terrazzo floor flows through the four retail areas, with luxurious inset bamboo silk carpets in the generous seating areas. The spatial sequence culminates in a 6.5m diameter rotunda.

This is the first V Grass store to incorporate a VIP lounge, which will cater to VIP customers and offer a venue for private receptions and events. The lounge uses a similar materials palette to the retail store, with a darker, more glamorous tone. Floored in warm grey terrazzo, the walls are a lime washed engineered ash veneer. Original artworks inspired by the V Grass couture range line the space, which is envisaged as an immersive brand showcase.

V Grass Nanjing Deji Plaza draws inspiration from the geometric composition of classical architecture and the sharp detailing of contemporary design to create a retail space that is elegant and timeless. Conceived as the welcoming residence of a gracious host, the store offers a journey into the brand, commencing with a hard-paved foyer, leading through a rich drawing room, into a grand salon and culminating in a magnificent rotunda.

Taking inspiration from the golden age of Hollywood glamour, the design of the 7500 square feet store aims to envelop the customer in the opulence and style of this era. From the elegant, reflective metal ceiling to the subtle shopfront facade of rose gold glass, the iconic elements of classical Hollywood Cinema have been interweaved into the design of the store. 

Refined Art Deco inspired trims both highlight and define the brand areas, creating clarity and definition within the store, as well as tying in with the theme of the surrounding Hotel and Casino.

The bespoke joinery items exude the air of luxury, reflecting the DNA of the DFS brand, as well as both enticing the customer to explore deeper in to the store and accentuating the product on display. 

The use of concealed and indirect lighting designed around the product results in a opulent, gracefully balanced retail experience in keeping with the theatrical nature of the surrounding mall. 

The integration of locally inspired motifs was an inherent process of the design, while PMDL and DFS Group worked together to develop a retail environment that is filled with cultural references.  These including wall and column sandstone carvings that were produced by local artists - Artisans d’Angkor, as well as traditional hand-made encaustic tiles and a ceiling installation inspired by the colours and context of the region.

Over 8,000 sqm of retail is centered around a two-story atrium space, with a Beauty Hall featured above, and a Luxury Travel Accessories area offering fine leather goods, shoes and smaller fashion items on floor below. 

High in the atrium, in the heart of the building, is a twisting, orange 60-foot art installation entitled “Khsai Ponnareay” or “Luminous Ribbon”, which ties the store together and is visible from all angles of the space.  “Khsai Ponnareay” is set against fine hand-crafted timber screens emotive of local vernacular timber Khmer architecture.

Located in Sydney’s historic The Rocks Precinct & opposite First Fleet Park and iconic Circular Quay ferry terminal, T-Galleria by DFS is a luxury retail venue located between George, Harrington and Globe Street to the North.

DFS Australia, having operated in this prime location for over 25 years, engaged PMDL to reinvent a one stop retail paradise for its loyal international customers who visit the historical shopping precinct.

The key ambitions of the project was to create a stronger street presence, focus on circulation for patrons and create a new and refreshing focal space in the shopping experience for retail events and celebrations. 

Working with the building owners, PMDL were able to relocate the main office tower entry lobby so that DFS could have complete ownership of the grand George Street vaulted entry. This move provided opportunity to to create a striking, welcoming arrival point from the street with a strong vista into the atrium and luxury retail offer beyond. Brand facades extend through this entryway, bring the shopping experience to the street. 

Transitioning from the street is a soaring three-storey atrium and expansive glazed facade to historic Globe St, the heart of the atrium linking the heritage red brick terraces with the modern retail offer. The black and white tessellated marble flooring flow into the retail floor, giant pillars, high ceiling, boutique retails entrances, and natural light filtering in from the new Globe street infill glazing, add to the elegant ambience.

The creation of centralised escalators facilitated a clear retail customer journey and visual connection between the floors, becoming a feature in its own right.

The revamped store features over 150 top brands over four levels, showcasing an extensive selection across DFS’ five ‘pillars of luxury’: fashion and accessories, beauty and fragrances, watches and jewellery, wines and spirits, and food and gifts.

The refurbishment of T-Galleria by DFS Sydney began in August 2016 and opened its door to customers in late 2017.

A pioneer concept for high-end, luxury retail, Le Salon sees the creation of a series of rooms or salon spaces that exhibit and retail some of the world’s finest timepieces. In keeping with the quality of the product, the sophistication and attention to detail displayed in Le Salon both entices and excites, whilst also educating the customer as to the whole time piece journey.

The addition of new retail space to IMAX Darling Harbour adds strength to the original iconic building form through fresh interpretation of elements and materials completing a more appropriate ground level interface and offering new ways of engaging with Harbour views.

For over a decade we have been working with DFS to deliver exceptional luxury travel retail destinations in Asia and Australia, incorporating Beauty, Fashion and Luxury environments. Our work draws on our understanding of the retail experience, insightful planning, high quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. We are passionate about creating beautiful and high performing retail environments and have assisted in the development and refurbishment of Galleria projects, showcasing leading luxury brands, in Hong Kong, Macau, Siem Reap, Sydney and Cairns.

We have extensive experience in the design of airport retail concessions, across Beauty, Spirits Wine & Tobacco and Fashion categories, as well as individual boutiques. We have developed a keen understanding of the key drivers of successful airport retail, balancing the logistics and convenience factors of this high volume environment with the spirit of the destination. With projects in Hong Kong, Changi(Singapore), Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, Sydney and Auckland, we have a proven ability to deliver across our region and beyond.

New shopping development based in Chuzhou China, which is sited amongst important heritage buildings. PMDL were asked to further develop the retail layouts and designs as a contemporary extension for the heritage precinct.

Part of the Four Seasons shopping complex in Macau, the Platinum Services Club Lounge is an invitation-only space where VIP customers can relax and recharge while taking a break from shopping. An elegant design characterised by luxurious finishes, decorative ceilings and classic furnishings, the 800 sqm space is organised into a series of rooms and private lounge spaces that can be opened up to create larger function spaces. The design embodies a true sense of place, drawing inspiration from the local heritage and culture.

The project was shortlisted in the IDEA awards.

As part of the overall redevelopment of the Crown Hotel, eight boutique hotel rooms were added. The elegantly furnished rooms combine contemporary style with romance and luxury. Guests soak up the charming and quirky ambience in these uniquely designed rooms, which extend the eclectic spirit of DOME upstairs and provide spacious and modern facilities.

DOME is a destination bar. A delightful combination of the old and new, the opulent and understated, in the heart of vibrant Surry Hills. It has a baroque-inspired design, complete with antique chandeliers, gold ceilings, plush double bed size lounges and a grand mural adorning the main wall. The dazzling ruby-red glass bar along with the rich colours, plush fabrics and dark walnut floors are evocative of a classic era, but with a distinctly modern twist.

Part of the complete refurbishment of an existing landmark hotel, featuring new ground floor bar, gaming lounge, bottle shop, Dome Cocktail bar and accommodation. The concept was inspired by the eclectic surroundings of Surry Hills, which were incorporated in to the design with a fresh contemporary approach fused with reinstating the heritage identity of the building.

A new concept for the refurbishment of the former Mandarin Club in the Sydney CBD including refacing the street front, a bar, mezzanine cocktail lounge, gaming lounge and basement night club. The design uses the building’s existing structural fabric and history as an element to create a ‘point of difference’, which was part of the initial brief.

A new basement level nightclub created as part of the overall redevelopment of Mr B’s, in the former Mandarin Club in Sydney CBD.

An update of the entire existing Club, previously designed by PMDL in 2003, to reflect the changing patronage and portray a more sophisticated level of experience. Repositioning of gaming lounge and restaurants together with a total upgrade to members’ facilities.

As part of a long term relationship PMDL has worked with Scenic World in the development of a site masterplan which has evolved into a number of award winning staged upgrades and new facilities. The site now features an additional ride with the Cableway to the valley floor which links with a rainforest boardwalk. Both the Skyway and Railway rides have been replaced with new equipment and engineering with the retail and food and beverage facilities all upgraded. The update and expansion of the Scenic World offer has been managed through a staged process ensuring that the existing operations suffered minimal impact.

PMDL Architecture + Design are proud to announce the recent completion of a ‘Just Orange’ cinema in conjunction with Shibo Cinemas, affiliated with Poly Film Cinema Group.

Occupying an area of 4200 sqm, the new ‘Just Orange’ cinema is located within the Shining City retail mall in Hangzhou, and has recently been voted among the 'top 20 creative new cinemas in China' at the 13th national convention of cinema operators.

As the latest project under the Poly Film Cinema Group brand, Just Orange aims to push the boundaries of cinema experience. The 10 Screen multiplex incorporates Poly Film self-branded Poly Max Theatre, Dolby Atmos surround sound technology, Belgian Barco projection technology, JBL acoustics from the USA, as well as D-box seats that offer a motion dynamic experience, choreographed with the film itself for a fully immersive cinematic experience. 

Residing in a building once used as a tobacco factory, PMDL’s design aesthetic is a carefully considered balance of references to site's original and new use. The retention of existing design features such as the industrial concrete finish and the floor-to-slab ceiling height emphasise the theatrical nature of the space. Bold, oversized, saturated colour numbers used as feature entrances to each of the cinema screens create an outstanding, contemporary visual feast, both aiding in the ease of circulation for the patrons as well as composing a juxtaposition against the raw concrete finishes.

Cinematic life size action figures hanging from the walls are placed around the foyer and Food&Beverage areas bring the silver screen to life and create a feeling of awe and excitement before you have even arrived at your seat. These are complimented with high quality projections and lighting effects that add an unique and changing dynamic to the space.

Concept for an ultra high definition immersive dome vision venue and a new iconic world landmark building. The concept will provide an unrivalled cinematic experience, whilst providing large scale conference and tourism opportunities.

Cinemas have continued to evolve over time both in terms of technology and equipment, but more importantly to meet new patron expectations and experience. Luxury seating and available leg space are only one a aspect of the guest experience that patrons value. Today the quality of food and beverage support by sophisticated interior settings and in theatre service determines the success of a contemporary cinema. PMDL have been involved in this evolution of the cinema experience for over 20 years and has assisted Hoyts in the evolution of their many offers. In that time we have delivered over 250 new cinemas, been involved in numerous refurbishments and implementation of new retail and hospitality concepts.

After 25 years in Crows Nest, the growth, success and evolution of PMDL’s Sydney studio prompted and supported relocation to new premises in North Sydney. 

On arrival to Level 17 team and visitors are welcomed into the social hub, the ‘living room’ of the studio, which is designed to support social events, professional learning collaborative group work and quiet reflection, all enriched by picturesque views of Sydney Harbour. 

Underpinned by the decision to reduce personal for communal space, the design places emphasis on collaboration. The open plan work area is designed around a central maker space which is supported by quiet contemplation nooks, meeting hubs and breakout zones that provide the team with multiple and flexible work options.

Natural and warm materials are used to create an understated neutral backdrop that highlights the unique outlook and creates a bright, relaxed and homely vibe. 

New commercial fitout over three and a half floors for the Melbourne ASIC offices at 160 Collins Street, Melbourne. Future proof design strategies and principals anticipated the needs and requirements for the commercial fit out of almost 6800 sq.m. of space. The design focuses on maximising light and visual connection with clearly defined circulation routes. With a high level of security and acoustic requirements to meet the sensitive and professional nature of the organisation, the design delivers efficient, effective, equitable outcomes for all.

Working closely with our client, ERM (Environmental Resource Management) PMDL was given the opportunity to develop ERM’s new Hong Kong work space that focused on collaboration, promoted ERM’s global identity and position and instilled an environmentally friendly ethos the team can be proud of.

The planning challenged traditional barriers between reception and front of house spaces by consolidating them into the main team work zone. The 750 sqm workspace will cater for their 78 strong team. Efficiency in planning was achieved by breaking down silos and creating a variety of collaboration zones. In contrast to many traditional Hong Kong office spaces, PMDL was able to maintain the high ceiling of 3.4m. This allowed maximum natural daylight to filter through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The open plan studio gave all team members a view to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour by placing shared facilities such as the main team hub and casual meeting spaces by the windows. The main meeting rooms were designed to be fully flexible and operable for ERM. As a world leader in environmental education and knowledge, ERM holds various seminars and events which allows engagements and sharing of ideas for their team with their guest speakers and other consultants. By understanding the client’s key needs and ambitions for collaborative team work, we reduced enclosed office spaces and offered more team space for activity-based work solutions, We were able to maintain the budget whilst delivery an inspirational work environment.

In addition to our work on the Dior flagship store in Sydney, PMDL were engaged to design the refurbishment of existing office space for the new Dior Office, located in the same street. In keeping with the style and elegance for which the brand is renowned, the space features a sophisticated front of house reception area and boardroom facilities, and a smart but simple open plan office behind, with glazed offices and meeting room spaces.

Refurbishment of 15 levels of office space including meeting rooms, restaurant, library and administration facilities as part of the complete building upgrade for the Law Society of New South Wales.

Testimonial. “The modernisation of this building not only reflects our professional identity, it also facilitates our ability to respond to the needs and interests of an increasingly broad and diverse legal profession and the communities we serve.”– Stuart Westgarth, President.

Vodafone is a values-based organisation. The design gives body to these values. The fitout lets them walk the talk. Open work areas radiate from communal space. Personal space becomes team space. Forms are dynamic and flowing, giving a sense of movement and action. Over four floors of fitout there is space to work, to walk, to meet, to crash, to recharge.

The Lobby refurbishment at 68 Harrington St provides a new sense of arrival for the building occupants, a natural warm toned ceramic tiled entry portal and feature perforated metallic finish ceiling is a bold continuous element connecting the exterior with the interior. 

A generous stair leads up to the main lobby space, which is activated by a cafe with causal seating and a formal lobby waiting area.

The material finishes are sophisticated and provide a modern feel with natural stone floors, open batten ceilings, warm timber panelling and metallic wall paint with metal trims to provide highlights throughout the spaces.

The lift lobby area is refreshed by light stone walls and metal trims. Backlit perimeter lighting and spot lights create an intimate mood within all the lobby areas.

Design development and documentation of 8 storey commercial building in Mascot for strata sale. Services included full building, marketing material, tenancy fit out concepts and full design and fit out of child care centre.

Two “portal” research and development buildings on Waterloo Road, North Ryde. The northern building won the 1996 Master Builders Award for Commercial Buildings.

The key compositional driver for the master plan involves the creation of a central landscaped focus. The majority of buildings in the master plan participate in a formal arrangement around a centrally placed landscaped courtyard space featuring a large water feature surrounded by a formal arrangement of flowering trees and gardens. The concept is complemented with the removal of vehicular traffic from above ground through the location of all carparking entrances to the outer perimeter thus promoting a pedestrian friendly environment. This offers works and visitors alike a relaxed, calm and quiet central garden sanctuary in what is becoming a busy quarter to the city of Nanjing.

A strong sense of arrival to the development is offered to all visitors through the placement of additional water features to the main road supported by trees and gardens framing generous views of the exhibition building. This building is presented as a long pavillion structure that engages directly with the central water feature creating a distinctive landmark and signature for the development. The tallest towers have been located to the main external corners of the development site creating a strong sense of gateway and architectural conversation with buildings on the adjoining site.

Architectural Vocabulary: All building facades are expressed with a strong vertical emphasis to assist a perception of height and strength. It is advocated that vertical elements on the Incubator towers are finished in polished metals as a gesture to the sky assisting a sense of height and slenderness. All buildings utilise similar composition of materials and glazing treatment but are reorganised to offer individual character. More decorative end wall treatments are featured on the Hotel building offering a distinctive point of difference and therefore character to stand apart from the other buildings but also participates with common form and gestures to read as part a common architectural family. The development will standout as a landmark development with attractive building composition complemented with quality landscape spaces and importantly will be enjoyed by all users and visitors.

The design concept for the exhibition build evokes a leaping coy fish playfully enjoying the quality of the water features set in the landscape. Expressed as a long pavilion the form curves and sweeps over and into the central water feature. The external treatment therefore takes on a simple layered form resembling fish scales offering rhythm, colour and lighting in a decorative and innovative arrangement. The pavilion will offer a unique signature for the entire development, viewed on arrival and creating a distinctive landmark.

The new Administration Building forms the centre of the Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematorium complex accommodating administrative, sales, condolence and support functions. Winner of 2002 Master Builder’s Award for Public Buildings ($2.5–$10m) – Grosvenor Constructions.

The Remembrance Pavilion was conceived as a unique sculptural feature within a wider landscaping plan for the Memorial Gardens of the Eastern Suburbs Cemetery. The circular pavilion and water feature intersect, the forms being symbolic of the life cycle.

Development of airport related industrial units incorporating office and warehouse facilities.

Development of a new state distribution centre as part of time critical logistics for Australian Air Express. The facility includes approximately 8,000 sqm of warehouse and 2,000 sqm of office accommodation together with efficient hardstand and access circulation.