Our clients had a vision to turn this large industrial space into something of a craftsman’s community celebrating their different trades - tailor and hairdresser - in a shared environment. They wanted flexibility so the space could be transformed for fashion shows and gallery exhibitions, as well as a sense of discovery for customers.
The design centers around a sculptural framework of steel pipes. We designed large round mirrors that appear to levitate in the heart of the space, capturing all sorts of textures, materials and movement in their reflection.
In the future, two more cutting stations could be added, and the tables can all fold down, creating a flexible function space or catwalk along the character concrete wall. This wall may also be used for exhibitions.
Metalwork: Ironcraft
Photography: Jackie Meiring
Overlooking the Pinnacles and out over the Central Plateau, this project took place at 2020 above sea level within the award winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, Mt Ruapehu.
We were engaged by the ski field to identify opportunities within the building and accommodate a new restaurant offering that had it’s own identity and flavour, complimenting the existing café.
Photography: Marcel Thiele
After 24 years at their original location on Auckland’s Queen Street, the time came for The Diamond Shop to move to a new location on one of Ponsonby’s most upmarket shopping streets, Jervois Road.
While the Queen Street store had been below street level, dark, secure, and exclusive, the owners wanted their Ponsonby showroom to be more welcoming. They wanted an inviting street presence so that people would feel comfortable wandering in to browse. They wanted to create a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere with “wow factor” to showcase their custom-designed jewelry.
With this vision in mind, we designed the layout so it felt like a gallery space for a visitor to discover. The design is sculptural and minimal. Big glass windows allow you to see into the shop from the road and bathe the space in natural light. Custom-designed sculptural pendants, representing two wedding bands, hang in the window.
Simple, beautiful cabinetry, made of solid natural brass and glass, feature curated jewelry collections surrounded by white space.
The reception counter is clad in faceted brass, inspired by the encasement of a diamond in a ring. Over the reception hang two pendants lights, inspired by pearl earrings.
The gallery space then leads into a homely lounge area so that visitors feel relaxed and comfortable. The Kauri floors were lovingly refurbished and New Zealand art adorns the walls.
The Diamond Shop showroom design was a finalist in the Designers Institute Best Awards 2018.
Joinery: Fieldcraft
Metalwork: Powersurge
NEO is on the first floor of Queen’s Arcade, one of Auckland’s heritage malls originally built in 1929.
Inspiration for the interior is taken from the building itself and its former life as a jazz club, Sardie, way back before it was Queen’s Cafe and Bistro. The half-moon turquoise booths, smoke-coloured mirror and sepia-toned jungle wallpaper are intended to work for day and night.
We worked closely with our client to enhance the flow from the indoor area, leafy with monsteras, bamboo and philodendrons, to the equally-green balcony. The stained glass light fittings are a remnant of the space’s former life.
Photography: Marcel Thiele
We were engaged by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to reimagine the Pataka Eatery at Whakapapa Skifield. This commercial space was not operating efficiently and the floor space was not well utilised.
The objective was to use space planning to achieve a higher seat count, improve the visitor experience, bring life and identity to the space, as well as to improve the efficiency and flow.
The existing natural wood cladding and steel elements formed the foundation. We used a strong colour palette, reminiscent of retro ski gear, in a bright poppy blue, pink and yellow to layer colour and add a fun, nostalgic vibe.
The new steel gates into the cafe were powder coated in bright blue and we improved the flow by adding a specific “in” and “out” system. We added wayfinding signage and implemented a queue management system, improving efficiencies for ordering and collecting food.
We designed custom furniture for the dining area and used a mix of tables and leaners. Leaners featured a tray and hooks, so skiers could tuck their gloves and googles away while they ate, reducing clutter.
The Knoll Ridge Pataka Eatery is an example of how commercial spaces can be improved with space planning, wayfinding, and considered details.
Graphic + Art Direction: Ros Bevin
Photography: Marcel Thiele
Situated on the water's edge with circling views of the Waitemata Harbour, Akarana Eatery has been developed as part of the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, the new home of the historic Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
Original Matai and Rimu wooden floors from the historic Royal Akarana Yacht Club have been recycled and used to create new furniture and joinery items. These pre-loved native timbers have been oiled to bring warmth into the dining room and pay homage to the site’s history.
When the owners of Tay Street Store bought an old dairy in Mount Maunganui, they had a vision in mind. They wanted to create a neighborhood corner store that was inviting and reflective of the location. The store would feature natural, organic products, a deli section, icecream, delicious fresh cabinet food and of course, coffee.
It was a labour of love and friends and family came together to help. Jess Interiors bought the vision and the project together.
The result is a beachy, bright, welcoming store, with a curated range of products on offer. By configuring the space and consciously considering how people shop, we planned the layout to make perfect sense and made sure that everything would fit.
The countertops are solid oak and the front of the counter features pink penny round mosaic tiles, suggestive of the ice cream parlors and milk bars of days gone by. The front of the store opens up making it light and breezy. Custom-made magazine racks and shelves were created and a light was designed to suit the low ceiling. A palm tree pattern wraps the wall, its colours complementing the oak and light pink of the counter.
The owners of Tay Street Store were able to bring their vision to life and the store has become a bustling community hub.
Graphic Design: Rosalind Bevin
Photography: Marcel Thiele
A much deserved renovation of the existing staff cafe at Summerland Primary School in Henderson, Auckland.
The project included a new kitchen design, bespoke banquette seating, and new furniture selections.
Joinery: Fieldcraft
Photography: Marcel Thiele
When award-winning motor vehicle shipping company, Autohub were moving to a new office building they contracted Sara Hand Design to manage the fitout. Sara hired Jess Interiors to design the new office space.
The client wanted a Japanese inspired design, with bold colours and a modern feel.
Red carpets were selected to reflect the colours of Autohub’s logo and bring an energetic colour to the space. Accents of black around the doors were chosen to modernise and create an edgy look. A curved, Japanese inspired screen in the reception created a softer, more welcoming entrance way. The screen let light through the semi-transparent acrylic, so shadows of the office were visible behind. Accents of timber softened and warmed the clean, minimal design.
