LENDLEASE 

BY BATES SMART


Raising The Bar In Sustainable Design



Lendlease’s Brisbane office at 25 King sets a new benchmark for sustainable, culturally integrated workplace design. We caught up with Despina Carpis, Interior Designer at Bates Smart, to dive deeper into the design process and the challenges of balancing high-end aesthetics with strict sustainability standards.


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The project also focused on achieving best-in-class sustainability, targeting both 6 Star Green Star and WELL Platinum certifications. The goal was to create a workplace that minimises environmental impact while prioritising human health.

 

Our team partnered with Brisbane-based Five Mile Radius to source raw materials that were local and readily available – minimising harm to nature.


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DESIGN STYLE

AND AESTHETIC

Q: Congrats on the Sustainability Awards nomination for Lendlease Brisbane! Balancing high-end design with strict sustainability requirements can be a challenge. What was the driving design style and aesthetic for the project?

Despina: It was such a privilege working on Lendlease’s Brisbane workplace as the client not only had sustainability ambitions, but also an ambitious Reconciliation Action Plan. During the conceptual phase, we worked closely with First Nations consultant Blaklash to incorporate a cultural layer into the design. This collaboration influenced every design decision, from spatial planning and built form to material selection, custom furniture, and joinery. The design drew inspiration from Moreton Bay, a significant cultural landmark near Brisbane, shaping key elements such as the layered earth contours and unique interior features. The result is a fitout that honours connections to Country, culture, and community.

The project also focused on targeting both 6 Star Green Star and WELL Platinum certifications. This required a rigorous approach to design, material selection, and procurement, with close coordination among the project team, including ESD consultants, the head contractor, and tradespeople. Biophilic design principles were thoughtfully integrated throughout the space, incorporating planting and endemic species wherever possible. 

FACING CHALLENGES 

IN THE INDUSTRY


Q: Could you share some key requirements set by the GBCA and WELL for Green Star and WELL-certified buildings? What are the biggest challenges in meeting these sustainability and health certification targets?

Despina: One of the key requirements shared between both Green Star and WELL certifications is the careful selection of materials. Depending on the specific rating we’re targeting, it is crucial to research and assess every material specified within a project to ensure it complies with their stringent standards. This often involves sourcing materials with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), declare labels, and other relevant certifications to verify their sustainability and safety. Additionally, toxicity levels—such as the presence of formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and other harmful substances—must be considered, as these can significantly impact both the environmental footprint and the health of building occupants.

We have encountered challenges sourcing materials and, in particular, furniture that meets the necessary requirements. Some suppliers are yet to create products that meet the required certifications, which limits the available options. This makes it more difficult to preserve the original design intent. As a result, balancing aesthetics with sustainability criteria remains a challenge. Moving forward, it’s important for us to know early on if a project is targeting WELL and Green Star so that we can approach the conceptual design phase with these goals in mind.



Q: What changes would you like to see in our industry when it comes to designing better buildings?

Despina: Building on my previous point, I believe that the industry would benefit from more material and suppliers pushing the boundaries of research and innovation to create sustainable products, especially in the furniture sector.

Not only would this enable the creation of more beautiful, functional spaces, but it would also contribute to the broader goal of designing interiors that are healthier for the people who use them. Sustainable choices in materials and furniture play a critical role in improving both the physical and psychological well-being of occupants, leading to spaces that are truly forward-thinking and impactful.

I’m hopeful that as the industry continues to evolve, the availability of sustainable materials and furniture will increase, making it easier to align design intent with sustainability ambitions. 


KEY MILESTONES

AND WHATS NEXT


Q: Can you tell us about your background as an interior designer and any key milestones in your journey, including becoming a WELL Accredited Professional?

Despina: Since entering the design industry, I’ve become increasingly focused on the human experience—creating authentic, sustainable spaces that prioritise both quality materials and design excellence. I have contributed to research for sustainable interior design that upholds high design standards, with a focus on healthy materials.
 
A key milestone in my career was becoming a WELL Accredited Professional. The process required a lot of hard work, with countless hours of study and preparation. The exam itself was challenging, but the sense of accomplishment I felt upon earning the certification was incredibly rewarding. It not only affirmed my commitment to sustainability in design but also enhanced my ability to create healthier, more efficient spaces for the people who use them. After earning this accreditation, I had the opportunity to apply this knowledge on Lendlease’s Brisbane office—an inspiring real-world project with inspiring sustainability aims.

Another highlight has been being named a finalist for the Australian Design Review’s 30 Under 30. It is a tremendous honour and also validating, to know that the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career has been recognised, especially by those I respect and admire in the field. This serves as further motivation to continue growing professionally and contributing to the industry in meaningful ways.
 
I hope to see more of these projects come to life and to continue sharing my knowledge with my peers and the wider industry. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me in the future.

Lendlease Brisbane Office designed by Bates Smart.

Team: Despina Carpis, Hayden Crawford, Cindy Jow, Cara McIntyre, Kellie Payne, Erika Rice, Eliza Rowberry, Lucy Sutton & Tamara Young

All Photography by Andy Macpherson

SHOP

THE PROJECT

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reddie-raw stool COUNTER 42W x 47D x 90 H (65H seat) / Wood Teak~Natural / Wood~Na Rita Bar Stool
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reddie-raw dining chair 46W x 54D x 82H *cm / Wood Teak~Black / Wood Seat Rita Rattan Dining Chair
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reddie-raw round 60dia x 100H *cm / Solid Reclaimed Wood Teak~Natural / Metal~Black Bob Pedestal Cafe & Bar Table (2 heights)