Located a short commute from Sydney's centre, Alexandria is a burgeoning suburb with industrial origins, observable by its skyline of sawtooth roofs, exposed trusses and utilitarian facades. For local Australian architect William Smart, creative director of Smart Design Studio, the conservation movement at the northern end of the precinct offered immense appeal.

Overlooking a bustling street corner in Tokyo’s historic business district, the Arakawa building site and the commercial ventures it has cultivated have long contributed to the fabric of the surrounding cityscape. When the original building reached its expiry date, Japanese architects Nikken Sekkei focussed on creating a new gesture that would continue this legacy and contribute to the Tokyo of the future. The architects generated a landmark volume where a vertical network of stairs and balconies line its exterior, linking the owner’s private residence and office space with commercial levels available for lease.

The second of three spaces created by architects Patrick Kennedy and Rachel Nolan for Australian company Laminex seeks to challenge typical commercial office design. Titled ‘Workplace’, Kennedy Nolan’s eye-catching prototype showcases a curated mix of solid colours and natural textures alongside the firm’s uniquely sculptural approach to form-making. The workspace possesses two other qualities essential for a fit-out of its kind – a high level of durability and ease of maintenance, all made possible by the inherent qualities of laminate.

The workplace reinforces the identity of the company,” says Luke Skurrie, managing director of Ironside whose business digs have been bestowed with the warmth and eye for detail, quality and authenticity that’s on par with the boutique construction company’s portfolio.