In the heart of Melbourne’s Collingwood district, where the industrial echoes of the past meet the high-octane energy of the creative present, a new architectural dialogue is taking place. I can only describe the recent transformation of 10 Peel Street as a design "double-header"—a masterclass in spatial synergy orchestrated by the visionary minds at Studio Manifold.
Led by founders Morgan Novy and Lachlan Cooper, Studio Manifold has successfully bridged the gap between retail theater and workplace functionality within a single heritage-listed shell. This project isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic response to the evolving nature of creative industries. By integrating a Level 1 retail flagship, Mane, with a Level 2 creative PR workspace for Two Birds Talking, the studio has created a multi-layered ecosystem that redefines the modern "office."
The core of this achievement lies in what Studio Manifold calls "interconnected functionality." The design moves beyond the traditional corporate cubicle, instead offering a versatile creative PR office that facilitates both the high-energy demands of collaborative PR events and the quiet focus required for deep-thinking sessions. Through four distinct functional zones—a showroom, a meeting room, a lounge, and a central kitchen—the space acts as a living, breathing extension of the brands it represents.
The Heritage Context: A Dialogue with Peel Street
Designing within a heritage-listed building requires a delicate balance between preservation and progression. At 10 Peel Street, the challenge was to respect the architectural bones of the Collingwood site while injecting a sense of modern utility. Studio Manifold approached this by treating the building as a canvas, allowing the original structural elements to provide a rhythmic backdrop to the contemporary interventions.
The relationship between the two levels is pivotal. While Mane on the ground floor serves as a public-facing retail anchor, the transition to the second floor marks a shift from consumption to creation. However, the design language remains consistent—a sophisticated blend of raw textures and refined finishes that ensures the entire building feels like a singular, cohesive thought.
The workspace occupies a prime position that capitalizes on Collingwood’s unique urban environment. Large windows invite natural light to flood the interiors, creating "dialogue moments" where the activity inside the office mirrors the creative pulse of the street below. This connection to the outside world is essential for a PR agency; it keeps the team grounded in the culture they are tasked with influencing.
The 'Manifold' Philosophy: Interconnected Functionality
What sets Studio Manifold apart is their refusal to be pigeonholed into a single design category. Their philosophy is a hybrid of residential, wellness, workplace, and retail influences. In the Two Birds Talking workspace, this manifest as a sense of "relaxed sophistication." It’s a space that feels professional enough for a high-stakes client pitch but comfortable enough for a late-night brainstorming session.
We often see office designs that lean too heavily into fleeting trends—the "ping-pong table" era of the 2010s comes to mind. Studio Manifold rejects this in favor of a "timeless" and "unapologetically utilitarian" aesthetic. By focusing on material honesty—think terrazzo floors, warm timber accents, and clean steel lines—they have created a workspace that will remain relevant as the PR industry continues to shift.
This utilitarian approach isn't about being cold or clinical; it’s about providing a high-performance stage where the people and their work take center stage. The "Manifold" method ensures that every square inch of the office has a purpose, reducing clutter and mental noise to foster a culture of clarity.
Zone 1: The Central Kitchen & Multi-Purpose Island
If the office is a body, the central kitchen is undoubtedly its heart. In the Two Birds Talking workspace, this area transcends the typical "breakroom" label. It is designed around a massive, multi-purpose kitchen island that serves as the office’s primary anchor.
This single furniture element is a workhorse of versatility. Throughout a typical week, the island facilitates:
- Morning Rituals: A communal space for team coffee and informal catch-ups.
- Collaborative Work: A standing-height surface for reviewing campaign assets or physical products.
- PR Events: A sophisticated serving station for media previews and brand launches.
- Social Connection: A central gathering point that breaks down the hierarchy of a traditional desk layout.
By placing the kitchen at the center, Studio Manifold acknowledges that the most important conversations often happen over a meal or a drink. It encourages a culture of hospitality, which is the very essence of public relations.
Zone 2: The Meeting Room & Showroom
For a PR agency, the showroom is the "shop window" of their expertise. It is here that Two Birds Talking presents the stories of the brands they represent to journalists, influencers, and stakeholders. Studio Manifold’s design for this zone focuses on flexibility and neutral branding.
The meeting and showroom areas are characterized by their ability to transform. Large-scale shelving and display units are integrated into the architecture, allowing products to be highlighted without overwhelming the room. The aesthetic is a careful balance: bold enough to convey a sense of authority, yet subtle enough to allow the client’s brand identity to shine through.
The use of original architectural bones—exposed brick and timber beams—provides a tactile contrast to the polished displays. This juxtaposition reminds visitors of the heritage of Collingwood while pointing toward a progressive future.
Zone 3: Lounge Areas & Pockets of Calm
In an industry as fast-paced as PR, the need for "down-regulation" is often overlooked. Studio Manifold addressed this by incorporating dedicated lounge areas and "pockets of calm" throughout the Level 2 floor plan. These zones are intentionally designed to contrast with the high-energy collaborative areas.
Materiality plays a huge role here. While the kitchen and showroom lean into harder, more durable surfaces, the lounge areas embrace softness. We see:
- Tactile Fabrics: Plush seating in earthy tones (terracotta, sage, and deep ochre).
- Curated Greenery: Lush indoor plants by JALA that improve air quality and provide visual relief.
- Zoned Lighting: Softer, localized lighting that cues the brain to move from "output mode" to "reflection mode."
These areas are essential for "deep work"—the focused, uninterrupted time required for strategic planning and copywriting. By providing a variety of settings, the office allows staff to choose the environment that best suits their current cognitive task.
The Business Case: Why Versatile Design Boosts PR Performance
As an editor, I often look beyond the pretty pictures to ask: Does this actually work? In the case of Two Birds Talking, the answer is a resounding yes. Research consistently shows that workplace design has a direct impact on employee retention, creativity, and overall performance.
In the 2026 PR landscape, authenticity and the "Human Voice" are the most valuable currencies. A workspace that feels authentic—one that honors its heritage and prioritizes human connection—allows staff to project that same authenticity into their work.
The versatile layout supports a dynamic workflow that mirrors the PR cycle:
- The Pitch (Showroom): Professional, impressive, and brand-aligned.
- The Strategy (Lounge): Thoughtful, quiet, and collaborative.
- The Execution (Kitchen/Island): High-energy, social, and fast-paced.
By providing a space that facilitates every stage of the creative process, Studio Manifold has given Two Birds Talking a competitive edge. It is a physical manifestation of their brand promise: agile, connected, and deeply creative.
Conclusion: Designing for Connection and Creativity
Studio Manifold’s work at 10 Peel Street is more than just a renovation; it is a blueprint for the future of the creative office. By treating the workspace as a versatile tool rather than a static destination, they have created an environment that empowers its occupants to do their best work.
In Collingwood, the heritage of the past provides the foundation, but the "interconnected functionality" of the present provides the spark. Whether it’s the commanding presence of the kitchen island or the quiet retreat of the lounge, every element of the Two Birds Talking office is a testament to the power of thoughtful, utilitarian design. It reminds us that when we design for the human experience, the business results inevitably follow.
FAQ
Who designed the Two Birds Talking office in Melbourne? The office was designed by Studio Manifold, a Melbourne-based design firm founded by Morgan Novy and Lachlan Cooper. They are known for their "Manifold" philosophy, which blends residential, retail, and workplace design.
What are the key features of the Studio Manifold PR office design? The design features four distinct zones: a multi-purpose kitchen island for events and collaboration, a high-end showroom/meeting room for brand presentations, dedicated lounge areas for quiet work, and a primary workspace that maximizes natural light.
Why is Collingwood a popular location for creative offices like this? Collingwood offers a unique blend of heritage industrial architecture and a vibrant modern creative community. Buildings like 10 Peel Street provide the character and scale necessary for versatile, multi-level designs that incorporate both retail and professional workspaces.
