Housed in a New York-style brick building, Contempo is the new design office of a Hong Kong-based architecture and interior practice. The studio has transformed a former industrial space into a hybrid work and creative environment spanning 10,000 sqft over two floors.

Designed to promote a sense of community and inspire ingenuity, the office merges versatile and fluid work zones with myriad social spaces, drawing on an inventive palette and understated colors to impart a relaxed, cohesive ambience.

The main workspace is arranged on the lower floor, framed by galvanized steel partitions, and where an emphasis is placed on creating a balance between physical and desktop experiences. To facilitate varying work flows and team dynamics, solo work stations are coupled with smaller break-out areas and workshopping tables to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, an approach that is deeply rooted in the studio’s holistic approach.

A long corridor separates other work functions on the lower floor - such as a private meeting space - and visually connects the all-inclusive material library at the back, to the lush outdoor terrace. Alongside the green views, the light-filled café is a place for staff to forge closer connections, or to unwind and disengage from work, combining a relaxed lounge and a spacious common area where a dynamic set-up accommodates all kinds of informal exchanges, dining, seminars – or even film screenings. The barista-style bar is detailed with three-meter-long travertine, creating a visual anchor and adding tactility to the space.

The two studio floors are linked by a feature staircase, lined entirely in warm Scandinavian timber and crafted with a double-layered, angular balustrade. A wall niche, recessed deep into the walls at the middle landing, highlights architectural models with a diffused glow.

Contempo’s upper level is a multi-purpose gallery and event space. Conceived as an extension of the workspace to showcase the team’s artistic talents and to welcome creative partnerships, the gallery houses commissioned artworks alongside sculptural pieces and furniture designs. Internal swing and sliding doors flexibly turn the space into a standalone venue for exhibitions or intimate dinners – free from the distractions of other work areas. Another highlight is a striking retail display showcasing the range of lifestyle products designed by the studio, set in the corner of the gallery in textured hunter green walls with speckled terrazzo floors.

All fixed inventory within the office was designed in-house, from walls and shelves upholstered in textured fabrics, kitchen units, cabinets and storage systems built to suit the needs of designers, down to crafted details such as the circular milled wood door handles.