Graham Nicholas - Delivering 16,000m² Office Fitout Project for HWLE Lawyers in Sydney and Brisbane

At Graham Nicholas, our 20-year partnership with HWLE Lawyers has always been built on shared values and a deep understanding of how they work. That alignment was further realised in the delivery of almost 16,000m² across Sydney and Brisbane, two distinct projects united by one clear vision.

As HWLE Lawyers’ CEO, Kris Hopkins, reflects “Having worked with Graham Nicholas for over 20 years, we've formed an outstanding relationship. They know us, they value us, we're aligned in our vision and how we work together.”

That alignment shaped every decision. “It’s not just finishing on time and on budget.” Says Kris, “ It’s about representing who we are as a firm, what our values are and what our vision is for the future.”

In Sydney, the heritage overlay at 5 Martin Place demanded respect and refinement in design. Our Director, Mark Shepheard, notes, “It was important to complement the heritage aspects of the building… lots of stainless steel, the glass brickwork.”  While the existing deep mahogany timbers defined the character, “our brief was to try and make the space as light as possible, bringing in as much natural light.”

Given the scale of the project, which included a full five-floor makegood and a fixed client move-in date, the project team carefully staged and sequenced works across all levels. This coordinated approach enabled efficient subcontractor flow and maintained continuous activity across the floors, allowing us to successfully fast-track the programme.

The result is an open, flowing environment anchored by an atrium that connects each side of the floors and draws light deep into the workplace.

Brisbane presented a contemporary contrast. As Kris shares, “We really wanted to have a big central breakout area that opened up onto an expansive balcony to allow indoor–outdoor engagement.”

Located at the newly constructed 360 Queen Street in Brisbane, the team delivered the fitout while the building itself was still under construction. Working closely with the landlords Charter Hall and Investa, Graham Nicholas and their specialist project engineers integrated selected building services into the design, helping to achieve cost efficiencies and deliver greater value for the client.

Together, these workplaces secure HWLE’s future for their people and their clients, with spaces that reflect who they are and support where they’re going next.