13 March 2025

A Boutique Touch

Balancing impactful updates with superior materiality, Wim Studio have transformed this commercial environment into one that feels more akin to a boutique hotel or club.

Images by Jono Parker

For the client floor of law firm Russell McVeagh, Aucklandbased design practice Wim Studio, led by studio founder and designer Emma Hofmann, was tasked with a sophisticated renovation that could elevate the client experience without a full-scale overhaul. The result is a thoughtfully crafted space that radiates both elegance and warmth, perfectly blending professionalism with the comfort of a home-like atmosphere.

Located on the 30th floor of Auckland’s Vero Centre, the client floor offers panoramic views of the harbour, a feature Wim Studio took full advantage of by refreshing the existing floor plan to enhance the flow of natural light throughout the space. Key design elements include textural soft curtains, refined seating, and modern lighting each enhancing the room’s serenity and elegance. This approach steers the design away from standard corporate conventions, delivering a space that is both visually and emotionally engaging. Central to the design is a curated selection of pieces from Simon James, adding a sculptural quality to the interior. Iconic seating from Mattiazzi, artisanal decor by Arno Declercq, and chairs by Simon James introduce layers of texture, materiality, and style. Each item has been chosen for its elegant form and its capacity to lend a relaxed, yet elevated feel to the room.

The Clerici Chair radiates devout serenity. The main concept and beauty of the Clerici range, Konstantin Grcic’s new collection for Mattiazzi, lies in the grand simplicity of the design. Mattiazzi’s expert craftsmanship and experience make complex forms and experimental approaches possible. Grcic uses this capability to perfect a traditional form implemented in ultra high quality, emphasising its unpretentious aesthetics. The range includes a dining table available in two lengths, and seating variants such as a classical bench, an armchair and 2 seater, with the option of upholstered versions.

The project stands as a testament to Wim Studio’s ethos of creating human-centered environments. Emma Hofmann and her team have adeptly crafted a high-caliber setting for Russell McVeagh that redefines what a client floor can look and feel like. By focusing on furniture, finishes, and fine-tuned spatial arrangements, Wim Studio has transformed this space into a destination that aligns seamlessly with Russell McVeagh’s brand and the discerning tastes of their clients.

The Isabella Lounge Chair has a small footprint and generous upholstered seat, making it ideal for the home or office. Made with a steel base, this chair can be upholstered in fabric or leather. Designed by Simon James and proudly made in New Zealand.