Evelyn Reynolds

After a difficult couple of years, many of us have felt the desire to live more simply and authentically. There has been a conscious stripping away of the unnecessary and the superfluous, both in terms of what we surround ourselves with and how we spend our time, to create space for more meaningful connections.
In response, the Dulux Colour Forecast reflects our desire to bond with the environment, community and the people we love, with warming, earth-drawn neutrals, natural textures and an array uplifting brighter hues.
Based on year-round research into global and local trends, the colour forecast predicts the direction and evolution of Australian design. Led by Dulux colour and communication manager Andrea Lucena-Orr in conjunction with Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech, this year’s forecast ha been informed by global events including Future Laboratory London and Milan Design Week, as well as trend reports and editorials, catwalks, design launches, and engagement with global and international brands.
Dulux anticipates the palettes we can expect to see in 2023 are predominantly warm and nurturing, with nature continuing to be a key driver of trends. “Bright hues continue; however, they are deeper than last year,” said Lucena-Orr.
Sustainability will also be an important focus in the year ahead with pieces made to be gentle on the environment, incorporating traceable fabrics and handcrafted articles.

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“Connect” colours: Dulux Bassett Brown, Wasabi, Research, Stilted Stalk, Hammer Grey. Image:

Dulux Colour Forecast 2023

The Dulux “Connect” palette reflects our desire for a simpler lifestyle, more grounded in nature. It incorporates natural and quietly staple hues, such as moss, wasabi, sandstone, muddied yellow green, and a rich, purple brown. Furniture is crafted from raw timber, leather and rattan, with gently curved lines and textured fabrics from woven linen to hemp.

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“Balance” colours: Dulux Green Alabaster Half, Kimberley Sea, Starfish, Nephrite, Sea Kelp, Deep Garnet. Image:

Dulux Colour Forecast 2023

“Balance” is a refined and reassuring palette of serene marine blues, gentle greens, weathered pastels and accents of deep garnet that evoke the beauty and fluidity of our oceans and shoreline. Interiors are pared-back and considered, with a focus on immersive colour and exquisite detailing, such as the sweeping curves of a bedhead or the brass border around a fireplace.

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“Revive” palette: Dulux Paper Brown, Breezy Half, Pink Chi, Day Glow, Golden Sand, Princess Pink, Lexicon Quarter, Perplexed, Celebration, Diorite, Pharaohs Gem, Integra. Image:

Dulux Colour Forecast 2023

Colours in the “Revive” palette are deeper than last year’s, but draw from the same philosophy. Mustardy yellows, breezy blues, rose pink, lavender and striking emerald are splashed from wall to furniture to create jovial spaces to make you smile. Chubby furniture, exaggerated florals and striped patterns provide an opportunity to cut loose from the conventional.
To learn more about Dulux’s Colour Forecast 2023 visit www.dulux.com.au More

Data from jobs website Seek has revealed that architecture and design sector had the largest hike in advertised salaries in the past financial year. Seek’s annual Advertised Salary Index (ASI) for period from July 2021 to July 2022 found that a 7.3 percent rise in advertised salaries in the design and architecture sector, almost double […] More

As one of Australia’s leading construction, property and finance companies, ABN Group had a clear vision for their new flagship office and showroom. And in commissioning Woods Bagot to design their new headquarters, they welcomed the practice’s sophisticated yet inviting signature aesthetic to reflect their brand identity. The new interior design is refreshingly light and modern, with a wonderful palette of timber and tile complemented by expansive use of Fibonacci terrazzo.
As Woods Bagot Senior Associate Melanie Porrins explains, “It perfectly reflects ABN Group’s passion for building and commitment to quality, as well as the company’s sense of fun and strong desire to provide a warm and friendly experience for everyone. It’s a place where staff feel connected and comfortable and they’re proud to share this with their clients, who, in turn, feel inherently at home.”

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Terrazzo edging to the reception countertop complements the highly textural material palette.

Porrins and the design team drew on historical themes of Australian homes and landscapes to create a collection of different spaces. The iconic Hills Hoist is represented by stylised hanging rods and curtains above social spaces, for example, while the classic verandah is the inspiration behind the first-level business lounge, with its meeting settings arranged along the facade line. A sunken lounge beneath the ground floor stair is a nod to Australian 1970s suburbia and a gum leaf motif on the carpets in meeting rooms combines with pops of muted green throughout to reference the surrounding gum trees.
Ambient lighting instils a sense of calm and the curved form of timber product display joinery, along with textured plaster wall details, emphasises the value ABN Group places on quality craftsmanship. Within this mix, Fibonacci’s Brackish terrazzo is a highlight. Its cream, sand and grey with flecks of rust patterning is striking and used to great effect as feature flooring, a reception desk counter and internal stair.

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A sunken lounge area pays homage to Australian residential design of the 1970s.

“We loved the Brackish stone for its fresh yet warm tones,” says Porrins. “The general look of the interior is light and textured and Brackish is subtle enough to create a softer backdrop for all the timber finishes.” It functions as an eye-catching accent without overpowering the rest of the palette, while also being hard-wearing enough to withstand the busy showroom environment.
For Fibonacci founder Michael Karakolis, the outcome here is a strong vindication of his team’s design-focused and highly collaborative approach to supplying terrazzo. “Fibonacci products are one of the most unique hard-surface materials available to the market and we seek to elevate this uniqueness for designers and architects as well as their clients,” he says. “And when a client of ABN’s calibre chooses your product for their office, you know you’re doing something right.”
Presented by Fibonacci. You can view their full range of terrazzo at fibonacci.com.au More

The results of the Association of Consulting Architects’ sixth “pulse check” survey have been released, revealing the significant impacts of the last two years on architectural practice.
This survey was conducted by the ACA from the 18 July to 1 August and received responses from 352 practices, representing more than 7,000 staff.
The survey sought to understand the difficulties faced by practices, and as such, questions were split into three areas: challenges relating to staffing, project management, and business operations.
The most common staffing challenges related to higher than usual rates of illness and an upward pressure on salaries not being matched by increased income. “The profession is so competitive on times and fees that it is difficult to offer adequate remuneration for professional staff and reasonable time frames to achieve the high level of quality demanded of the profession in a competitive and litigious environment,” some respondents commented.
Additional comments included working-from-home arrangements causing difficulties for focus and productivity, as well as limited face-time for new graduates.
The ACA said that “flexibility is now both the norm and the future”, with greater flexibility in both where and when work is done, with one third of responding workplaces leveraging experiences during the pandemic to inform long-term flexible models.
Only one quarter of respondents reported that their mental wellbeing is better than at the start of the pandemic, while around half perceived no significant difference. Respondents attributed this to the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic and sustained burnout. Staff wellbeing was influenced “impact at home, particularly on those with children, the cost of living increases, and [global] uncertainty,” a respondent commented.
In terms of projects, activity in most sectors has picked up again to pre-pandemic levels for most responding practices. There are more practices working in all types of housing, but fewer practices involved in aged care and retail compared to pre-pandemic times. Hospitality projects have rebounded from previous pulse checks, and there are more practices involved in cultural projects, heritage, conservation, community and health than before the pandemic.
Encouragingly, 60 percent of practices (180 practices) reported to have taken on new staff, while only 42 practices to have reported having to let people go. Respondents were asked if they experienced difficulties finding new staff, to which 70 percent responded that they had.
The tight job market reflects the activity of the profession, with 77 percent of the responding practices reporting that they are “busy”. This includes 44 percent reporting that are “very busy” (119 practices) and another 32 percent that are “moderately busy”.
The costs of materials, supply chain challenges and other delays were most dominant in terms of challenges associated with project management and delivery. Many who commented also pointed to challenges with local councils and other consultants.
The top challenges associated with running a business related to the increased costs not matched by increased income, the ongoing shifting of risk onto the profession, and fees inadequate to service projects appropriately.
To view the full survey results, visit the ACA website. More

Catherine Townsend has been appointed for another term as the government architect for the Australian Capital Territory. Townsend was first appointed to the position in 2016 to provide independent design advice to the ACT government on architecture, urban design, planning and procurement for government projects and private proposals. ACT planning minster Mick Gentleman said the […] More

Federal, state and territory building ministers have agreed on a series of national reforms to ensure the quality, liveability and effficiency of new Australian homes. From October 2023, all new homes will need to meet new minimum standards of accessibility and energy efficiency in many parts of the country. Changes to the Building Code Board’s […] More

Rockhampton and Perth zoos are undergoing multimillion-dollar redevelopments to improve their operational requirements for visitor and animal welfare. Renovations are expected to increase the zoos’ annual visitors, drawing in more revenue to support their conservation missions.
Construction has begun on a $16.5-million function centre and cafe at Perth Zoo, a “central meeting place” for visitors, and the first stage in the zoo’s $180 million transformation, designed by Christou Design Group.
The practice said the design will “embody the zoo landscape and vernacular”, and biophilic design principles have played a “vital role” in the architectural expression. The buildings have both been designed to be contemporary and timeless, and embrace their unique environment.
“Similarities win the material palettes between the cafe and function centre provide continuity in language,” Christou said, “However, the facilities are ultimately treated as independent buildings with their own identities.”
The function centre is designed with a “dynamic public facade” to create dialogue with the street, where the cafe is immersed within its public botanical setting as a “subservient” element against the landscape, creating a new alfresco dining area adjacent to the zoo’s main lawn.
Christou Design Group said the project aspires to connect visitors with the wildlife through immersive spaces, to inspire conservation and welfare efforts among patrons.
Perth Zoo received an initial $13.5 million investment from state government for the project, but has been allocated a total $51 million in government funding as part of the overall redevelopment of the zoo. Additional funds will be raised thorough the year with donations sought from benefactors, philanthropy and businesses around the state.
The cafe and function centre is expected to be completed for mid-2023. The next stages of the master plan will include an expansion of the African Savannah section, an Orangatang jungle, and a conservation and science tree-top facility.

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Concept designs by Cox Architecture of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Visitor Hub and Animal Operations Centre redevelopment. Image:

Cox Architecture

Meanwhile in Central Queensland, concept designs for the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens designed by Cox Architecture have been revealed.
The Zoo said the vision of the redevelopment is to “revitalize, develop and integrate the facilities, infrastructure and operational”, and will include updating the Zoo Visitor Hub, the Animal Operations Centre, and the Botanic Gardens carpark.
The lack of public toilets on the premises has reportedly been a regular complaint among zoo visitors, and the project includes detailed designs for the creation of a Central Visitor Hub featuring more public amenities for the site.
The current Operations Centre, which is nearing the end of its operational life, will also be updated to provide capacity to expand and diversify the animal collection in future.
The architect said its scheme focuses on four key principles: creating memories, increasing accessibility, bringing heritage to life, and championing excellence. The upgrades are expected to draw additional revenue to the park and create regional prominence for Rockhampton.
The full cost of the project is yet to be finalised due to current building market uncertainty, but it is estimated to cost between $9.5 million and $10.5 million.
Local council has received a $1.5 million grant from the federal government towards the construction of the Visitor Hub, while $1.4 million has been supplied from the Works for Queensland state government program to fund the Botanic Garden Playground Renewal.
Council has submitted further applications for funding. Construction tender is due to be released 7 September with a contract expected to be awarded in late November. More

Northern Beaches Council has appointed Terroir to develop concept plans for a new Manly Surf Lifesaving Club and public amenities. Founded in 1911, the Manly Surf Lifesaving Club is one of Australia’s oldest. According to Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan, the club no longer caters for its growing number of volunteers, nippers, surf craft and […] More