Civic
Quarter 2

CQ2 is a dedicated office development located along Northbourne Avenue, a principal thoroughfare in Canberra’s central business district. This building serves as a gateway to the city, combining functionality with thoughtful design to create an effective work environment
A key decision in the design of CQ2 was the inclusion of a large atrium that allows natural light to permeate the interior, cultivating a welcoming space for tenants. This central area facilitates spontaneous interactions among its occupants, while serving as a practical means of harnessing natural light and improving both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the working environment.
The ground floor includes a mix of retail spaces, contributing to the vibrancy of Northbourne Avenue and enhancing the building’s connection with the surrounding urban environment.

CQ2 stands as a significant addition to Canberra's CBD, reinforcing Northbourne Avenue’s role as a vital spine of the city while providing a modern, functional and engaging environment for its occupants.
client - APG
builder - construction control
photography - kiernan may

Civic
Quarter

 
Civic Quarter is a mixed-use commercial tower designed as the first stage of the redevelopment of its namesake site, Civic Quarter

The design process utilised the expertise of two Canberra architectural practices, Cox Architecture and May + Russell Architects, to design and deliver a contemporary, premium office building, celebrating natural light, geometry and transparency.
The CQ tower design truly engages with Veterans Park and the city streets. CQ has put the transformation of this precinct in motion, offering a desirable business address with vibrant pedestrian life and exemplifies how a commitment to high-quality public space can only enhance commercial objectives.
The faceted glass facade of the tower catches the light as it rises above Veterans Park, reflecting the citycape and sky.
The tower's commercial floors offer tenants a high level of flexibility and amenity. The workplace floors provide large open spaces, minimal internal coloums and the opportunity for interconnected stairs. Natural light and views are available on all the floor plates, including lift cores and bathroom areas. 

Large in-situ concrete "V" (for Veteran) columns are sculptural and pragmatic, they transfer the optimal office structural grid above down to a single point, maximising views and improving pedestrian movements.

In designing the End of Trip (EOT) facilities, we have chosen to incorporate timber cladding and dark materials to create an atmosphere. This provides a warm, inviting environment that elevates the overall experience for users, reflecting the high-end nature of the office space.

A travertine-clad blade and exaggerated awning wrap up and over the foyer, providing shade and weather protection.
client - amalgamated property group
design concept - cox architecture
design development - may + russell architects
images - kiernan may

Googong
Hotel

Googong Hotel is a cornerstone element in a larger planned Community hub in the new satellite development of Googong

Googong hotel will be a key element to the success of this foreshore community. The frontage of the building is the connection for community gathering with the public via outdoor spaces that provide strong links to the foreshore providing a strong sense of connection and community.
status - construction early 2025

National
Archives of Australia
Preservation Facility

The building complex comprises two boxes arranged around a central circulation spine, which offers flexible access to records storage on one side and records management and preservation on the other


The facade of the records storage box draws inspiration from the Australian landscape, featuring a weathered, uneven, and randomly textured surface that evokes a granite outcrop illuminated by a rising or setting sun. This reference to the ancient landscape symbolises the key element in preserving the nation’s records: the passage of time.
Records Management Building
“Future”


Highly finished and machine like, the straight lines suggest modern technology.
Record Storage Building
“Past”


Irregular patterns and weathered colours suggest the passage of time.
Painting by Petrillo

The architectural dialogue surrounding the design of the archives building aims to reflect not only the importance of safely and securely storing government documents but also to convey national symbolic significance and the responsibility of being the keeper of the nation’s collective memory.
client - doma group
design life - 70 years
photograhs - kiernan may

Keggins

Located in Sapphire Kingston, the design concept for the fitout, focuses on creating a relaxed and inviting workspace environment that takes full advantage of its prime location. The office fitout includes open plan workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and a break-out area.

These areas are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of employees and are finished to a high standard. The use of natural light and modern technology, such as LED lighting and acoustic panels, was also incorporated into the design to create a comfortable and energy-efficient work environment.

One of the key features of the fitout is the use of black battens on the ceiling, which provide a striking contrast to the predominantly white materials used throughout the space.

The white timbers and soft lighting work together to create a clean and modern aesthetic that promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. The design of the fitout is focused on creating a comfortable and inviting work environment that promotes productivity and creativity.
client - keggins
photography - kiernan may

may + russell