“We live with our buildings”, remarks Nasim Köerting, Head of Design at London-based The Office Group. And by that, she means that the design-led, co-working space company observes, adjusts and evolves its unique spatial offering because of its ownership of and care towards the built environment and local communities. With ‘redefine and redesign’ as its motto, paired with Köerting’s keen eye and bold spirit for playful, timeless design, one can see how The Office Group has become a global leader in new design and workspace typologies.

Born in Sydney of Iranian descent and having lived abroad for almost a decade, Nasim Köerting embodies the vibrancy of a multicultural Australia. A richness of influences and beautifully hazy identity has seen her push through early migrant-perception barriers into an expressive design world.

DOUGLAS HOUSE FITZROVIA BY SIMON BEVAN

BROCK HOUSE FITZROVIA BY BEN ANDERS

While her career has predominantly progressed overseas, Köerting reinforces the positive impact Australia has had on her design vision and the fact that the country’s location and community are significant parts of its distinctive contemporary look. “That is what makes Australia so cool; we are geographically so far away and as a result, we’re able to do our own thing. We’re a melting pot of cultures. This aesthetic has emerged that cannot be seen anywhere else.” Citing simplicity, resourcefulness and attention to detail as some of the key Australian design characteristics, Köerting also references the undeniable magnificence of nature as another strong feature and influence. “The different colours that are available to your eyes in Australia… the sky, the sunset, the colours of nature. They do something to your brain.”

KONTORHAUS BERLIN BY TOBY MITCHELL

DOUGLAS HOUSE FITZROVIA BY SIMON BEVAN

With a grey and green London now called home, Köerting’s current role with The Office Group is to make exciting, personable work spaces for communities across the UK and Germany. With great care taken into the researching of new site locations to make sure they seamlessly integrate, The Office Group is also thoughtful when it comes to sustainable design choices. From the selection of timeless design items and pieces that can be reupholstered to partnering with design marketplace Globechain (an organisation that donates past project items to charities), one can see the commitment the company has to local communities and the environment.

DOUGLAS HOUSE FITZROVIA BY SIMON BEVAN

KONTORHAUS BERLIN BY TOBY MITCHELL

And will The Office Group one day expand to Australia? Were it to do so, Köerting has clearly stated her desire to celebrate the country’s Indigenous arts and crafts, local makers and materials. It would be a representation of Australia’s First Nations people, its nature and all the different cultures the country contains. With inclusivity as one of her founding design principles, Köerting’s dream expansion would fortify all that she believes in from both design aesthetic and work culture perspectives. “I want to make sure everyone feels welcome. More design leaders being women, people of colour… if we are not in the spaces, designing those spaces, change is not occurring.”

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