I'm really looking forward to heading West in October for the Design Institute WA Chapter's Annual Forum, having a snoop around Perth and having dinner at Cantina 663 and The Greenhouse again!

Andrea Veccia-Scavalli from Matthews Architecture gave me the heads up a couple of months ago on a fabulous looking project they completed recently and sent me these professional pics. Formerly a hospital supplies showroom, this heritage space built in the early 1900's has undergone some serious surgery. Matthew's (also the design creative behind Zekka [King St] and Test Tube [Mt Lawley]) created a design within the existing shell and have produced a gorgeous looking mixed use facility incorporating studio spaces for 'artists in residence', stores in the existing basement, a retail space with rather sleek looking cabinet work design done by Geyer,  a café/bar and extension of the upper floor to create a gallery space (where the Artists eventually display their work). The ground floor was ‘dropped’ by over half a metre to allow direct access from street level, which also allows for glimpses into the studio spaces below the shop (a bespoke glazing system incorporating blackened steel and brass detailing frames the view).  I also love the attention to detail with the lighting.  The café area connects to a laneway which will eventually connect to a new major public space. From what I can see this looks like a seriously hip place to hang out.  VENN, 16 Queen Street, Perth WA.