Bundarra by Smart Design Studio & THOSE Architects

In the heart of Surry Hills, Bundarra serves as the headquarters for the creative agency Howatson+Co. Designed by Smart Design Studio, with interior architecture by THOSE Architects, the project combines a Victorian heritage structure with a contemporary zinc-clad extension.

Howatson+Company, Surry Hills

The building is defined by a rigorous material dialogue: restored brickwork and original detailing sit alongside sharp interventions in glass and metal. Within this high-performance environment, circulation moves through curved corridors and stairwells, with light conditions that evolve across the day.

NOMI was initially engaged through the selection of Gathering Tables for the boardrooms. During the photoshoot, Howatson+Co kindly granted us 24 hours of exclusive access to photograph the wider NOMI collection. This allowed us to document the collection in context, assessing how each piece—from the Gathering Table and Amelia seating to the Hikari range—harmonised with Bundarra’s unique geometry, scale, and material palette.

Gathering Desk in Brown Wash (Coming Soon) and Amelia Armchair in Cotto Leather

The Collection in Context

Our approach focused on creating an integrated relationship between furniture and architecture. At the entrance, the Gathering Desk aligns with the curved timber joinery of the Awards Wall, establishing a shared language of curvature. Throughout the workspace, oak surfaces provide a warm, tactile contrast to the masonry and steel, maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Gathering Table Round Base in Natural Oak with Rosso Levanto Inlay

Gathering Table: Make it Yours

The Gathering Table offers customisable edges and finishes, including marble and metal inlays, and various shapes and sizes. The online configurator ensures versatility, suiting diverse environments and personal styles.

As a blend of timeless elegance and modern innovation, the Gathering Table collection was inspired by the iconic Raffles Hotel. The updated collection emphasises volume and understated functionality, featuring a variety of high-quality materials and customisable edge configurations. Available in versatile shapes and sizes, these tables cater to diverse spaces within Bundarra, from high-stakes boardrooms to informal collaboration zones.

Gathering Table Round Base in Natural Oak with Rosso Levanto Inlay and Amelia Side Chairs in Dune Leather

Amelia Side Chair in Dune Leather

Amelia Side Chairs in Dune Leather

Amelia: Sculptural Elegance

Comprising an armchair, side chair, bar stool, and cafe stool, the Amelia collection is a testament to simplicity, where functionality dictates form. Seeking to distill design elements to their most fundamental, our goal was to minimise complexity and reduce the number of components. The outcome is a refined collection that artfully balances proportion and materiality, exuding an inherent sculptural elegance that complements the curated art and heritage details found throughout the office.

Hikari Cafe table and Side Chairs in Pale Eucalypt Satin

Hikari: Outdoor Versatility

The Hikari range is an outdoor furniture collection inspired by the Japanese word for 'light.' Crafted entirely from powder-coated aluminium, Hikari combines durability and minimalist design to bring understated elegance to outdoor environments. Used for the outdoor shots at Howatson+Co, each item in the collection balances durability and sophistication, with clean lines and subtle detailing that appeal to both residential and commercial aesthetics.

Hikari Cafe table and Side Chairs in Pale Eucalypt Satin