The Rubinstein Group’s New Headquarters: A Fusion of Spa-like Tranquillity and High-End Office Sophistication
Sydney's eastern suburbs real estate agent and reality TV star, Gavin Rubinstein, has unveiled his new headquarters in the prestigious suburb of Rose Bay.
Designed by the renowned Esoteriko, the new office space blends the tranquillity of a high-end spa with the sophistication of a luxury real estate office, reflecting Rubinstein's vision and the vibrant, meticulous design expertise of Anna Trefely.
Upon entering, you might wonder if you've walked into a spa or an office. The Rubinstein Group's new headquarters, crafted by Esoteriko, deserves a second glance. Featuring sleek, textured walls, luxurious materials, discreet booths, and cozy boucle lounges, the space seamlessly blends the sophistication of a high-end real estate office with the tranquillity of a serene retreat.
Esoteriko's vibrant design brings Gavin Rubinstein's vision to life for The Rubinstein Group's founder.
Anna Trefely of Esoteriko explains, “Gavin quickly outgrew his initial headquarters we designed just a year and a half ago… It was time for a new space. Working with Gavin is always fast-paced and decisive. He has big ideas but values the details.”
The new office design, a continuation of their previous collaboration, supports the company’s ambitions. Drawing inspiration from Sydney Harbour, Esoteriko used a ‘shell’ motif to create an interior that is both bold and calm.
“The space needed to be light and sinuous,” Trefely adds. “The design evokes a pearly shell washed up on the shores of Rose Bay.”
This shell motif not only ties the office to its location but also cleverly navigates council regulations by combining two apartments into a single, street-facing office space.
“We had to scale back on initial signage ideas,” says Trefely. Instead of overt branding, the striking interior design serves as a “billboard to the street,” making a bold statement to passersby.
A grand, curved staircase functions as both a practical element and a striking design feature. Stretching through the floors and extending towards a skylight, this staircase floods the area with natural light and highlights staff activity, easily seen from the outside.
On the ground floor, you'll find a welcoming reception area, several meeting rooms, an array of workstations, and inviting corners around the staircase, reminiscent of a shell's layers.
Flexible 3.4-meter acoustic bifold glass doors and movable tables offer a dynamic space, perfect for hosting 25-person conferences and vibrant auction events.
Concealed upholstered phone booths and workspaces offer a similar sense of discovery, while the guest powder room showcases floor-to-ceiling handmade black gloss Moroccan Zellige tiles.
This design decision creates a striking contrast with the bright, open reception area and the white bathroom.
Ascending the curved light well to the first floor, the office retains a serene, spa-like atmosphere.
Verono Iceberg terrazzo tiles cover the floors, and the white resin workstations provide plenty of room for the expanding team.
The kitchen, highlighted by an Emerald Haze Quartzite honed island bench, extends to an outdoor terrace. Rubinstein’s office showcases a soothing palette of light, tranquil materials.
“It’s quite zen but still ‘buzzy’,” Trefely notes. “It’s a high-octane chilled space. We wanted a level of sophistication that befits the clientele, so there are some very serious deals being done here. It suits Gavin, who remains calm in intense situations.”
The open-plan office has also fostered a culture of tidiness. “With everything so minimal and light, we worried about messy desks. But the environment promotes tidiness. A tidy desk leads to a tidy mind,” Trefely concludes.
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