Designed by Studio 11:11, the Grumley + Company headquarters brings together craftsmanship and materiality in a way that feels both considered and cohesive.

Founded by Toss Grumley, a long-time friend of Nodi, Grumley + Company is a leading advisory firm that assists New Zealand businesses with every phase of the business lifecycle.

Our rugs are woven into the space, adding warmth and texture throughout. Here, we speak with the Studio 11:11 team about the thinking behind the project.

Can you tell us about the vision behind the Grumley + Company headquarters? What was the starting point for this space?

The design began with the client’s remarkable art collection. We first worked with the client to carefully position each piece, the intent being for interior forms to grow and shape themselves around the experience of viewing each art work.

The large scale painting by Hanns Kunitzberger became a natural anchor, acting as a point of stillness from which the room takes its cues, while offering a moment of pause and discussion upon entry to the office.

One of Studio 11:11's design principles is craftsmanship – how does craftsmanship come into the project?

Mastery of craft was integral to the project. Grumley + Company is about guiding people and businesses toward their absolute best, so craftsmanship needed to reflect that same level of discipline and care.

Each element was developed in collaboration with a local artisan, pieces made by hand with intention, such as the hand-carved timber table by Grant Bailey. We wanted each furniture piece to hold a similar presence and weight in the room as the artworks on the wall.

How did you approach the materials and textures in this space?

The material palette was again largely guided by the art collection, as most of the works were best set against dark and neutral backdrops. The hot rolled steel shelving provided a precise and restrained counterpoint, around which we introduced softness, variation, and richly textured surfaces. Low lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, adding depth through subtle shadow-play. The tipshear rugs, with their shifting textures, echo this sentiment, catching the light and bringing gentle movement to the space.

What led you to choose these rugs for this project, and how do they fit into the space overall?

The palette is deliberately restrained, deep in tone and neutral. A dark green marble drink station introduces a touch of colour to the boardroom, echoed by the Moss rug within the same space. In the entry area, the Marl rug provides a warm, neutral tone that complements the artwork and the gravel-textured columns. Each selection was made to create a sense of cohesion while adding warmth and tactile richness.

How do you want people to feel when moving through the space?

We hope people feel quietly energised by this space. The interior is designed to support and mirror the tone of Grumley and Company’s service, where strategic goal setting and aspirational conversation take place within a rich and layered backdrop, with depth, atmosphere and inspiration.

Credits:

Interior Architecture & Styling — Studio 11:11

Construction — CASA Construct

Photography — Jono Parker