PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Woven with Purpose
At Bendigo Bank’s head office, a bespoke hand-tufted rug becomes more than a design feature — it establishes a place of connection, story and cultural expression within the workplace.
Created in collaboration with accomplished Indigenous artist Samantha Richards, the rug introduces layered meaning through colour, pattern and texture. The design brings movement and narrative to the floor plane, grounding the surrounding interior while reflecting the cultural symbolism embedded in the original artwork.
Working closely with Hassell and Balarinji, the Signature Studio team translated the artist’s vision into a tactile architectural element. Throughout the development process, Samantha Richards remained closely involved, reviewing and approving the evolving design to ensure the interpretation remained true to the symbolism and intent of the original work while responding to the spatial brief provided by Hassell.
Prior to production, a hand trial was created for final review — an essential step to confirm the accuracy of colour, texture and construction before proceeding to the full-scale piece.
Handcrafted using the traditional hand-tufting process, the rug demonstrates how material craft can translate artistic narrative into the built environment.
Delivered through the Signature Miramirang joint venture, the project also supports Indigenous participation in the design and construction industry and contributes to meaningful reconciliation outcomes.
The Bendigo Bank project illustrates how collaboration between artist, designer and maker can transform the floor plane into a powerful platform for culture, identity and connection.