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Perched at the edge of a beech forest in Bob’s Cove, Queenstown, Tall Tree House is more than a home - it's a harmonious response to the natural world. We spoke with award-winning designer Carolin Friese about the inspiration, philosophy, and values that shaped this biophilic sanctuary.<h3>What was the original inspiration behind Tall Tree House?</h3>“The inspiration for Tall Tree House came from the site’s incredible natural surroundings - a mature beech forest at the base of a mountain range in Bob’s Cove, Queenstown. I wanted to design a home that would not just sit in the landscape but become part of it - a shelter that offered immersion in nature rather than isolation from it. The goal was to create a tranquil, high-performance retreat that respected the land, responded to its rhythms, and allowed its inhabitants to feel grounded and restored.”<h3>What does biophilic design mean to you?</h3>“To me, biophilic design is about creating spaces that support human well-being by nurturing our innate connection to nature. It’s more than just incorporating plants or natural materials - it’s about aligning architecture with the sensory, emotional, and seasonal rhythms of the natural world. In Tall Tree House, that meant maximizing daylight, using locally sourced and untreated materials, designing for natural ventilation, and integrating views and textures that reflect the forest setting. It’s about designing for harmony - between people, place, and planet.”<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1748933162/articles/48c10eb7-de71-44fb-9833-10dee5586830/photography/carolie_img_001.jpg"><h3>How does it feel to win the Living Future Institute of Australia’s Biophilic Design Award in the Interiors and Renovation category?</h3>“It’s incredibly humbling and affirming to receive this award. Biophilic design is deeply personal to me, and this project was a labour of love - not just in terms of aesthetics and performance, but in its careful alignment with cultural and ecological values. To have that commitment recognised by the Living Future Institute, which champions the future of regenerative design, is a real honour. I hope it brings more attention to how smaller homes, even renovations, can lead the way in holistic sustainability.”<h3>How did you ensure a meaningful connection between the built environment and the natural surroundings?</h3>“Every decision in Tall Tree House was made with connection in mind. We used triple-glazed larch windows to frame forest, lake, and mountain views from every room. The materials - like red beech, natural wool insulation, and local stone - mirror the colours and textures of the surrounding beech forest. Indoor greenery, filtered light patterns, and the careful play of shadow and reflection help blur the line between indoors and out. The home is also built on piles, so the land can breathe, and it can be fully disassembled and reused, reducing environmental impact and honouring the Wāhi Tūpuna values of the site.”<h3>What do you hope future generations will feel or discover when they live in or visit the Tall Tree House decades from now?</h3>“I hope they feel a sense of peace - a deep, almost instinctive comfort in being surrounded by nature. I hope the design still feels relevant because it was built to be flexible, low-impact, and rooted in timeless values like sustainability, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship. Ideally, it will serve as a reminder that architecture can be regenerative - not just durable and efficient but also nourishing for the soul. I want them to see that living lightly on the land doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or comfort - it means enhancing it.”

Perched at the edge of a beech forest in Bob’s Cove, Queenstown, Tall Tree House is more than a home - it's a harmonious response to the natural world. We spoke with award-winning designer Carolin Friese about the inspiration, philosophy, and values that shaped this biophilic sanctuary.

Designing with Nature: A Q&A with Biophilic Design Award Winner Carolin Friese

GH Commercial is proud to continue our support for the Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA) as a sponsor of the 2025 Biophilic Design Awards in the Interior and Renovation category. As a long-standing Strategic Partner of LFIA, we remain committed to championing regenerative, nature-connected design that fosters healthier, more sustainable built environments.The Biophilic Design Awards recognise innovative projects that integrate biophilic principles, creating built environments that enhance well-being, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the natural world. This year, for the first time, the awards have been extended to welcome entrants from New Zealand, further broadening the reach and impact of biophilic design across the region.Announcing the Winner: Tall Tree House by Carolin FrieseWe are delighted to announce Tall Tree House by architect and interior designer Carolin Friese as the winner of the 2025 Biophilic Design Award in the Interior and Renovation category.Nestled in a mature beech forest in Bob’s Cove, Queenstown, Tall Tree House is a serene retreat that exemplifies the potential of biophilic design to offer immersive regenerative living. With a focus on natural materials, passive performance, and cultural sensitivity, the project stood out for its deep commitment to environmental and emotional harmony.<blockquote>“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award for the Tall Tree House. I’m incredibly grateful to the jury and the Biophilic Design Awards for this recognition. This project was a labour of love, rooted in the belief that our homes should connect us more deeply with nature and be cherished by generations to come. Thank you so much.” – Carolin Friese.</blockquote>We extend our warm congratulations to Carolin.

GH Commercial is thrilled to continue our support for the Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA) as a proud sponsor of the 2025 Biophilic Design Awards in the Interior and Renovation category.

GH Commercial Celebrates Tall Tree House as Winner of the 2025 Biophilic Design Awards

At GH Commercial, we believe in going beyond the floor - creating products that not only perform but also make a positive impact. As part of our long-term commitment to inclusive design and social sustainability, we’re proud to continue our support of the genU Arts Programme. Originally founded in Geelong in 1952, genU is a profit-for-purpose organisation that empowers people of all abilities through employment, training, education, and social inclusion programs.Our partnership with genU started when we launched our Social Canvas Collection and our commitment to genU has since extended to include contributions from both Social Canvas and Chromatic Cadence collections, two ranges designed to celebrate individuality and creativity in the built environment. Through this initiative, $1 is donated to the genU Arts Programme for every square metre sold across both collections on a bi-annual basis.Supporting Creative Opportunity Through artX MetroOur inaugural donation in 2022 helped bring to life RISE, a local Geelong exhibition developed through the genU Arts programme that provided a platform for emerging artists living with disability. It was a powerful showcase of creative expression and community inclusion.We’re pleased to share that our second donation is now supporting the <a href="https://www.genu.org.au/news-and-events/event/artx/">2025 artX Metro exhibition</a>, a creative program from genU running from Tuesday 2 September 2025 to Friday 5 September, with the official launch and winners announced on Thursday 4 September. Focused on showcasing artistic talent from across Metro Melbourne, delivers inclusive arts experiences and opportunities for artists of all abilities to explore, develop and share their practice. This initiative empowers artists to connect with mainstream audiences, gain greater exposure, and benefit financially through the sale of their work. These opportunities not only help break down barriers between the mainstream and disability art communities but also boost self-esteem and foster a stronger sense of inclusion.We’re honoured to be an Event Partner of artX metro and continue to support the incredible work genU is doing to build genuinely inclusive communities. By specifying or selecting products from these collections, our customers are helping to create more than just beautiful interiors - they’re contributing to meaningful, real-world outcomes.Submissions for artX Metro 2025 are now open from Monday 2 June till Friday 21 August!<a href="https://www.genu.org.au/artx-application/">SUBMIT APPLICATION</a>Explore the collections making a difference:<ul><li><a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/collections/social-canvas">Social Canvas - Carpet Tiles and Planks</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/chromatic-cadence">Chromatic Cadence - Carpet Tiles and Planks</a></li></ul>

At GH Commercial, we believe in going beyond the floor - creating products that not only perform but also make a positive impact.

Continuing Our Commitment to genU Through Design with Purpose

At GH Commercial, our commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement has led us to explore innovative solutions in our production processes. With 160 years local manufacturing expertise, we’ve been committed to delivering flooring that Australians trust underfoot – but just as importantly, we’re committed to doing our part for the environment. In line with our dedication to reducing environmental impact, we have initiated a project to trial recycled PVC cores in our carpet manufacturing.Previously, our carpet rolls utilised disposable cardboard cores and imported polypropylene cores from the United States. Seeking a more sustainable and locally sourced alternative, we partnered with Think Manufacturing, a Portarlington-based company renowned for its expertise in recycled PVC products. Together, we are trialling cores made from 98% recycled PVC, aligning with our goals of reducing waste and supporting local manufacturing.To make this all possible, Think Manufacturing arranged for specialised tooling to be manufactured in China on our behalf. This custom tooling is designed to support the extrusion process, allowing recycled PVC plastic to be formed into strong, high-quality carpet cores that meet the demands of our production environment.The project commenced 12 months ago and is currently being trialled in Plant 5. We’re working closely with our teams on the ground to ensure the new cores meet the high standards of durability and performance. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices into our operations, ensuring that our products not only meet the highest standards of quality and comfort but also have a low environmental footprint.

At GH Commercial, our commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement has led us to explore innovative solutions in our production processes.

Better for Business, Better for the Planet: Our New Recycled Core Initiative

Rydges Melbourne proudly concluded Spectra, an immersive exhibition redefining the intersection of art and design, as part of Melbourne Design Week 2025. This groundbreaking showcase, featuring acclaimed artists Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran, transformed the hotel lobby into a vibrant and dynamic living art space, offering a fresh perspective on how fine art can enhance and radically alter interior environments.A Vision Brought to Life“Melbourne Design Week is a fabulous opportunity to open our doors to both our guests and the wider public,” said Lee Davey, General Manager of Rydges Melbourne. “Spectra is a vibrant celebration of creativity that transformed our lobby into a living, breathing work of art. Collaborating with artists like Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran allowed us to elevate the guest experience in a truly unexpected way. At Rydges Melbourne, we’re committed to supporting the arts and creating spaces that inspire, and this installation is a perfect reflection of that vision.” Spectra is not only an art exhibition but a manifestation of how artists can collaborate with interior spaces to create more than just functional designs. The exhibit featured a series of bespoke artist-designed carpets in partnership with GH Commercial, as well as custom-designed wallpaper, large-scale paintings, a dynamic window installation, and limited-edition prints -all of which showcase Martinich and Carran’s signature bold colours and expressive, abstract forms.A Bold Artistic LeapKnown for their expansive public artworks, murals, and large-scale spatial activations, Martinich and Carran have previously transformed urban landscapes both locally and internationally. From murals in public spaces to installations for major brands like Dulux and Nike, their work pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration with interior environments. Spectra represented an exciting new chapter for the duo, expanding their artistic practices beyond the canvas into the realm of interior design.“Collaborating with Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran on this project was an absolute joy,” said Abby Peach, Brand Manager at GH Commercial. “Translating Rowena’s dynamic, expressive art onto carpet was truly inspiring. Each vibrant colour, fluid stroke and speckle of paint came to life underfoot, and seeing artwork of this scale and energy on the floor was nothing short of spectacular.”The bespoke carpets featured in Spectra were made possible through GH Commercial’s Designer Jet® technology, a world-class custom carpet technology that can create an infinite array of colours and bespoke designs. “Designer Jet® technology allowed us to translate these large-scale, dynamic paintings into intricate, textural floor pieces,” explained Peach. “This technology uses precision engineering to inject dye into the carpet, offering a flexible, creative, and performance-driven solution for projects of any size. It’s been incredible to see how a simple idea can be translated into such vibrant, functional art.”Supporting Local and Sustainable DesignBased in Geelong, GH Commercial’s local manufacturing capabilities, sustainable practices, and flexible production methods have made this collaboration possible. The partnership has allowed for the creation of limited runs and one-off pieces, expanding the creative potential of the artists' works. Local printers Tiger Corp also played a key role, producing the exhibition’s bespoke wallpaper and glass-based vinyl installations, further supporting sustainable, regional production models.“Working with local partners has been integral to this project,” said Martinich. “It has enabled a seamless exchange between artist and maker, while supporting a regional and sustainable production model. This exhibition extends our practice into the interiors space, bringing our artistic vision to new and exciting possibilities.”A Celebration of Artistic Vision and Environmental ConnectionFor Martinich and Carran, the Spectra exhibition was deeply rooted in their connection to the Surf Coast landscape. Based on Wadawurrung Country, the colours of the bushland, coastal light, and earthy tones of the area are a constant source of inspiration in their work. This exhibition celebrated that connection, showcasing how art can transform spaces and connect people to their environments.“We were excited to showcase our work in this immersive format,” said Carran. “It was a chance to show how art can inhabit space in new and unexpected ways, making it an integral part of the built environment.”Spectra was not just a visual experience – it was a sensory journey that invited viewers to explore the intersection of fine art and interior design. The installation offered a bold artist-led vision that goes beyond traditional design, using colour, movement, and emotion to transform functional spaces into living art pieces.Exhibition OverviewFrom May 15 to 25, Spectra captivated visitors with its bold, expressive visuals and tactile design elements. The exhibition featured:<ul><li>Artist-designed carpets in collaboration with GH Commercial, featuring bespoke designs made possible by Designer Jet® technology</li><li>Original large-scale paintings by Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran</li><li>A dynamic gateway window installation</li><li>Limited-edition prints on canvas</li><li>A custom 12-meter-long wallpapered wall</li></ul>As Spectra concluded, it left a lasting impression on how art and design can intersect to create immersive, transformative spaces. Rydges Melbourne's commitment to supporting the arts and fostering creative collaborations continues to inspire and elevate the guest experience.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/designer-jet">Learn more about our Designer Jet® technology.</a>Photographer: @jim_photo &amp; <a href="https://www.armellehabib.com/">Armelle Habib</a>

Rydges Melbourne proudly concluded Spectra, an immersive exhibition redefining the intersection of art and design, as part of Melbourne Design Week 2025. 

Reimagining Interiors through Art and Design at Rydges Melbourne

Championing Product Transparency: A Conversation with Laura Hamilton-O’Hara, CEO of LFIAAs specifiers place increasing value on sustainability and transparency, the conversation around materials and circularity is gaining momentum across the built environment. As a proud Strategic Partner of the Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA), GH Commercial recently sat down with LFIA CEO Laura Hamilton-O’Hara to explore the growing importance of product transparency and the impact of Declare labels.Why Product Transparency Matters“Transparency is circularity 101,” says Laura Hamilton-O’Hara. With the rise of the circular economy, knowing what’s in a product has never been more critical. To embrace circular thinking, designers and manufacturers must understand a product’s full composition - only then can they ensure it can be reused, repurposed, or responsibly returned to the system. “You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know it is there, transparency is the first step.”Demystifying DeclareOne of the most powerful tools in the transparency space is the Declare program. Designed to make ingredient disclosure simple and accessible, a Declare label provides three key insights about a product: where it comes from, what it’s made of (down to 100 parts per million), and its end-of-life pathway.“Declare is easy to use and understand, and the database is freely available,” Laura notes. “If a product contains a chemical of concern from the Red List, it’s highlighted in red on the label.” By providing a clear ingredients list for building products presented in a label, Declare® supports conscious, informed decision-making for specifiers.Supporting Global Sustainability StandardsOriginally created to meet the Materials Petal requirements of the Living Building Challenge - the world’s most rigorous sustainability standard- Declare has since expanded its influence. It is now recognised across major green building rating systems, including WELL, LEED, and Green Star’s Responsible Products framework.This broader adoption has strengthened the reach and relevance of Declare, reinforcing its position as a leading tool for product transparency in the global built environment.The Role of Specifiers in Driving ChangeAccording to Laura, specifiers have significant power to transform the industry. “Start by designing from what’s available - use Declare, and make that your first port of call,” she advises.When options are limited, advocacy becomes key. “Let manufacturers know you’ve chosen their product because it has a Declare label. Ask others why they don’t. By doing this, you grow the market and make material transparency more accessible for everyone.”GH Commercial: A Leader in TransparencyAs LFIA’s long-standing Strategic Partner, GH Commercial is proud to lead by example. “GH Commercial has the most Declare labels of any manufacturer in Australia,” Laura says. “That’s compelling evidence of their commitment to integrity and transparency, and bold leadership in the Australian manufacturing sector.”Partnerships like this are built on shared values and a vision for the future. “The best partners are those you move forward with,” Laura adds. “You build on each other’s work, and I feel that about GH Commercial.”

GH Commercial recently sat down with LFIA CEO Laura Hamilton-O’Hara to explore the growing importance of product transparency and the impact of Declare labels.

Championing Product Transparency: A Conversation with Laura Hamilton-O’Hara, CEO of LFIA

Here at GH Commercial, we are proud to continue our support of the Architecture and Design 2025 Sustainability Awards for a fourth consecutive year, in the Interior Design category and as a Gold Partner. At GH Commercial, sustainability is not just a value - it’s a commitment. That’s why we’re thrilled to once again stand alongside Australia’s leading advocates for sustainable design, innovation, and environmental leadership in the built environment.Sustainability Awards – Interior DesignThe Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running, and most prestigious award program dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating excellence in sustainable design and architecture. With categories spanning commercial, education, and public sector spaces, the awards highlight how thoughtful design and responsible material choices can shape a better future.The Interior Design category recognises refurbished or reimagined spaces that prioritise sustainability through thoughtful spatial planning, environmentally conscious material selection, and strategies that minimise waste, pollution, and energy use. These projects demonstrate how sustainable thinking can be seamlessly integrated into the transformation of existing interiors.Entries are now officially open for the 2025 awards, and we encourage our community of creative, design-forward, and time-conscious professionals to get involved. Whether you are part of an architectural practice or an interior design firm working on commercial projects, this is your opportunity to be recognised for your commitment to sustainability.Learn more about the Sustainability Awards and submit your entry <a href="https://www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au/">HERE</a>

Here at GH Commercial, we are proud to continue our support of the Architecture and Design 2025 Sustainability Awards for a fourth consecutive year, in the Interior Design category and as a Gold Partner.

Proud Partner of the Sustainability Awards 2025

At GH Commercial, sustainability is more than a talking point—it’s a guiding principle behind how we operate, manufacture, and support our customers and communities. With a long-standing reputation for product quality and responsible innovation, we’re continually working to evolve our practices and reduce our environmental footprint.Architecture &amp; Design recently sat down with Lachlan McMurtrie, our Chief Sustainability Officer and General Counsel, to discuss where GH Commercial stands today, where we’re headed, and how we’re navigating sustainability challenges with clarity, science, and integrity.Congratulations on your new role, Lachlan. Tell us about your transition into your role as Chief Sustainability Officer.I have a background in both science and law, so with the rapidly increasing regulatory obligations in the sustainability space, it was a natural step to pick up responsibility for Sustainability in addition to my role as General Counsel.Even before taking on Sustainability, I was very involved in how we communicate sustainability attributes to ensure we provide the design community with clear, accurate and transparent information about our products.Recently, in renovating my own house I’ve discovered that many organisations don’t have a lot of substance behind their claims to being sustainable. Taking real and meaningful action and being accurate and transparent in how we communicate with our stakeholders about sustainability is something that I personally – and GH Commercial as an organisation – is really committed to.In your journey of leading sustainability at GH Commercial, what are some of the most surprising or unexpected things you’ve learned or discovered?Probably just how easy it is to make the wrong choice when trying to choose a more sustainable option. Pretty much everyone does it – even the experts. We tend to make our assessment of how sustainable a product is based on heuristics and get misled by our biases. We can get sucked in by stories that confirm our preconceptions rather than delving into the details and the science.What that means for us at GH Commercial is that we need to be really direct and clear about our impacts and how we’re managing them. And part of that is better explaining the big progress we’ve made on our journey and how we have often taken more meaningful action than our competitors.What are the key priorities and strategic directions you are focusing on as CSO to further advance GH Commercial’s sustainability leadership in the flooring industry?Climate is critical. While it’s not the only issue, for me it’s the biggest sustainability issue in part because of the flow-on effects of making insufficient progress. That’s why GH Commercial is committed to contributing to our group target of a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. A target we’re well on track to meeting, having cut those emissions by 37% since 2020.The other big-ticket item for me is product circularity, waste and end-of-life options. Some of those are tricky issues to solve. We’ve made good progress on managing our waste including recycling post-industrial waste and investigating ways to increase recycled content, but we’ve got more work to do on end-of-life options. That is a particularly tricky issue to solve in a smaller market like Australia and New Zealand, where it’s harder to get the scale necessary for commercially viable carpet recycling. That said, we’ve made some good steps in the right direction there with our Loop and ReCover programs that reuse and recycle carpet tiles – I see our challenge there as being to really ramp up those activities and make a greater contribution to the circular economy and managing our planet’s precious resources from cradle to cradle.GH Commercial has recently published its first EPD – congratulations! Could you briefly explain what this EPD signifies for GH Commercial and your journey towards understanding and reducing carbon emissions?Thanks! It's a real credit to our environmental engineers, and a great milestone. It’s a really important part of our commitment to providing the design community and our clients with greater product transparency.For our local product development and manufacturing teams at GH Commercial, it’s a really important tool for managing our footprint. It’s the old axiom that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. So, armed with this better understanding of the carbon emissions associated with our products, we intend to use that information to look at ways to further reduce our embodied carbon. It also allows us to offer carbon neutral products where that’s something our clients are looking for.Beyond circularity and carbon reduction, what do you see as some of the other most pressing, yet perhaps often overlooked, sustainability challenges or opportunities facing the flooring industry and the wider interior design and built environment sectors today?I would say product longevity and quality are things that are sometimes overlooked in terms of their sustainability impact. I’ve got a pair of shoes that I bought when I lived in London: they seemed expensive at the time, but I bought them in 2013 and am still wearing them today because they are really well made and able to be refurbished; they’re about as far from fast fashion as you can get.At GH Commercial, our carpet tiles and broadloom products are made to exacting quality control measures by skilled workers in Australia. They’re a really well-made, quality product with local product support. People are often surprised when they hear that we’re one of a small number of local manufacturers.Looking ahead, what are some of the most exciting or promising innovations you see emerging in sustainable flooring materials, design, or manufacturing that you believe will significantly impact the interior design and construction industries in the coming years? One of the continuing themes we’ve seen is a focus on how buildings do or don’t contribute to our wellbeing. That’s certainly a trend that we think is going to continue and that we’re focused on.Whether it’s quality materials and manufacture, natural tones and biophilic design or simply the knowledge that the product was locally made, flooring has a big role to play in that space. Flooring can play a big role in air quality, temperature control and acoustics, all of which play a part in creating spaces that focus on putting people at the centre of design.GH Commercial emphasises collaboration in your sustainability approach. Could you share some examples of key collaborations or partnerships GH Commercial is currently engaged in to promote sustainability within the flooring industry or across the broader supply chain?We work closely with all our suppliers, and that is only going to increase in coming years. We all know that to fully embrace sustainability, we need to understand and manage our impacts both where we operate and in our supply chain.For climate and managing embodied carbon in particular we need to have our suppliers work with us to better understand and manage the emissions associated with raw materials.For circularity, our suppliers also potentially become customers for our manufacturing waste and products at the end of their life. But more likely is that a range of parties will need to cooperate to create a circular economy for flooring. In the R&amp;D phase, collaboration will be essential to identifying, testing and scaling recycling solutions. And once solutions are identified, it seems likely that these will involve cross industry collaboration. By way of example, some of the promising uses of post-industrial and end-of-life carpet waste that GH Commercial has collaborated on involve other building products like insulation and concrete.Finally, from a personal perspective, what inspires you most about working in sustainability within the flooring industry? And what are you most passionate about achieving in your role as Chief Sustainability Officer at GH Commercial?This year is the 160th anniversary of the founding of Godfrey Hirst in Geelong, where GH Commercial soft flooring is made today by a dedicated and loyal local workforce. That is an incredible legacy and responsibility that makes how we approach sustainability just that little bit more relevant. We’re focused on ensuring that GH Commercial continues on its journey to become a more sustainable organisation in order to both preserve and build on that legacy – to meet the needs of our clients today without compromising those of future generations.This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/editorial/sustainability/lachlan-mcmurtrie-general-counsel-chief-sustainability-officer-at-gh-commercial">Architecture &amp; Design</a> and has been adapted for publication by GH Commercial.

Architecture & Design recently sat down with Lachlan McMurtrie, our Chief Sustainability Officer and General Counsel, to discuss where GH Commercial stands today, where we’re headed, and how we’re navigating sustainability challenges with clarity, science, and integrity.

Leading with Purpose: Our Clear-Eyed Approach to Sustainability

GH Commercial is excited to announce its continued support of the Best of State Awards for Commercial Design, part of the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards 2025. As a leading force in the Australian commercial flooring industry, GH Commercial proudly champions innovation and excellence in interior design, particularly in the commercial sector.For over 160 years, GH Commercial has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, sustainable flooring solutions to commercial projects across Australia and New Zealand. Our commitment to design flexibility, local manufacturing, and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with the values celebrated by the Best of State Awards, which highlight the most outstanding commercial design achievements from across the country.“We are thrilled to support the Best of State Awards as part of our ongoing dedication to advancing commercial design excellence,” says Joel Williamson, National Commercial Sales Manager. “These awards not only recognize the creative talent shaping the future of commercial interiors but also encourage the use of innovative, sustainable materials that help create healthier, more inspiring spaces.”As the shortlist for the 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards has just been announced, GH Commercial would like to extend our congratulations to all the nominees. Your visionary work continues to raise the bar for commercial design across the country. The full list of nominees can be viewed online at <a href="https://australianinteriordesignawards.com/">australianinteriordesignawards.com</a>.GH Commercial’s involvement in the Best of State Awards underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting the Australian interior design community. By recognizing the best commercial designs across the country, we aim to foster a more sustainable and forward-thinking design industry, one that consistently pushes creative boundaries.We invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of this year’s nominees and look forward to seeing the groundbreaking designs that will inspire the next generation of commercial interiors.Photography: <a href="https://www.bluetreestudios.com.au/">Blue Tree Studios</a>

GH Commercial is excited to announce its continued support of the Best of State Awards for Commercial Design, part of the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards 2025. As a leading force in the Australian commercial flooring industry, GH Commercial proudly champions innovation and excellence in interior design, particularly in the commercial sector.

GH Commercial Proudly Supports the Best of State Awards for Commercial Design

On 4 April 2025, the GH Commercial team proudly took part in our annual Take 3 for the Sea clean-up event, held this year at Eastern Beach, Geelong. Now in our fifth year of partnership with this impactful organisation, we remain deeply committed to reducing litter and preserving our natural environment.Take 3 for the Sea plays a vital role in protecting marine life, ecosystems and waterways by inspiring everyday actions that reduce pollution. As a longstanding supporter, we’re proud to stand alongside them in driving real, positive change.This year’s clean-up was not only about environmental stewardship - it also gave our team the chance to connect with the local community and demonstrate the power of collective action. While Eastern Beach appeared pristine at first glance, our team quickly uncovered a significant amount of litter scattered throughout the foreshore. In just one hour, our team of 30 collected an impressive 17.7 kilograms of rubbish - totalling 2,278 individual pieces.Alongside the clean-up, participants gained valuable insight into the six drivers of littering: cleanliness, infrastructure, education and awareness, enforcement, community involvement, and source reduction. The session reinforced the importance of avoiding single-use disposable plastic items that are more likely to find their way into our waterways.A few comments from the day:<blockquote>“Fantastic education on how I can help make an impact in my local area from small changes and actions” – Emma, Godfrey Hirst.</blockquote><blockquote>“Great activity and great for the Geelong community” – Brendan, Godfrey Hirst.</blockquote><blockquote>“A really fun activity to do with colleagues, feels good to clean up the beach and support a good cause” – Liz, Godfrey Hirst.</blockquote><blockquote>“Take 3 for the Sea do a tremendous job of advocating, educating and actioning the clean-up of our waterways! We enjoy our annual clean-up and the education experience, alongside our team getting together in the outdoors! Thank you” – Renee, Godfrey Hirst.</blockquote>At GH Commercial, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in everything we do. Hands-on initiatives like this are a reminder that small actions can lead to lasting impact.

On 4 April 2025, the GH Commercial team proudly took part in our annual Take 3 for the Sea clean-up event, held this year at Eastern Beach, Geelong.

Take 3 For The Sea: Eastern Beach Clean-Up 2025

At GH Commercial, we are proud to continue our sponsorship of Geelong Connected Communities (GCC), which delivers a 24/7 online grants platform that helps not-for- profit organisations fund their programs, making the Geelong region a better place.With 160 years of local manufacturing in Geelong, we’re committed to investing in partnerships that align with our values. We’re proud to support like-minded organisations across a range of sectors - including arts, culture, sport and community development - that contribute to the vibrancy and wellbeing of our region.Since it was established in 2013, GCC played a vital role in strengthening the local community by distributing over $2.4 million in funding to date. This remarkable contribution has supported 860 individual grants, helping countless local initiatives grow and flourish. In total, 450 Geelong community organisations have benefitted.A standout example of GCC’s impact is its ten-year partnership with Volunteering Geelong. Through annual support of the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award, which has received $37,000 in funding to date, the program honours the extraordinary efforts of local individuals who give back selflessly. Now a celebrated fixture on Geelong’s calendar and recognised by local leadership, the award draws over 30 nominations annually, highlighting the resilience, service, and pride that characterise our region.At GH Commercial, our commitment to community engagement is a cornerstone of our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/sustainability/people/work-force">Believe in Better®</a> framework. This philosophy challenges us to continuously improve - not only in our products and processes but also in how we support the people and places that have supported us. By partnering with organisations like GCC, we aim to create lasting, positive change that reflects our dedication to doing better every day.Photography: <a href="https://www.planetdesigns.net/planet-designs-overland">Planet Designs Overland</a>

GH Commercial is a supporting sponsor of Geelong Connected Communities.

Godfrey Hirst Commercial Renews Commitment to Geelong Connected Communities

Geelong, VIC – GH Commercial has cemented its position as a leader in sustainable and high-quality manufacturing, taking home two prestigious accolades at the 2025 Geelong Manufacturing Council Awards Night. The company was recognised for its commitment to both environmental responsibility and operational excellence, securing the Sustainability Excellence Award and the Manufacturing Excellence Award.A Double Victory for Godfrey HirstThe evening's first major win came with the Sustainability Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by Viva Energy. The award was presented by Bill Patterson, General Manager Refining at Viva Energy, to Lachlan McMurtrie, the newly appointed Chief Sustainability Officer of Mohawk Flooring Oceania representing Godfrey Hirst. This award acknowledges GH Commercial’s industry-leading efforts to reduce emissions and transition towards a more sustainable future.One of the most impressive achievements highlighted was the company’s substantial progress in reducing its carbon footprint. As of the end of 2024, GH Commercial had successfully cut its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 34% compared to 2020 levels. This milestone places the company well on track to achieve its ambitious target of a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030.To achieve these emissions reductions, the company has invested significantly in renewable energy solutions. All of its Australian manufacturing sites - and approximately half of its New Zealand operations - are now equipped with large-scale rooftop solar installations. These solar systems generate up to 60% of daytime electricity needs for the manufacturing facilities.Championing Manufacturing ExcellenceThe second award of the night recognised GH Commercial’s ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and leadership in Australian manufacturing. The Manufacturing Excellence Award, sponsored by Hanwha Defence Australia, was presented by Acting Managing Director Dean Michie to Jane Fletcher, General Manager, and Brendan Glen, Chief Operations Manager, both representing Godfrey Hirst Australia.This recognition showcases GH Commercial’s continued investment in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, skilled workforce development, and operational performance, all of which contribute to the company’s reputation as a premier flooring manufacturer in the region.Driving a Better FutureSpeaking after the awards, GH Commercial leaders highlighted the significance of the recognitions. "These awards are a testament to the dedication of our entire team," said Jane Fletcher. "They reflect the work we’ve done not only to improve how we manufacture, but also how we reduce our environmental impact in the process.Lachlan McMurtrie echoed the sentiment: "Sustainability is not just a target for us - it’s embedded into how we think and operate as a business. We are proud to be leading the way in sustainable manufacturing practices and to be recognised by our peers in the industry."Setting the Standard in ManufacturingThe Geelong Manufacturing Council Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and leadership in manufacturing across the region. GH Commercial’s dual win reinforces its status as a pioneer in flooring manufacturing, not only producing high-quality products but doing so in a way that prioritises the planet and future generations.With continued momentum behind its sustainability programs and manufacturing innovation, GH Commercial is well-positioned to achieve its future goals - and to continue leading the way in responsible and forward-thinking industry practices.

GH Commercial has cemented its position as a leader in sustainable and high-quality manufacturing, taking home two prestigious accolades at the 2025 Geelong Manufacturing Council Awards Night.

Godfrey Hirst Commercial Honoured with Dual Wins at Geelong Manufacturing Council Awards

We’re thrilled to be an Official Carpet &amp; Flooring Festival Partner for the third consecutive year at the world-renowned <a href="https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/">Melbourne International Comedy Festival!</a>Since its launch in 1987 by comedy greats Barry Humphries and Peter Cook, the festival has grown into Australia’s largest ticketed cultural event, attracting over 770,000 attendees each year.At its heart, the festival is all about discovery, creativity, and inclusivity, showcasing incredible talent across stand-up, cabaret, theatre, and street performances.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1742510973/articles/f62bf0f1-c337-49bc-a1c3-324555045568/photography/MMICF_inset_001.jpg">As a proud partner, we’re excited to supply custom-designed GH Commercial <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/designer-jet">Designer Jet®</a> welcome mats at selected festival venues - bringing the brand to life and rolling out a warm welcome (literally!) for all attendees.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1742510973/articles/f62bf0f1-c337-49bc-a1c3-324555045568/photography/MMICF_inset_002.jpg">Get down and explore the incredible mix of shows at this year’s festival and get ready for non-stop laughs!<a href="https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/">Explore shows now!</a>

We’re thrilled to be an Official Carpet & Flooring Festival Partner for the third consecutive year at the world-renowned Melbourne International Comedy Festival!

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 X GH Commercial

GH Commercial, alongside Godfrey Hirst, was proud to be an Official Partner of <a href="https://melbournefashionfestival.com.au/">PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025</a> for the third consecutive year.From 22 February to 8 March, Australia’s largest major fashion event took over Melbourne, shining a spotlight on the cutting-edge, artistic, and enduringly gritty fabric of the city’s fashion industry. The festival created a world-class destination for Australians to celebrate everything that makes the local fashion community so unique.The festival’s vision was to joyously and consistently deliver an unrivalled, world-class event that celebrated and elevated every aspect of fashion and creativity. It proudly reinforced its leadership in the Australian fashion scene. The Premium Runways showcased Australia’s leading and most-loved designers, alongside exciting local and emerging talent, championing the ‘see now, buy now’ model. These iconic events were hosted at the historic Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounds.This year, the Premium Runway featured our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/corsica-oak">Corsica Oak</a><a> </a>engineered timber flooring as a stunning centrepiece. The flooring, which had been reused over the past few years, reflected the festival’s commitment to sustainable practices by minimising waste through the reuse of materials. It was inspiring to see the festival’s dedication to incorporating sustainability into such a high-profile event.The festival is committed to reducing waste as much as possible and has a strong focus on recycling. This philosophy was evident at 2024 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, where the carpet was donated through Bright Sparqe, a not-for-profit organisation that connects businesses with surplus goods to charities in need.We were especially proud to collaborate with the festival and <a href="https://www.mobinfashion.com.au/">Mob in Fashion</a><a> </a>to create a one-of-a-kind carpet for the Back in Blak Runway. This powerful showcase fused contemporary design with the deep, rich traditions of First Nations culture. Curated by Mob in Fashion, the Back in Blak Runway drew inspiration from Australian pop culture rebellion, redefining it through the eyes of First Nations designers and artisans.The Mob In Fashion runway carpet was designed by <a href="https://iamenoki.com/">ENOKi</a><a> </a>(they/them), a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta Multi-Media artist based on Wurundjeri Country (Melbourne). Their design presented an abstract depiction of space, featuring patterns in the background representing faraway galaxies and organic shapes in the foreground symbolizing stars. The artwork captured the energy emitted by stars and how it travelled through space, connecting to us and country, much like how the sun sustains life. This piece not only reflected First Peoples' connection to country but also explored a broader connection beyond country and the cosmos.ENOKi’s artistic practice explored Blakness and Queerness through bright, vibrant colours inspired by Pop-Art and Native Flora. Their previous work included the First People's RISING art tram "My Aunty Once Told Me" (Routes 58 &amp; 59), Apple’s 2023 World Pride Campaign, and Red Bull’s 2024 Cliff Dive Tower. They also contributed to Solid Lines, a report sponsored by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (2022) on fostering First Nations involvement in the design and commercial art industries.Additionally, our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/designer-jet">Designer Jet® technology</a> brought the festival’s ethos to life with a custom-designed media wall carpet that welcomed guests as they arrived.We were honoured to be part of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025, where anything and everyone went!

GH Commercial, alongside Godfrey Hirst, was proud to be an Official Partner of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 for the third consecutive year.

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 x GH Commercial 

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we're celebrating some of inspirational women in our business.Lisa Baard, Chief People OfficerLisa reflects on International Women's Day (IWD) as a moment for reflection, appreciation, and commitment. As a Chief People Officer in the manufacturing industry, she sees it as an opportunity to recognise the contributions of women in a field that has historically been male-dominated. It’s a time to celebrate the resilience, leadership, and innovation of women at all levels – on the factory floor, in management, and beyond.As a mother of four, this day holds personal significance for Lisa. It reminds her of the responsibility to create a world where both her daughters and sons see equality as the norm, not the exception. It’s about ensuring that workplaces evolve to support women’s ambitions without forcing them to choose between career and family. For Lisa, this day is about action: fostering inclusive cultures, championing policies that support women’s growth, and mentoring the next generation of female leaders.<blockquote>“It’s a call to keep pushing for progress, not just on March 8th, but every day.” – Lisa Baard</blockquote>Lisa's proudest career achievement isn’t a title, a project, or a milestone – it’s the ability to build a fulfilling career while staying true to her values as a wife, mother, and leader. Balancing her career while raising four children and nurturing a strong marriage has been the most meaningful accomplishment of her life. Through integrity, trust, and hard work, she’s built a career that aligns with who she is. She’s championed workplace cultures that support people and advocated for policies that allow others to pursue both career success and personal fulfillment, knowing firsthand the challenges of doing so.To support gender equity in the workplace, Lisa believes that action is required from everyone within the organisation. Leaders must implement fair policies, address bias, promote women into leadership, and create an inclusive culture. Employees should advocate for equal opportunities, challenge stereotypes, amplify women’s voices, and support fair distribution of work.<blockquote>“Achieving gender equality isn’t just about supporting women—it’s about creating a stronger, more innovative, and inclusive workplace for all.” – Lisa Baard</blockquote>Lisa draws inspiration from women who refuse to stay silent, even when speaking up comes with risks. She admires the mother who shows up to work after a sleepless night, proving resilience in both her personal and professional life. She respects the woman who steps into a male-dominated industry and pushes forward with confidence and determination. Lisa is inspired by leaders who advocate for others, friends who lift other women up instead of competing with them, and those who embody kindness, strength, persistence, and courage – not because it’s easy, but because it matters.As a leader, the most important thing to Lisa is creating a culture of integrity, trust, and opportunity—where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. She believes leadership is about more than just driving results; it’s about fostering an environment where individuals, regardless of gender or background, can thrive. Lisa is committed to advocating for fairness, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard, and ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities for growth, whether it’s championing gender equality, supporting working parents, or mentoring future leaders.<blockquote>“My priority is to lead with authenticity and purpose – because true success is not just measured in business outcomes, but in the people we uplift along the way.” – Lisa Baard</blockquote>Abby Ayson, Product and Market Development ManagerAbby Ayson has been at Godfrey Hirst NZ for 4 years, with a prior background in engineering. As our Product and Market Development Manager, she plays a key role liaising with our US crew to develop and launch innovative New Zealand-made wool carpets with designs and colours that hit the mark worldwide.Her expertise extends to product management, supporting new launches and stock forecasting across the NZ residential hard and soft flooring portfolios and ensuring our offerings align with demand. Whether she’s playing around with new samples, working across time zones, or deep in the spreadsheets, Abby is always committed to excellence and finding better ways to wow our customers!<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1740978529/articles/3b13e791-1fed-4411-bd2a-ebe0b944f9e6/photography/iwd-2025-news-inset-img-001.jpg">

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we're celebrating some of inspirational women in our business.

Celebrating International Women's Day

In 2024, GH Commercial and Dreamtime Flooring launched the Here Before collection in collaboration with artist Aunty Sam from BNYM Indigenous Designs. This unique carpet range brings to life the rich textures and storytelling of Aunty Sam’s creations, connecting people to Country and fostering culturally safe spaces. As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, GH Commercial and Dreamtime Flooring will donate $1 each from every square metre sold of the Here Before collection. This is donated to a charitable Indigenous organisation annually.For our inaugural donation, we turned to the guidance of a well-respected Elder to ensure our contribution would have meaningful grassroots impact. Together, Godfrey Hirst and Dreamtime Flooring supported The Pavilion School, a Victorian government school dedicated to re-engaging young people who have been excluded from mainstream education.This donation was used to fund custom-designed hoodies for Pavilion students, featuring First Nations artwork created by the students themselves. These hoodies symbolize unity, cultural pride, and the importance of individuality within the school community. By collaborating with the students to bring their designs to life, this initiative reinforced the school’s values of inclusivity and cultural safety.“Student voice is integral to the fabric of Pavilion school, particularly Koori Programs. These hoodies were created in collaboration with students who participate in our Yarning on Country program. We honoured students’ connection to community whilst allowing them creative ownership over the hoodie design. Being able to represent your ties to mob and culture through design on a school hoodie is empowering for our students. The overall process allowed ownership over the individuality of the design but also promoted collaborative artistry between students.” –&nbsp;Ashlee Luttrell, Koori Programs Coordinator.&nbsp;The Pavilion School provides tailored education plans for students aged 13 to 21, with a focus on academic development, social-emotional wellbeing, and cultural enrichment. With over 41% of its student population identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the school has a dedicated Koori Programs Team to ensure cultural perspectives are embedded across its curriculum. Programs such as cultural workshops, excursions, and “On Country” experiences enable students to connect with their heritage and strengthen their sense of identity.We are proud to support The Pavilion School and its students, who are building brighter futures through education and cultural connection. This donation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating real impact in the communities we serve.Through the Here Before collection and our partnership with Dreamtime Flooring, we look forward to continuing this important journey of connection, storytelling, and giving back.

The Pavilion School provides tailored education plans for students aged 13 to 21, with a focus on academic development, social-emotional wellbeing, and cultural enrichment.

Supporting Future Pathways: GH Commercial and Dreamtime Flooring’s Donation to The Pavilion School

GH Commercial is proudly supporting the Give Where You Live Foundation, an organisation dedicated to building a fairer and more equitable community across the Geelong region. For nearly 70 years, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to create positive change by improving education, expanding employment opportunities, and providing essential support to individuals facing crisis - particularly in the areas of food security and homelessness.In 2022-23, the Give Where You Live Foundation made a significant impact on the community by:<ul><li>Supporting 1,404 young people to re-engage in learning, empowering them with the education and skills needed for a brighter future.</li><li>Distributing 5,359 community choice vouchers for essential food and pharmacy items, ensuring families and individuals have access to vital resources.</li><li>Assisting 24,904 people with food relief, helping to reduce food insecurity and provide much-needed stability during challenging times.</li></ul>At GH Commercial, we believe in the power of businesses to drive meaningful change. Our partnership with the Give Where You Live Foundation aligns with one of the core pillars of our sustainable business commitment - People. By supporting this incredible initiative, we are actively contributing to a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

GH Commercial is proudly supporting the Give Where You Live Foundation, an organisation dedicated to building a fairer and more equitable community across the Geelong region.

Give Where You Live Foundation

Around 1 in 2 people in Australia will struggle with their mental health during their life. For more than 20 years, Australians have placed their trust in Beyond Blue as a reliable source of mental health information, support, and hope.&nbsp;As one of Australia’s most well-known, trusted and visited mental health organisation, GH Commercial are proud to continue our support of Beyond Blue, aligning with our ‘Better for People’ core value.&nbsp;Beyond Blue focuses on tackling depression and anxiety – the most common mental health conditions in Australia – and through this they also contribute to suicide prevention.&nbsp;With a vision for all people in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health, Beyond Blue’s strategy focuses on making it easier for people to access high-quality mental health support earlier. With around 3.3 million people in Australia living with anxiety and around 1.5 million people living with depression, Beyond Blue aims to provide a safe and reliable place to access information, advice, and support.To read more about Beyond Blue, head to <a href="http://www.beyondblue.org.au">www.beyondblue.org.au</a>

As one of Australia’s most well-known, trusted and visited mental health organisation, GH Commercial are proud to continue our support of Beyond Blue, aligning with our ‘Better for People’ core value. 

Proudly Supporting Beyond Blue

Engineers have discovered an innovative way to enhance concrete strength and reduce cracking by incorporating scrap carpet fibres.<a href="#_ftn1">[1]</a> This exciting development not only improves the durability of concrete but also promotes product circularity in the construction industry. The research team, collaborating with partners like Textile Recyclers Australia and Godfrey Hirst, is testing concrete made from recycled textiles.&nbsp;Dr. Chamila Gunasekara, a lead researcher from RMIT University, explained that their technique can reduce cracking in concrete by up to&nbsp;30%, improving its durability. This is crucial, as repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures costs Australia around&nbsp;A$8 billion&nbsp;annually."Cracking in early-age concrete slabs is a long-standing challenge in&nbsp;construction projects&nbsp;that can cause premature corrosion, not only making a building look bad but also risking its structural integrity and safety," said Dr. Gunasekara, an ARC DECRA fellow from the School of Engineering.Laboratory tests confirm that this innovative concrete meets Australian standards for quality and environmental safety. This breakthrough not only addresses a significant issue in the industry but also helps recycle materials that would otherwise go to waste.Our commitment to our planet extends beyond just products and processes: it’s how we challenge ourselves to do and be better every day, how we make decisions, how we reinvest in our people and our planet, and how we define what matters most as we work to deliver value for generations to come.[1] RMIT University, Carpet fibers can stop concrete cracking, TechXplore (2024. <a href="https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-carpet-fibers-concrete.html#google_vignette">https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-carpet-fibers-concrete.html#google_vignette</a>

Engineers have discovered an innovative way to enhance concrete strength and reduce cracking by incorporating scrap carpet fibres. This exciting development not only improves the durability of concrete but also promotes product circularity in the construction industry.

Using Carpet Fibres for Stronger Concrete

Talking Architecture &amp; Design (TAD) remains committed to exploring the evolving world of architecture and design, ensuring that its listeners stay informed and inspired. TAD just celebrated 220 published episodes, establishing itself as a key voice in the architecture and design community.Hosted by Branko Miletic, who has over 25 years of experience, as a journalist, editor and Talking Architecture &amp; Design host. Branko brings a wealth of diverse knowledge and rich experience that allows him to quickly get to the heart of the issues been discussed.&nbsp;We were thrilled to sponsor TAD for a second year in 2024. Read our Podcast series e-book to discover our podcast episodes across 2024, where we were lucky enough to hear from a range of industry experts.Download this e-book today!

The best bits of our Talking Architecture & Design podcast from 2024 discussing all things design, sustainability and product development with a range of guests.

Talking Architecture & Design Podcast eBook 2024

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the deep, enduring connection the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land. This connection informs their traditions and art, and by incorporating these values in their designs, architects and designers can contribute to and support a strong and vibrant Indigenous culture in our built environment. Adding these design elements to our buildings, private and public infrastructure gives spaces more depth, meaning, and authenticity while also acting as a sign of respect and reconciliation.This whitepaper discusses some of the key concepts and approaches that are important to understand for designers looking to incorporate Indigenous design into their projects. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide but a starting point for further exploration and research. By fostering a respectful approach and a willingness to learn, architects and designers can contribute to more inclusive, culturally rich design outcomes.

Incorporating Indigenous design into projects.

Respecting Indigenous Design in Commercial Projects

As architects and designers, you play a pivotal role in shaping the spaces that reflect our national identity. However, incorporating First Nations culture into the built environment in a respectful, ethical, and meaningful way can be challenging. That’s why we have created “New Wave of Indigenous Design”, a CPD session designed to provide foundational knowledge on this crucial aspect of design. Created in collaboration with our partner, Dreamtime Flooring, an 100% Indigenous Owned Business.&nbsp;Learning Outcomes:&nbsp;<ul><li>Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s aspirations to care for their Country and how these inform design.</li><li>How to incorporate First Nations design into your commercial interior?</li><li>How to understand and respect country in a meaningful way throughout the design process?</li><li>How to bring participatory design principles into your design process to effectively collaborate with local mob and your First Nations representatives?</li><li>How to address procurement targets whilst still meeting client brief requirements?</li></ul>By participating in this CPD, you will gain insights into how to enrich your design projects with Indigenous narratives and create spaces that honour the deep history and cultural significance of First Nations communities. You will also explore how to apply procurement strategies that support Indigenous businesses, aligning with national policies like the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP).&nbsp;Australia: <a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/new-wave-of-first-nations-exploration">Watch webinar via partner Archify</a> and claim 1 formal CPD Point (Design Competency).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/new-wave-of-first-nations-exploration"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/archify.png" alt></a>

Incorporating First Nations Culture in Design 

GH Commercial is excited to announce that we have earnt a Gold medal rating by EcoVadis[1] for the second year in a row. EcoVadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, as a recognition of their EcoVadis Rating. EcoVadis measures a company’s improvement in its whole supply chain and production towards the transition to a sustainable economy. The results put GH Commercial in the top 95th percentile of more than 100,000+ rated companies in the EcoVadis global network.&nbsp;The Ecovadis methodology is built on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and the ISO 26000, covering 200+ spend categories and 175+ countries. The Sustainability Scorecard illustrates performance across 21 indicators in four themes:<ol><li>Environment</li><li>Labour &amp; Human Rights</li><li>Ethics</li><li>Sustainable Procurement</li></ol>At GH Commercial, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint through careful and responsible resource management and the continued investment in new technology to improve our processes.<a href="https://ecovadis.com/">Learn more</a>

GH Commercial is excited to announce that we have earnt a Gold medal rating by EcoVadis for the second year in a row. EcoVadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, as a recognition of their EcoVadis Rating.

GH Commercial achieves Gold Medal rating by EcoVadis

Our carpet products are available in a range of different backing types. Read on to find out more about our carpet backings and how they are designed to enhance the performance of your carpet, increase comfort and improve indoor environment quality. Our backings have been engineered to reduce the risk of complications of high relative humidity and PH in concrete subfloors. Also, our unique backing has been designed to reduce the risk of off-gassing and other potentially dangerous chemicals associated with some plastic compounds. All carpet tiles and plank backings are fully recyclable and qualify for takeback at the end of their life under our GH Commercial ReCover Program.

Our carpet products are available in a range of different backing types. Find out more about our carpet backings and how they are designed to enhance the performance of your carpet, increase comfort and improve indoor environment quality.

Carpet Backing Options

Amanda York is a highly accomplished Interior Designer with over 20 years’ experience and is currently the Interiors Lead for Grimshaw Architects.Amanda has been responsible for delivering a wide variety of award-winning projects throughout Australia including public/cultural, hospitality/hotel, retail, sports, education and workplace. Most notably she was the Interior Design Lead for Optus Stadium Perth and Marvel Stadium Melbourne where she played a key role in the design of the team facilities, function rooms and hospitality offerings across the general admission and premium product spaces.Amanda has always been drawn to ambitious large-scale cultural and community projects that require a deep understanding of the importance of designing for the human experience. With the aspiration to design highly considered and curated spaces, Amanda is passionate about all aspects of design with a focus on creating places that provide meaningful experiences and ultimately bring people together.Amanda explains how design-related issues, specifically the use of custom add value, design authenticity, and help with designing for place.<blockquote>“When designing projects, we are quite specific, and without customisation we would be limiting ourselves to not having a wholistic design strategy, it’s about building that materials palette”</blockquote>Amanda discusses how interior design has become more artistic and creative over the years,<blockquote>“there is a much greater emphasis on curated spaces and curated experiences”</blockquote>She explains that clients are far more sophisticated and in tune with design than what they used to be,<blockquote>“there is an expectation that we will create an experience for them that is tailored to their ideas, brand and that it sets up that brand identity”</blockquote><blockquote>“The custom features are crucial to the success of projects. We want to create an architectural experience that is connected to place.”</blockquote><a href="https://podcast.architectureanddesign.com.au/episode-221-amanda-york-from-grimshaw-on-design-authenticity-designing-specifically-for-place/">Listen to Episode 221:</a> Amanda York from Grimshaw on design authenticity and designing specifically for place.

Amanda York is a highly accomplished Interior Designer with over 20 years’ experience and is currently the Interiors Lead for Grimshaw Architects. 

Talking Architecture & Design with Amanda York

As a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, the World’s largest flooring company, and part of the Segment Flooring Rest of the World, we are proud to publish our second Oceania Regional Impact Report highlighting our local environmental and social initiatives.Our approach to sustainability is based on authenticity and meaningful actions which seek to improve this place for our people, customers and future generations. We capture these actions within the three pillars of People, Performance and Planet.Within our 2023 ESG Report, we outline our united efforts globally, and draw on cases locally, across a range of environmental, social and governance issues. Some key achievements to note are we celebrate publishing our third Modern Slavery report in Australia, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to identifying, managing and mitigating modern slavery risks in our supply chain. We launched a new lighter weight carpet backing system, and published our first sustainable packaging performance summary report and action plan in 2023, committing to our responsible packaging framework and waste reduction by 2025.In addition, GH Commercial delivered bespoke Continued Professional Development modules to our market, presented by leaders within the business. We collaborated with internationally acclaimed interior designer Lorena Gaxiola, winning Best New Product at Better Future Awards for our product collaboration.We have a clear vision, are aligned on our common goals and are proud to have the support of our passionate and motivated people to help us make a true difference.You can read further about our local and global achievements in our complete report.<a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1/apps/ghc-web/sustainability/docs/Mohawk_ESG_Report.pdf">Download ESG Report</a>

As a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, the World’s largest flooring company, and part of the Segment Flooring Rest of the World, we are proud to publish our second Oceania Regional Impact Report highlighting our local environmental and social initiatives.

Latest ESG Report

For every square metre sold of Chromatic Cadence, we will donate $1 to genU Arts Programme.

Part of our Believe in Better® approach to business focuses on people. Having been a part of our community for over 150 years, we wanted to give back and support community initiatives. Our latest Chromatic Cadence Collection is proud to support the genU Arts Programme, donating $1 per square metre sold on a bi-annual basis.&nbsp; 

Originally founded in Geelong as a play-centre for children with disability in 1952, genU services and support have greatly expanded over their 70+ year history. Today, they are a team of 3600 employees and volunteers across 169 locations across Australia. They are also profit-for-purpose and committed to reinvesting surpluses into services to promote inclusion in the community. Through their Arts Programme, genU offer day programs across five locations, James Street Gallery studio and further diverse community art programs.

Our partnership with genU started in 2023, through the launch of our Social Canvas Collection. “We wanted to give back to local community in a meaningful way, the genU Arts Programme had such strong roots in Geelong and what they had created for artists with disabilities was really inspiring”. – Joel Williamson, National Sales Manager.&nbsp; 

“Artists within the programme create artwork of their own making, meaning the studio artist led, it certainly allows for a level of expression that is not available to these artists usually in a verbal way. The programme that we offer here allows clients to have access to an income, which isn’t available to many artists, let alone in disability.” – Teresa Lawrence, James Street Gallery Coordinator.

One of genU’s Arts Programme’s is run at James Street Gallery. Through our Social Canvas collection, we made an annual donation that allowed the gallery to commission a soundscape element to RISE, an exhibition held at Geelong Gallery. 

We are thrilled to continue to build on this partnership, extending our support on an ongoing basis to the genU Arts Programme through our Chromatic Cadence Collection. Inspired by artist and veteran Yvette, who spent more than 20 years in the US army, we are proud play a small part in supporting genU, and their mission of building inclusive communities and opportunities for artists with disabilities. “This partnership with GH Commercial is going to be really exciting, it will mean we could possibly expand the projects that we do. We like to give back as much as we gain from the community, which is an empowering thing for our clients.”&nbsp; - Teresa Lawrence, James Street Gallery Coordinator.

Learn more about the genU Arts Programme today: <a href="https://www.genu.org.au/services/disability-services/lifestyle-and-participate/arts/">genU | Disability support services | Participate | Arts</a>

Our latest Chromatic Cadence Collection is proud to support the genU Arts Programme, donating $1 per square metre sold on a bi-annual basis.

Proudly supporting genU Arts Programme

GH Commercial, supporting Rone with his latest exhibition Time, in Flinders Street Station Melbourne.

Artist Rone x GH Commercial 

We are excited to be partnering with Dowel Jones in their longest exhibition to date, ‘Ten Years of Dowel Jones’ at the National Wool Museum from the 26th of July to 24th of November 2024. This exhibition celebrates the Dowel Jones story, sharing their journey from university classmates to a small furniture studio and now an international design house.&nbsp;

Dowel Jones

The first ten years of <a href="https://doweljones.com/">Dowel Jones</a> &nbsp;has seen founders Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman build a reputation for design that is defiantly democratic, and their staunchly unique pieces have swept awards and built a cult-like following across the globe. On Australian shores, Dowel Jones are recognised for their commitment to local design and their proclivity for collaboration, where the creative process is just as integral as the end result.&nbsp;

Dowel Jones is known for its unique and authentic designs, ranging from vibrant to conceptual. Collaborating with local brands and makers, they have fostered a community committed to extraordinary creativity, elevating Australian design globally. Their work exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in contemporary design.

 
Celebrating Design + Local + Manufacturing

The exhibition at the National Wool Museum shines a spotlight on the collaborations that Dowel Jones have forged paying homage to their penchant for the local with installations and collaborations that explore the magic of modern-day craftsmanship. With Dowel Jones holding the importance of local manufacturing close to the heart of their business they also see benefits of reduced transport impact upon the environment. This exhibition shares our values of championing local manufacturing and design and proudly highlights a range of collaborations that continue to design and manufacture locally in Australia.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
“As time goes on it seems less and less furniture companies are interested in doing this, so we feel it's important that we continue to. We set out 10 years ago to offer Australian made furniture and lighting, and thankfully next month we'll be able to celebrate 10 years of achieving this.” - Dale Hardiman, Dowel Jones Co-Founder.
</blockquote>

 
‘Ten Years of Dowel Jones’ Exhibition

Here at GH Commercial we are proud to be a part of this exhibition and collaborate with Dowel Jones on a unique suspended carpet-art piece as well as a range of custom flooring. This custom-art piece is an extension of the Dowel Jones ‘<a href="https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/142454/">Never Grow Up</a>’ bench which is in the National Gallery of Victoria permanent collection. In creating the work, Dowel Jones partnered with MoPA (Museum of Play and Art) where over a one month period 648 children drew self-portraits, which will be brought to life by our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/designer-jet">Designer Jet®</a> technology.&nbsp;

“The use of the carpet within the space originated from producing the MoPA Portrait work. GH Commercial offered an amazing process to print the 600+ hand drawn portraits from the kids of MoPA directly onto the 10 metre long roll of carpet. This collaboration also inspired us to print custom carpet for the flooring to really enhance and encapsulate the Dowel Jones experience and identity… and thankfully working with the GH Commercial team we've been able to bring that vision to life.” – Dale Hardiman, Dowel Jones Co-Founder.

More about <a href="https://doweljones.com/">Dowel Jones</a>.

We are excited to be partnering with Dowel Jones in their exhibition at the National Wool Museum from 26th of July to 24th of November 2024. 

Dowel Jones x GH Commercial 

In 2024 we were proud to support the Australian Interior Design Awards, a not-for-profit program that strives to celebrate interior design excellence via their industry-based program which is supported by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and Artichoke. Endorsed by the DIA and the Australian Institute of Architects this awards program is the professional program of choice amongst the established design community. With a range of awards categories spanning across all commercial market segments, a truly diverse range of top projects are celebrated.

In 2024 the awards program included seven primary categories, two optional categories and four automatic categories of awards. In 2024 GH Commercial are supporting the ‘Best of State for Commercial Interior Design’ category which encapsulates the best of interior design across all commercial primary categories which spans across a broad range of commercial segments. Here at GH Commercial, we are passionate about design and striving to provide flooring solutions to create beautiful interiors. Supporting the Australian Interior Design Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate leading designers and draw inspiration from the impressive portfolio of projects recognised.

Proud Supporter Of The Australian Interior Design Awards 2024

100% Scholarship opportunity for Living Future Accreditation &amp; Regional Intensive Course 2024

As a strategic partner of the <a href="https://living-future.org.au/">Living Future Institute of Australia</a> we were excited to offer one full scholarship position for the Living Future Accreditation &amp; Regional Intensive Course in 2024. This scholarship covers 100% of the course fees ($3,740 value) and was open to built environment professionals who are eager to take action to transform the industry towards a regenerative design philosophy.

This professional credential, created by the International Living Future Institute, recognises proficiency in the world’s most ambitious, regenerative and holistic design standards such as the Living Building Challenge. With a Living Future Accreditation, students in the course have an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise at the leading edge of regenerative design and Living Future programs.

The Living Future Accreditation (LFA) offers a mix of online and in person learning sessions with a range of educational resources explored throughout the course. This accreditation further offers a global connection to LFA peers, development of advanced regenerative design knowledge and future project opportunities.

With so many deserving applicants, it was a difficult decision for the judging panel, who felt two applicants would benefit greatly from the course. Through the generous support of the LFIA alongside us at GH Commercial, two individuals were granted a full scholarship in the Living Future Accreditation &amp; Regional Intensive Course 2024. We wish them the very best in their studies! 

More about the <a href="https://living-future.org.au/event/living-future-accreditation/">Living Future Accreditation</a> and Regional Intensive Course.

We're excited to be offering one full scholarship position for the upcoming course in 2024.

Living Future Accreditation Scholarship

<h3>WILD Design Awards for 2024</h3>

We are honoured to have been recognised at the Better Future Wild Design Awards 2024 and the winning Silver in the Product Design – Commercial and Industry category. This award celebrates creative and innovative design that is courageous for either a component or overall product. The awards create future recognition from past projects. The projects in the WILD Design Awards are sourced from the BETTER FUTURE regional, design capitals and sector award programs - representing an unparalleled collection sourced from the world's largest network of design awards.

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The WILD Design Awards for 2024 are composed of award nominations from the following regional and design capital programs; AUSTRALIAN Design Awards 2024 - PARIS Design Awards 2024 - BERLIN Design Awards 2024 - MILAN Design Awards 2024 - GOV Design Awards 2024, plus a special set of wildcard nominations directly into the awards. The Better Future Awards proudly recognise courageous, diverse and excellent design across the globe.

<a href="https://betterfutureawards.com/wld24/project.asp?ID=32598">Learn More</a>

GH Commercial awarded Silver in the Product Design of the Better Future Wild Design Awards 2024.

Award Winner Wild Design Awards 2024

The thoughtful integration of zoning and wayfinding within commercial design can prove to have a range of benefits. These methods not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of a space but also play a crucial role in optimising the flow of people. <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products?type[]=TIL">Carpet tiles</a> are a versatile floorcovering option that can assist in achieving zoning and wayfinding patterns.&nbsp;Zoning for Purposeful DesignZoning, in the context of commercial design, involves the segmentation of spaces for different uses. Imagine a vast office floor seamlessly divided into collaborative <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/workplace">workspaces</a>, private offices, and <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/public-space">recreational zones</a>. The use of carpet tiles to change the colour and design of the flooring in specific areas, creates visual cues that subtly signal transitions between zones.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wayfinding: Guiding the Way through DesignWayfinding, on the other hand, involves creating directional pathways within a building. It's the silent guide that directs foot traffic seamlessly. Carpet tiles can be instrumental in this process by facilitating transitions in design and colour. Bold changes or subtle shifts in the carpet pattern can be strategically employed to guide individuals through a space, improving navigation and overall user experience.Endless Possibilities with Carpet TilesCarpet tiles offer an extensive palette for use within integrating a wide range of wayfinding and zoning designs. From vibrant colour blocking that creates distinct visual separations to more nuanced transitions between different designs and textures, the possibilities are nearly endless. The adaptability of carpet tiles allows for a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Carpet tiles are a versatile floorcovering option that can assist in achieving zoning and wayfinding patterns.

Enhancing Commercial Spaces: The Power of Wayfinding and Zoning with Carpet Tiles

Here at GH Commercial we were proud to continue our support of the Architecture &amp; Design Sustainability Awards in 2024 as an official award partner for a third year, in the Interior Design category. With 18 categories covering Projects, People, and Innovation, there was an opportunity for entries of every size, type, and budget to participate and be celebrated for their positive impact on a greener future.<h3>Sustainability Awards – Interior Design</h3>The Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious awards program dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating excellence in sustainable design and architecture.&nbsp;The Interior Design category champions projects that feature a renovation or fit out of the interior of an existing building where the sustainable design is involved with such factors as determining the efficient and effective use of space, selecting construction materials that offer low environmental impact and lowering pollution, waste, and the lowering of the overall energy consumption.This category recognises projects that have undergone a refurbishment or a re-fit. These projects hold sustainability at the core of their design and carefully consider efficient use of space, low environmental impact of construction materials, and a reduction in pollution, waste, and overall energy consumption are central.

Proud supporters of the Architecture & Design Sustainability Awards in 2024.

Proud Partner of the Sustainability Awards 2024

As one of Australia’s largest manufacturers and exporters of residential and commercial carpets, Godfrey Hirst produces thousands of metres of carpet in state-of-the-art Australian facilities every day.

We proudly operate four carpet manufacturing facilities, three yarn processing facilities, 10 distribution centres, and 14 sales offices across Australia and New Zealand. Currently, Godfrey Hirst employs over 1,000 people, of which roughly half are employed in Australia and half in New Zealand. Our partnership with the official Australian Made campaign aligns us with Australia’s most trusted, recognised and widely used country of origin symbol, underpinned by a third-party accreditation system that authenticates genuinely Australian products.

Our local investment in people, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution provides total supply chain capability, ensuring quality control and consistency from product design, right through to delivery.

The stories of people from one of Australia’s largest manufacturers and exporters of residential and commercial carpets.

Faces of Manufacturing

Presented by Lorena Gaxiola, in partnership with The Local Project and Indesignlive.&nbsp;

This year's Melbourne Design Week (23 May – 2 June) promises an exhilarating fusion of creativity and innovation as we proudly share our design collaboration with Interior Designer and Architect, Lorena Gaxiola, in partnership with the renowned interior surfaces company, Cosentino. Nestled within Cosentino's stunning city showroom, we are thrilled to showcase our Lorena Gaxiola + Feltex designs for the duration of Melbourne Design Week.

As a testament to our commitment to fostering dialogue and forging connections within the design community, we are thrilled to announce a captivating design talk event hosted in collaboration with Lorena Gaxiola and Cosentino on the 23rd of May. Hosted within the Cosentino City Showroom ‘Design Knows No Borders: Unlocking collective strength through alliance’ will feature thought-provoking discourse from industry leaders Lorena Gaxiola, Joel Williamson - GH Commercial, and Itay Shimoni - Cosentino and moderated by James Lyall-Smith from The Local Project.

Our distinguished panel will delve into a myriad of topics, from the nuanced intricacies of achieving commercial and aesthetic harmony to the strategic imperatives driving successful partnerships. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into harnessing the transformative power of collaboration to expand market reach and drive sustainable growth. With a focus on leveraging diversity as a catalyst for innovation, the discussion will illuminate the path towards cultivating cross-cultural working environments that inspire creativity and drive business success. This event offers business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of design, sustainability, and innovation.

Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of collaboration and embark on a journey of discovery, unity, and innovation at Melbourne Design Week 2024. 
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Presented by Lorena Gaxiola, in partnership with The Local Project and Indesignlive. 

Melbourne Design Week – Design Knows No Borders

Joel Williamson is the National Sales Manager of GH Commercial and Josh Haddock is the Managing Director of Dreamtime Flooring.&nbsp;

Together they have embarked on a journey that has seen them create a partnership between the two companies that is designed to help indigenous artists expand their reach into the world of commercial flooring and providing a whole new inventory of flooring designs, while also go some way to helping Close the Gap for Indigenous Australians.

They give us an insight into how they’ve achieved this and where it’s taking both companies in this exclusive interview.

<a href="https://podcast.architectureanddesign.com.au/episode-202-taking-commercial-flooring-to-the-next-social-level-gh-commercial-dreamtime-flooring-collaboration/">Listen to Episode 202</a>: Taking commercial flooring to the next social level: GH Commercial &amp; Dreamtime Flooring collaboration design.

Josh and Joel give an insight into how bringing together indigenous art and commercial flooring to the next level.

Talking Architecture & Design With Josh Haddock And Joel Williamson

Each year Mohawk Group develops a theme to help drive product development. This year it is Designing for Care.

“The theme is really meaningful to us …it’s something that’s driving culture and therefore the language of design,” Senior Design Director at Mohawk Group, Royce Epstein says.

“This year we are talking about the culture of care. It really looks at how we can use design as social practice in the service of care for people, place and planet,” she says.

Designing for Care proposes that we don’t just receive care in traditional healthcare buildings. Care can extend from spas and biohacking centres to designing housing that’s human-centred or education and workspaces that embrace wellbeing.

Royce points out that an office space designed solely for productivity can be really demoralising for people.

“That’s why there is a hesitancy to return to the office because people want to hang on to the self-care that they can have in their home environment or out in nature”.

Royce says when designing through the framework of care, designers can consider such ideas: How can we embed optimism into places? What about inclusivity? Wellness for physical, mental and emotional health? Can spaces not induce anxiety and instead help us heal from all the trauma in the world?

“I think this is going to be the next generation's work to design within the culture of care”.

“As designers, we have to consider how our projects affect all people…is the project respectful to all parties? Not just the owner but the end users and the staff who use the space and what about the community who interact with the building and the people who are working in the space?”

Royce points to a great example in Queens in New York City where a mixed-use project has been designed to give back two acres of open space to the community. The development will include health and wellness facilities, affordable housing and dedicated units for unhoused people. It will also create thousands of jobs when it’s finished and opens to the public.

“It’s part of New York City’s response to the pandemic where they undertook city space and created a vibrant walkable community. The project shows you can design buildings and communities for a client while at the same time serving a larger population within that culture of care”

Royce says the culture of care also incorporates rewilding, a concept that seeks to restore ecosystems to allow nature to thrive while repairing, regenerating and reversing the destruction of the natural world. Creating these healthier spaces ultimately give humans and other species a better chance to thrive.

“I think a lot of designers are really excited about moving away from the traditional model of design that’s been practised the same way for many years… into a much more holistic view where we are always thinking about people, place and planet. And that’s why talking about culture of care is so important,” Royce concludes.

<a href="https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/episode-186-judy-lea-engel-on-how-healthy-floor">Listen to Episode 186</a>: Royce Epstein on how Culture of Care can be applied to interior and architectural design.

<a href="https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/episode-198-royce-epstein-senior-design-director">Episode 198</a>: Royce Epstein, Senior Design Director, Mohawk Group talks about the ‘Culture of Care’ in design | Architecture &amp; Design (architectureanddesign.com.au)

Royce Epstein on how Culture of Care can be applied to interior and architectural design.

Talking Architecture & Design with Royce Epstein

Exploring the Importance and Effects of Floor Colour. As the largest surface area within an interior space, the floor is not only crucial for setting the desired ambiance but also for ensuring functional effectiveness.

This whitepaper aims to explore the nuanced effects of floor colour on the human experience, providing architects, designers, and stakeholders with valuable insights to guide informed decisions when selecting floor colours for diverse spaces.

Exploring the importance and effects of floor colour.

The Colourful Canvas

As one of Australia’s largest manufacturers and exporters of residential and commercial carpets, Godfrey Hirst produces thousands of metres of carpet in state-of-the-art Australian facilities every day.

We proudly operate four carpet manufacturing facilities, three yarn processing facilities, 10 distribution centres, and 14 sales offices across Australia and New Zealand. Currently, Godfrey Hirst employs over 1,000 people, of which roughly half are employed in Australia and half in New Zealand.

Since 1865 – Celebrating Australian Made Week at Godfrey Hirst.

Celebrating Australian Made Week

On the 15th of March 2024, GH Commercial held our largest Take 3 for the Sea clean-up event to date, but this time in our Head Office’s backyard alongside the Barwon River with our biggest team yet! We are proud to be an official supporter of the Take 3 for the Sea organisation for the fourth year in a row. 
In just an hour, our team of 40 people, along with Take 3 for the Sea representatives, collected 1,488 litter items weighing an astounding 34.5kg altogether! Take 3 for the Sea is an important organisation that works to remove litter from our environment which helps to protect our animals, ecosystems, and waterways.

The GH Commercial&nbsp; team joined forces with Take 3 for the Sea along the Barwon River in South Geelong for a riverside clean-up event. A total of 34.5kg was collected by the GH Commercial team, totalling 1488 items in one hour, the litter filled 5 garbage bags!&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"It was fantastic to see some familiar faces for the annual clean-up. The turnout was great for a Friday afternoon with about 40 staff members joining in to clean up their office’s backyard! Their enthusiasm and dedication was awesome to see, with some groups spending almost the whole clean up in one spot, carefully collecting the enormous amount of cigarette butts and other rubbish from a car park.” Abbey Jacob, Take 3 for the Sea Educator
</blockquote>

Proudly supporting Take 3 for the Sea for the fourth year in a row.

Take 3 For The Sea Barwon River Clean-Up 2024

Care is the attention or provision of what is vital for health, welfare, support and protection of people, place and planet. Traditionally, we care for each other and the things we hold dear. There is, however, a more expanded definition of care that extends to our design industry. We are facing unprecedented challenges that require even more specialized care in the face of social upheaval, climate crisis, and post pandemic problems.

How can we use design as a social practice in the service of care for self, others, community, and nature? How can we prioritize care in our design industry? This CPD seeks to answer these questions while examining the role of design as a Culture of Care.

Learning Outcomes:

<ul>
	<li>Discover Nurture Culture, which fosters both emotional and physical care.</li>
	<li>Examine Care of People through the lens of design that heals.</li>
	<li>Explore the Care of Place as it relates to community and space for healing.</li>
	<li>Consider Care of Planet in new ways that shape Eco Behaviours.</li>
</ul>

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Australia: <a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/culture-of-carex?domain=archify.com">Watch webinar via partner Archify</a> and claim formal CPD Points. 
New Zealand: Watch webinar via partner Teulo and claim formal CPD Points. <a href="https://teulo.co/events/teulo-ed_parttwo/">Teulo Ed: High Performance Building Solutions, Joinery, Flooring + Special Finishes: Part Two - Teulo</a>

<ul>
	<li>1 Australian Formal CPD Point (Design competency)</li>
	<li>10 NZRAB Points (10 Design competency)</li>
</ul>

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<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/contact">Contact us</a> to schedule an in person CPD presentation.

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<a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/culture-of-care"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/archify.png"></a> 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/nzia-approved.png"> 
<a href="https://teulo.co/events/teulo-ed_parttwo/"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/teulo.jpg"></a>

How can we use design as a social practice in the service of care for self, others, community, and nature? How can we prioritize care in our design industry? This CPD seeks to answer these questions while examining the role of design as a Culture of Care.

Culture of Care

<h3>The Festival</h3>

Here at GH Commercial, alongside Godfrey Hirst, we are thrilled to announce our continued support as festival partners with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2024. This year we are proud to again supply a range of custom carpets throughout selected festival venues. With a commitment to irreverence, innovation, inclusivity, and free expression, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is dedicated to discovering and showcasing exceptional talent to entertain and inspire a diverse audience in Australia's comedy capital.&nbsp;

As local manufacturers, we value supporting community events such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, allowing us to engage with our local community. We have a passion for creativity, fun and inclusion here at GH Commercial, so our decision to partner with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival provides the perfect opportunity to align our values and celebrate performance and creativity.

Supplying a range of custom carpets throughout selected venues for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2024.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival x GH Commercial

Here at GH Commercial, we are proud to continue to sponsor the Living Future Institute of Australia’s (LFIA), National Biophilic Design Awards, in the Interior and Renovation category in 2024. The LFIA host the awards to recognise achievements in Australian buildings, interiors and communities that demonstrate the principles and benefits of biophilic design.

Entries are now open until the 28th of March.&nbsp;

Successful projects within the awards will highlight the biophilic design process and notable outcomes. The biophilic design narrative should tie together key design strategies to intended and desired outcomes and should describe how these were achieved. Narratives that affect occupant health, well-being, and orientation to nature will be highly considered.

Projects that explore multi-sensory experiences should provide images and videos of significant moments and attributes as well as the story/intent behind them.

Submissions are encouraged to highlight everyday life and the use of spaces.

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The Living Future Institute of Australia

Established in 2012, The LFIA is an affiliate of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). ILFI is an environmental NGO committed to creating communities that are socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. It operates the Living Building Challenge, the built environment’s most ambitious performance standard, as well as many other visionary programs that support the transformation toward a living future.

We have been a major sponsor of the LIFA since 2019, where we were the first flooring manufacturer in Australia to achieve Declare Red List Free accreditation. Declare is a platform to share and find healthy building products. Manufacturers voluntarily disclose product information used by leading designs to specify products they know they can trust. Today, we hold most Declare Red List Free labels in Australia, and the portfolio continues to grow.

Many of our products are designed with biophilia in mind, purposefully incorporating colours, textures, and patterns found in the natural environment. We are thrilled to be sponsoring the very first LFIA’s National Biophilic Design Award, resonating closely with our Believe in Better philosophy as we are passionate about improving the health and well-being of occupants in the spaces that we live and work in. 
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Sponsoring the Living Future Institute of Australia’s (LFIA), National Biophilic Design Awards, in the Interior and Renovation category in 2024.

Proud Sponsor Of The Biophilic Design Awards 2024

To celebrate International Women’s Day we're shining the spotlight on some inspirational women in our business.

Bianca Juresko, Senior Team Manager – Infrastructure

Bianca reflects on International Women's Day (IWD) by emphasising the theme of ‘Invest in Women’. With over 20 years of experience at Godfrey Hirst, she acknowledges the positive changes in the company's gender representation, particularly in the executive leadership team. While celebrating progress at her workplace, Bianca recognises the global disparities where many women still lack access to things that we take for granted.

Her proudest achievement revolves around being part of successful, collaborative teams at Godfrey Hirst. Bianca values shared success alongside respected and admired colleagues. To support gender equity in the workplace, she advocates for fair treatment, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity where all employees feel valued and supported.

Surrounded by inspirational women daily, Bianca highlights the lasting impact of her late mother-in-law, a gentle and intelligent soul who encouraged continuous learning and finding value in everyone. As a leader, Bianca prioritises creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, embracing and celebrating differences to propel the organisation forward as a diverse and modern entity.

<blockquote>
“Working within an environment where everyone feels valued and heard is fundamental to me” – Bianca Juresko, Senior Team Manager – Infrastructure
</blockquote>

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Jane Fletcher, AU Chief Operating Officer

For Jane, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality. While Godfrey Hirst has achieved equal representation at the senior management level, Jane acknowledges the global challenge with women in leadership positions, especially in societies where basic rights are denied. Despite the need for a dedicated day, she emphasises the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

Jane's proudest achievement in her 29-year tenure at Godfrey Hirst is her contribution to reshaping the company's culture. She attributes Godfrey Hirst’s progress to a mindset valuing skill and dedication over gender, with cultural change supported at all management levels. Jane stresses the importance of embedding gender equity into the organisation's DNA through decision-making and policies.

Inspired by numerous talented women daily, Jane, as a leader, prioritises both employee well-being and the company's success, viewing them as interconnected goals. For her, leadership involves fostering a safe, nurturing environment while driving business growth.

<blockquote>
“Everyone deserves the right to work in a safe and nurturing environment” – Jane Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer
</blockquote>

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Renee Smith, Chief Marketing Officer

To Renee, IWD is a moment to express gratitude for the impact and inspiration these women bring to diverse aspects of her world. In a career marked by milestones, Renee’s proudest achievement is reaching the 10-year mark with an iconic Australian brand. This brand not only resonates with Australian women but has also empowered a generation of young women to embrace their true selves.

When it comes to supporting gender equity in the workplace, Renee advocates for lending a helping hand irrespective of gender, emphasising the importance of supporting colleagues in various aspects of work.&nbsp;

Reflecting on the women who inspire her daily, Renee mentions her friends, nurturing mothers, supportive partners, powerful entrepreneurs, astrologers, gardeners, growers, interior designers and musicians. As a leader, Renee talks to the importance of fostering a strong leadership team, empowering her colleagues to be their very best and producing the best marketing in market!

<blockquote>
“IWD is an opportunity to celebrate women from all areas in your life. To acknowledge them and be thankful for who they are, how they show up and the impact and/or inspiration they have on you” – Renee Smith, Chief Marketing Officer 
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</blockquote>

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<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1/articles/9e66bf1d-7c65-4747-a0e1-2e235494f188/photography/iwd-2024-news-inset-img_001.jpg">

Lisa Norton, NZ Chief Operating Officer

IWD carries profound meaning for Lisa, symbolizing the celebration of women's contributions in various aspects of life.

Lisa's proudest career achievement revolves around transforming a disengaged team into one that thrives on positivity and consistently delivers for the business. Through her leadership, the team's culture underwent a remarkable improvement, reflected in an external engagement survey that soared from 67% to an impressive 90%. Her commitment to fostering engagement, development, and effective leadership created an environment where individuals felt empowered to make a difference.

When it comes to supporting gender equity in the workplace, Lisa advocates for increasing the presence of women in manufacturing leadership, particularly in engineering and mechanical roles. In Lisa's everyday life, she draws inspiration from Deena Clarkson, CEO of CODA Group, not just for her outstanding business leadership but also for her approachability and authentic care. Deena's transformative impact on businesses and the mentorship she provides to numerous women resonates deeply with Lisa.

As a leader, Lisa emphasizes the importance of being consistent, calm, and curious - qualities that contribute to treating everyone fairly, creating a sense of safety, and expressing genuine passion for people and their endeavours. Through Lisa's perspective, International Women's Day stands as a pivotal moment to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, stories, and potential of women worldwide.

<blockquote>"International Women's Day offers a platform for women to share their many achievements and stories from the year that was." - Lisa Norton, NZ Chief Operating Officer</blockquote>

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Celebrating International Women’s Day with Inspirational women from our business.

<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/colour-theory">Colour Theory</a> brings a broad spectrum of 45 vibrant carpet tiles designed to transform any commercial space with a spectrum of captivating colours. Elevate your interior environment by harnessing the power of colour application, unlocking a world of connectivity and emotion within your commercial interior.

<h3>A Curated Selection of Hues</h3>

Our curated selection of hues spans from bright and beautiful tones to subtle warm, cool, and neutral shades, providing endless possibilities for injecting personality into your space. With the flexibility to mix and match colours, you have the freedom to create bespoke areas that resonate with your brand and style.

<h3>Near Endless Possibilities for Design</h3>

Imagine promoting collaboration in dynamic learning environments, fostering focus in bustling workplaces, or instilling a sense of calmness in healing spaces. The opportunities are boundless, and Colour Theory is here to cater to every need. Designed and made in Australia Colour Theory can be delivered in as little as 3-4 weeks from order date.

What sets Colour Theory apart is its innovative design – a striated gradient pattern that seamlessly implements a colour shift across each individual carpet tile. This unique approach allows for greater variation in colour across installation patterns, creating a visually stunning and one-of-a-kind effect on the floor.

A spectrum of 45 vibrant carpet tiles designed to transform any commercial space.

Introducing Colour Theory - Freedom To Create With 45 Hues

GH Commercial are proud to supporters of the Joy exhibition at the Immigration Museum as the Flooring Partner. We were thrilled to work with four local artists within the overall exhibition to create a custom carpet that added an extra element to each unique joyous installation. Joy is open for viewing from the 1st of March 2024 – 29 August 2025.

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<h3>Joy exhibition</h3>

The Joy exhibition at the Immigration Museum sees a range of artists create an installation experience that reflects their own personal representation of Joy. Creating a space where people can come together to connect and experience sparks of joy in a range of structures and formats. Exploring colour and storytelling, seven individual leading Victorian based artists have created their own unique expressions of Joy to create an emotive adventure for individuals from all walks of life.

Visit <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/whats-on/joy/">Joy</a>.

Proud supporters of the Joy exhibition at the Immigration Museum as the Flooring Partner. 

Joy x GH Commercial

GH Commercial along with Godfrey Hirst are proud to be an Official Partner of the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2024 for a second year.

GH Commercial along with Godfrey Hirst are proud to be an Official Partner of the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2024 for a second year.

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2024 x GH Commercial

<h3>The Design Institute of Australia</h3>

We are excited to share that we are partnering with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) in 2024! The DIA is a national industry body that shares knowledge and thought leadership to provide greater access and inclusivity to Australian designers and raises the value of Australian design as a whole. The DIA is the only professional body that champions the value of all design and the impact of Australian designers. They further work to advocate for Australian designers to assist in leading industry initiatives to improve professional environments and outcomes. By practicing inclusive group decision making across their associated member body, the DIA fosters a strong community where designers can collaborate, advocate and learn together.

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<h3>GH Commercial in Partnership</h3>

We are proud to come on board as a Community Partner of the DIA in 2024, here at GH Commercial we value design and supporting the industry that we all are immersed within and finding greater opportunities to connect meaningfully with each other. This is an exciting opportunity to further connect with a range of designers within the industry across Australia. In addition, DIA supports a vibrant and relevant learning program, which it explores through people, members, collaborators, and partners, with the overall vision to empower designers to understand the world and they can change it. In 2023 we were delighted to share our knowledge as an industry leader and provide insight into the world of flooring and how this impacts the specification space through our CPD training. Through the DIA’s learning program we will be able to further share these learnings with the broader design community.

We're partnering with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) in 2024! 

Partnering With The Leading National Organisation For Design, Design Institute Of Australia.

The best bits of our Talking Architecture &amp; Design podcast from 2023 discussing all things design, sustainability and product development with a range of guests.

Request a copy of this Whitepaper below:

Talking Architecture & Design Podcast eBook 2023

Flooring provides the foundational backdrop to an interior and often has the largest footprint within a space. Creating a luxurious environment is simple our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/chateau-oak">Chateau Oak</a> engineered timber by Godfrey Hirst. In 2024, <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/chateau-oak">Chateau Oak</a> has been updated with a new oak core and refreshed colour palette providing a range of new timeless selections. This unique core construction utilises a whole-tree approach to constructing <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products?subType[]=engineered_timber_hf&amp;type[]=HF">engineered timber flooring</a> and not only using the select parts of the timber. This results in an oak floor that still achieves the stability benefits of cross-grain engineered timber flooring but utilises a single species approach.Available in a selection of contemporary colourways that offer a clean yet distinctive character to each and every board, the updated range retains the most popular colours, including Alpine Oak, Summer Blonde and Autumn Amber. Additionally, new hues will constitute a fashion-forward colour palette with a mix of neutral tones and reactive stains that are designed to accentuate the natural grain variation found in European oak as well as promote a unique aged and rustic look.<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/chateau-oak">Chateau Oak</a> is <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/technical/product-certifications/pefc">PEFC</a> (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) Chain of Custody certified, meaning it has been sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests that adhere to the highest ecological, cultural, ethical and environmental standards. The PEFC Chain of Custody certification accounts for every log from forest to floor, guaranteeing the timber in these products has been ethically produced.With a real European oak surface, <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/products/chateau-oak">Chateau Oak</a> provides a luxurious look with true-to-life distinct knots and grain variation. Perfect for commercial applications within <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/multi-residential">multi-residential</a> and <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/workplace">office spaces</a>, it performs well in high-traffic areas thanks to a board thickness of 14.2mm.

Welcome to the Chateau. With a unique tri-layer oak core, our Chateau Oak engineered timber range will leave you floored.

Welcome To The Chateau

Selecting the right flooring within <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/senior-living">senior living</a> and health care spaces can be critical to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and comfort of patients and healthcare workers. With frequent high traffic activity with persistent wheeled traffic through many zones, installing the ideal hygienic flooring solution is important.<h3>Impervious Carpet Backing for Hygiene&nbsp;</h3>Maintaining a hygienic environment is crucial in <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/healthcare">healthcare settings</a>. Impervious carpet backing acts as a barrier against moisture and contaminants, assisting with bio contaminant control and preventing damage to the sub-floor. Our Health Bac® impervious backing is 100% PVC and BPA free and is designed to withstand the demands of health and aged care facilities as it prevents liquid spills from penetrating the carpet pooling on the subfloor, preventing the growth of bacteria and mould.<h3> Slip Resistance for Safety</h3>In environments where slip hazards such as liquid spills and leaks are prevalent, preventing falling injuries is paramount. Opting for slip-resistant flooring is a crucial step to mitigate these risks. Carpets, known for their inherently non-slip surface, play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of falls. Health Bac® impervious backing further works to by containing liquid spills, significantly reducing the risks associated with slips.<h3> Maximising Patient Comfort</h3>Patient comfort is a top priority in healthcare and senior living facilities. Soft flooring, particularly cushion-backed carpet tiles work to enhance underfoot comfort. Our cushion backed carpet tiles made with our Enviro Bac Plus® can be strategically placed in common areas like waiting spaces and other 'dry zones' to provide a welcoming and comforting environment for patients and visitors.<h3> Fatigue Reduction for Healthcare Workers</h3>Healthcare professionals spend a considerable amount of time on their feet, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. The installation of Enviro Bac Plus® cushion-backed carpet tiles can not only benefit patient comfort but also contribute to reducing the fatigue experienced by healthcare workers. This flooring choice provides a supportive surface for prolonged standing and can help to positively impact the well-being of the staff.Browse our range of impervious backed healthcare carpets &nbsp;today or create your own custom carpet with our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/designer-jet">Designer Jet®</a> &nbsp;technology and add our Health Bac® impervious backing for your next healthcare or senior living project!

There are many factors to selecting the right flooring within senior living and health care spaces and it is vitally important.

The Best Hygienic Soft Flooring Choice for Healthcare and Senior Living Facilities.

Godfrey Hirst and GH Commercial are proud supporters of PNG Foundation, an organisation that provides Kamea people in remote Papua New Guinea access to health, education, and infrastructure.

The PNG Foundation aims to provide primary healthcare access for all Kameas, improve nutrition status, improve hospital buildings and implement an effective vaccination program to prevent communicable diseases. They believe that education is the foundation for children to reach their full potential. Their aim is to improve school infrastructure and provide access to supplies, electricity and communication.

Every year, PNG Foundation welcomes volunteer health and other professionals from Australia to visit Kanabea. These skilled individuals, including doctors, nurses and allied health workers, provide valuable services to the clinic and outposts. Additionally, other professionals such as plumbers, painters, and carpenters have also contributed by renovating existing buildings. School supplies were donated to the Kanabea primary school and cement for 2 additional classrooms.

Godfrey Hirst and GH Commercial are proud supporters of PNG Foundation.

Supporting The PNG Foundation

Good flooring design can have a major impact on the health and productivity of occupants explains textile scientist and product developer at GH Commercial, Judy-Lea Engel.

When it comes to selecting flooring for busy commercial or educational settings Judy-Lea says you cannot go past selecting carpet and underlay to achieve good acoustics.

<blockquote>
“Background noise drowns out conversation. The installation of carpet and underlay is the best method available for drowning excessive noise generated by impacts,” she says.
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Soft surfaces absorb sound waves across a large range of frequencies and, in particular, soft surfaces absorb particularly well at high frequencies Hard surfaces reflect sound waves at these frequencies so they bounce back into the classroom where they can cause echoes.”
</blockquote>

She points to the GH Commercial carpets that were specified for Melbourne’s first vertical school Haileybury College to help absorb noise.

Judy-Lea says carpet can also have great anti-fatigue properties for people who spend large amounts of time on their feet, such as teachers. Standing on hard surfaces for a long time can lead to sore legs and feet as well as injuries such as chronic plantar fasciitis.

<blockquote>
“Modular carpet is one of the few types of flooring with anti-fatigue properties. Cushion underlays do not provide anti-fatigue properties. Even though they are softer they do not provide the same degree of support.”
</blockquote>

Colour is another key consideration for flooring design. Judy-Lea says there is research with tangible evidence to show that certain colours can have an array of positive outcomes from increased attention spans to lower levels of eye fatigue.

One study Judy-Lea refers to showed that the judgement on the passage of time varies by up to 45 minutes depending on the colour of the room.

She says pre-schoolers and primary school students respond well to warm bright colour schemes, particularly colours that may create patterns, while soft cool colours improve concentration in secondary and tertiary settings. She also recommends designs that “tap into the power of nature” to help with learning outcomes.

<blockquote>
“Fractals have been incorporated into some of our carpet designs and it gives a powerful connection to human emotion as well as reducing mental fatigue,” she says.
</blockquote>

When considering the impact of the flooring products being specified, she advises choosing a brand with third party certifications, GH Commercial hold several of these certifications as part of their commitment to transparency and healthy indoor environments. One of the third-party certifications GH Commercial products holds is the Declare® label.

<blockquote>
“They’re very much like a nutrition label they have the ingredients…the manufacturing location end of life options…as well as the life expectancy of the product, they also include VOC content, and they have a declaration status. At the very bottom of that label, they have what’s called red list free and that’s very much about ingredient disclosure. It cannot contain any of the items that are on the red list, and it means it also meets emission testing and the requirements for the Living Building Challenge Certification standard,” she explains.
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“All of these things can give a specifier or a designer information about the product they are looking at.”
</blockquote>

<a href="https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/episode-186-judy-lea-engel-on-how-healthy-floor">Listen to Episode 186</a>: Judy-Lea Engel on how healthy floor materials &amp; designs are vital for designers &amp; users alike.

Good flooring design can have a major impact on the health and productivity of occupants, acoustics and colour are two notable considerations.

Talking Architecture & Design Podcast With Judy-Lea Engel

Understanding the effects of floor colour on the productivity, health and wellbeing of individuals when designing commercial spaces and education settings is vital.

&nbsp;

<h3>Light Reflection Values</h3>

&nbsp;

The way in which colours of particular surfaces, such as carpet, absorb and reflect light can be tested and assigned a Light Reflection Value (LRV). This value is expressed as a percentage of light that is reflected from a surface. Lower light reflectance causes the pupils dilate whereas, higher light reflectance causes the pupils’ contract.&nbsp;

LRV is a key consideration when selecting colours within a space as the internationally accepted normal is maintaining a 3:1 ratio of LRV between the walls, floor and furniture. Therefore, when selecting the colour of flooring for a space the overall colours selected and their LRVs within the space must also be considered. This ensures for the control of extreme contrasts in dark and light within a space. &nbsp;

Understanding the effects of floor colour on the productivity, health and wellbeing of individuals when designing commercial spaces and education settings is vital.

The Effect Of Carpet Colour In The Classroom

Discover how flooring plays a pivotal role when approaching human centred design in <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/education">education</a>. From reducing noise, improving acoustics and safety underfoot but also how modular flooring solutions like carpet tiles allow for wayfinding and use of colour in a purposeful way that can impact a students learning.Australia: <a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/education-flooring-approaching-human-wellness">Watch webinar via partner Archify</a> and claim formal CPD Points. New Zealand: <a href="https://teulo.co/events/flooring-in-education/">Watch webinar via partner Teulo</a> and claim formal CPD Points.<ul><li>1 Australian Formal CPD Point (Design competency)</li><li>10 NZRAB Points (10 Design competency)</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/archify.png"> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/nzia-approved.png"> <a href="https://teulo.co/events/fractal-design/"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/teulo.jpg"></a>

Discover how flooring plays a pivotal role when approaching human centred design in education. 

Education & Flooring: Approaching Human Wellness

When designing for <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/segments/public-space">public spaces</a> choosing a vibrant design can provide an instant impact and play into the aesthetics of the space.&nbsp;Carpet installations in large commercial interiors require a lot of thought. That’s because while aesthetics and ambience are essential requisites, you’ve also got to weigh in crucial aspects like resilience, durability and maintenance. What's more, different kinds of spaces have different needs.For instance, carpets in public spaces get soiled quickly. So, how do you choose a carpet that remains unfazed in the face of dirt and grime? Then again… what is the most effective solution for high traffic zones? And how do you work around issues of regular wear and tear, to help your client avoid the risk of frequent and expensive replacements?&nbsp;If any of these and other similar questions have ever crossed your mind, this guide might just be the answer to your queries. Read on for the latest tips and ideas on choosing the most suitable carpeting solutions for public spaces. &nbsp;

A guide to help you choose the right flooring for your public space.

Vibrant Public Space Design: Selecting The Best Carpet For Public Spaces

For Lachlan Howell, passion for sustainability was born alongside the Great Ocean Road – and it’s been a crucial part of his career path ever since. Here, Lachlan talks about how his perspective on sustainability has evolved, GH Commercial’s updated sustainability framework – and the company’s latest initiatives in that space.

Download this whitepaper today.

Download our Sustainability eBook 2023 today

Sustainability eBook 2023

Our local investment in people, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution provides total supply chain capability, ensuring quality control and consistency from product design, right through to delivery. We are proud to have a loyal and long-serving inclusive and diverse workforce while managing organisational renewal to ensure an excellent mix of new thinking and deep knowledge.

Celebrating the incredible faces behind our local manufacturing.

Faces Of Australian Manufacturing

Together, we are stronger. Here at GH Commercial we have come together with Dreamtime Flooring to create a partnership that is a first of its kind and distinctive within the Oceanic region. GH Commercial and Dreamtime Flooring bringing First Nations artists work to life in a distinctive alliance unlike any other.

Dreamtime Flooring is a 100% Indigenous owned flooring business that aims to provide the missing link connecting culture, artwork, and flooring. Josh Haddock the Managing Director of Dreamtime Flooring is a proud Yorta Yorta man raised in Morwell, Victoria on Gunai Kurnai Country, Josh wanted to create a business that celebrated Indigenous culture through flooring while engaging with other Indigenous owned businesses, helping to streamline income back into Indigenous communities.

With over 150 years manufacturing experience, we wanted to take our learnings as a business, and share our knowledge across manufacturing, sales and our wider business with Josh, and his team of flooring experts, to help further Dreamtime Flooring’s success. The partnership model flips the traditional method where ultimately sales are kept with Dreamtime Flooring, which ensures that growth is kept with an 100% Indigenous owned business, creating a unique model that is unlike any other within the current industry.

<blockquote>
“Partnering with GH Commercial has been an incredible journey, developing from two very different business dynamics that through time and understanding created the building blocks to pave the road towards a real partnership”. - Joshua Haddock, Managing Director of Dreamtime Flooring
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“We are here to break the mould as a large corporate business. Our goal is to build on a foundation of collaboration and as the Dreamtime Flooring x GH Commercial partnership continues, each respective business grows and creates a stronger community of businesses, artists and support for social needs around our country.” – Joel Williamson, National Commercial Sales Manager, GH Commercial.
</blockquote>

Here at GH Commercial we are excited to work with Dreamtime Flooring and to continue support their growth to continue to be the leading partnership within this space as well as continuing the inspiring changes that Dreamtime Flooring are influencing with the Indigenous community. In 2024 we are taking our partnership with Dreamtime Flooring and launching our official product collaboration!

Coming together with Dreamtime Flooring in a unique alliance.

Together We Are Stronger - Dreamtime Flooring Partnership

Visualise in real time using GHC Go!&nbsp;

Here at GH Commercial we are excited to launch our GHC Go Visualiser App that provides a new tool to assist in finding the best flooring solution for your next project. Browse a wide range of our commercial flooring styles, from carpet tiles, to hard flooring and broadloom carpets directly on the GHC Go App.

Visualise your flooring selections in real-time using built-in augmented reality within your space. With GHC Go, virtual reality makes selecting a commercial flooring for a project a breeze. With no log in required, visualise your flooring in real time on this immersive platform.

Available now on the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/ghc-go/id6450460139">Apple App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mohawkgroup.ghcgo&amp;pcampaignid=web_share">Google Play Store</a>.

GHC Go Visualiser App

On the 12th of October 2023 we were thrilled to host our Design Discussion Event at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane. The night entailed a mix of intriguing discussions, inspiring art installations and networking opportunities for our interior design and architect community. This evening was designed to foster connections and bring industry professionals together, whilst exploring the challenges and opportunities around participatory design.&nbsp;

We were honoured to begin the night with a private viewing of the ‘Gone Fishing’ exhibition and be joined by graduate of the National Gallery of Australia’s Indigenous Arts Fellowship program, and curator of ‘Gone Fishing’, Katina Davidson where she took us through the creation of ‘Gone Fishing’ and the meaning behind the exhibition. Drawn from the QAGOMA Collection, ‘Gone Fishing’ presents Indigenous Australian artists’ works that affirm this cultural, social and recreational activity. Alongside the display of fish traps, spears, nets and depictions of leisure, the exhibition also showcases works responding to discussions of rising and warming seas, water contamination, and the struggles faced by Traditional Owners to continue to care for their sea Country.

We then invited our guests to be seated in the elegant River Lounge space within QAGOMA that boasts views over the Brisbane River that were illuminated by the city lights. Claire Beale, Head of Learning at the Design Institute of Australia joined us to moderate our evening of in-depth discussion. Claire currently works with the Design Institute of Australia teams to deliver programming that enables designers to continue their own professional learning and share their expertise. Discussion surrounding the importance of participatory design and the relevant limitations was undertaken within each group which uncovered a range of individual insights that illustrated the breadth of experience within the room. Inspiring discussion flowed throughout the night alongside an expertly crafted two course meal that showcases the best fresh local produce.&nbsp;

Claire then formed a panel comprised of a mix of individuals from different regions across Australia where all those in attendance where able to listen in on the differing learnings of individuals in relation to the discussion topic. With Claire’s own extensive experience within the design field led an authoritative discussion that embraced all experiences within the room. Thank you to all of those who attended and contributed towards such distinguished and impactful discussions!

Design Discussion Event - a night to bring industry professionals together to explore design challenges and opportunities. 

GH Commercial Design Discussion Event

Geelong Arts Centre has recently reopened after extensive renovations bringing revitalised performing and event spaces to the art community of Geelong and surrounds with a unique design that reflects Geelong’s history, culture and creativity. Here at GH Commercial we are proud to support the Geelong Arts Centre through a donation to The Church Giving Campaign. This campaign focuses on the redevelopment of the mid-1800s Church located in the heart of the Geelong Arts Centre creative campus. &nbsp;Through The Church, the Geelong Arts Centre will be able to further nurture and foster incredible talent and to provide opportunities and pathways for artists to practice and further hone and develop their craft. We are also proud to be a part of the Name A Seat Campaign where our donation is recognised in The Story House where some of the top regional performances will be held. &nbsp;

Supporting the Geelong Arts Centre through a donation to The Church Giving Campaign.

Geelong Arts Centre Donation

The presentation equips architects and designers with essential insights to confidently specify carpet products for diverse projects. It begins by highlighting the importance of carpet fibres, covering both natural and synthetic options. The process of fibre treatment and preparation is explored, emphasising its impact on the final product's performance and appearance.

Key takeaways for architects and designers include understanding the factors influencing fibre selection, ranging from aesthetics and performance needs to location considerations.

Furthermore, the presentation offers a comparative analysis between cut pile and loop pile carpets, elucidating how fibre choice influences the visual and tactile qualities of each type.

Fibre Significance: Grasping the role and types of carpet fibres in production.

Selection Expertise: Navigating the selection process based on aesthetics, performance, and location.

Impact on Carpet Types: Discerning how fibre choices shape the unique attributes of cut pile and loop pile carpets, enabling precise design decisions.

&nbsp;

Australia: <a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/carpet-construction-and-performance-unravelling-the-craftmanship-underfoot">Watch webinar via partner Archify</a> and claim formal CPD Points.

New Zealand: <a href="https://teulo.co/events/teulo-ed-acoustic-thermal-wastewater-carpet-fibre-and-roofing-part-two/">Watch webinar via partner Teulo</a> and claim formal CPD Points.

CPD Points:

<ul>
	<li>1 Australian Formal CPD Point (Design competency)</li>
	<li>10 NZRAB Points (10 Design competency)</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.archify.com/au/education/gh-commercial/detail/carpet-construction-and-performance-unravelling-the-craftmanship-underfoot"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/archify.png"></a> 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/nzia-approved.png"> 
<a href="https://teulo.co/events/teulo-ed-acoustic-thermal-wastewater-carpet-fibre-and-roofing-part-two/"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/c_scale,w_250/v1/apps/ghc-web/pages/cpd-images/teulo.jpg"></a>

Discover the factors influencing fibre selection, ranging from aesthetics and performance, providing confidence to correctly specify carpet products for your projects.

Carpet Construction & Performance: Unravelling the Craftsmanship Underfoot

As part of US Climate Week, Mohawk Industries, our parent company is proud to announce the release of their global ESG Report. For us in Mohawk Oceania, there is a lot to celebrate having been the first carpet manufacturing company to achieve carbon neutral organisational status in both Australia and New Zealand, completed our first Reconciliation Action Plan and more. You can read further about our local and global achievements in our complete report.&nbsp;

Within our inaugural localised ESG Report, we outline our united efforts globally and draw on cases locally, across a range of environmental, social and governance issues. In performance and governance we continued to deliver a Zero Harm workspace achieving ISO 45001 standard in all Australian sites. We delivered our third Modern Slavery report continuing our commitment to ensuring our suppliers meet our expectations laid out in our Supplier Code of Conduct. Our connection to community continues to play a pivotal role through our local and national initiatives.&nbsp;

As the Oceanic subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, we are proud to belong to a global network of leading products, brands and world-class manufacturing and we know that our future depends on the work we do today. Here at GH Commercial, we summarise our commitments to our planet, people and our performance within our Believe in Better® framework This framework outlines how we challenge ourselves to do and be better every day, how we make decisions, how we reinvest in our people and our planet, and how we define what matters most as we work to deliver value for generations to come.

<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/sustainability">Learn More</a>

<a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1/apps/ghc-web/sustainability/docs/Mohawk_ESG_Report.pdf">Download the Sustainability Report (10MB)</a>

Announcing the release of Mohawk Industries global ESG Report.

2022 ESG Report

In pursuit of celebrating artists with disabilities in the Oceanic region, our <a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/collections/social-canvas">Social Canvas Collection</a> is proud to support genU’s Arts Programme by providing an annual donation. genU is an organisation that is driven to ensure everyone’s lives are happier and healthier, especially people with disabilities, the ageing and those experiencing disadvantage.&nbsp;

Originally founded in Geelong as a play-centre for children with disability in 1952, genU services and support have greatly expanded over their 70+ year history.

Today, they are a team of 3600 employees and volunteers across 169 locations across Australia. They are also profit-for-purpose and committed to reinvesting surpluses into services to promote inclusion in the community. Through their Arts Programme, genU offer day programs across five locations, James Street Gallery studio and further diverse community art programs.&nbsp;

This donation supports James Street Gallery by providing a soundscape element to support their upcoming exhibition RISE, at the Geelong Gallery. The James Street gallery provides artists experiencing disability access to studio use, their mission is to provide a welcoming and accessible studio for artists with disabilities. Since 1997, they have supported local and studio artists in more than 140 exhibitions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.genu.org.au/">Learn more about genU</a>

The RISE exhibition features a collaborative installation created by the various artists from genU’s, James Street Gallery and Eastern Hub Studio located in Geelong. The totemic structures are created from paper mache and individually express each artist’s unique markings. The exhibition enables each artist to showcase their own individual creativity whilst presenting amongst other artist’s works as a whole. The structural whole signifies a community that can rise through mutual support while celebrating and encouraging diversity.

At GH Commercial, our commitment to our planet extends beyond just products and processes: it’s how we challenge ourselves to do and be better every day, how we make decisions, how we reinvest in our people and our planet, and how we define what matters most as we work to deliver value for generations to come. We work to partner with local and global community initiatives that strive to improve lives where our team members, customers, and stakeholders live and work in order to contribute back to the communities that we operate within.

<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/collections/social-canvas">View our Social Canvas Collection</a>

Our Social Canvas Collection is proud to support genU’s Arts Programme by providing an annual donation

In Support Of genU

Lorena Gaxiola + Gallies have partnered with the Feltex design team to bring an entirely new concept of floor coverings and fashion-inspired carpet designs to life. Drawing from a diverse range of creative disciplines, this exclusive collection is set to add vibrancy and life to any space.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ghcommercial.com/collections/lorena-gaxiola">Collection </a>available now.

The result is a captivating combination of unique, artful pieces and gentle movements that come together in a curated series of prints that can be used to create either subdued or vibrant atmospheres within any commercial interior.

&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"Crafting self-identity through unique floor coverings &amp; fashion-inspired carpet designs." - Lorena Gaxiola, Interior Architect and Designer
</blockquote>

Lorena Gaxiola + Gallies have partnered with the Feltex design team to bring an entirely new concept of floor coverings and fashion-inspired carpet designs to life. 

Lorena Gaxiola + Feltex Collection

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/gh/image/upload/v1/apps/ghc-web/images/lorena-feature-sm.jpg">

Lorena Gaxiola, an internationally acclaimed interior architect and designer renowned for her expertise in creating bespoke spaces that add value to any project.

With over two decades of experience, Lorena has worked across Europe, the US, Australia and China, making her well versed in global market trends.

Based in Sydney, Lorena leads a team of multi-faceted female creatives, dedicated to offering clients a holistic approach, combining conceptual architecture, interior designs, product development and branding to deliver a client-centric service.

In this exclusive interview, she talks about the influences, concepts and ideas that have made her an award-winning Interior Architect &amp; Designer who provides strategic and unique solutions for progressive property developers across the world.

“My nature is to be very curious, and I am a gutsy person,” she says.

“I don’t tend to design under one aesthetic. I like to say that I bring form and function to my clients' requests or that I’m a curator of their vision”.

Lorena, who is American with a Mexican background, grew up in a family of architects and builders that inspired her down the path of interior design. She now heads up a renowned all-female creative agency based in Sydney that specialises in creating bespoke spaces.

When Lorena was working on interior design for the new 47-storey building, The Lennox, in Parramatta she was adamant that the many corridors would not have lacklustre carpets. She took this vision of stand-out flooring to the next level by designing her own carpets for the building in collaboration with GH Commercial.

“Working with the GH Commercial internal design team we were able to create a beautiful pattern inspired by the riverfront, and we were able to produce it and the builder liked it and the developer liked it, and it looks amazing. It’s an artwork in what could have been a dull corridor”.

Lorena went back to the GH Commercial team to discuss flooring designs for her upcoming projects. The team was keen to collaborate further, and she is now developing a bold new range of commercial carpets with them.

Lorena says the element of surprise is everything in commercial design.

“Operators need to have a sense of surprise, it’s highly competitive out in the market and travellers are becoming a lot more savvy. And then we have social media now as a way to express and show people how it can be an Instagramable moment so really this is why the pop of colour and strong artwork is important in dull spaces and I think this is where the trend is definitely heading in hospitality”.

She believes colour is under-utilised in hospitality design, with people underestimating the power of colour theory.

“Imagine how much information people are seeing every day through social media. How do you stand out? Colour is the way to stand out…It is a way to grab people’s attention because it’s a memory point. Colour really affects the mood of a space in a room”.

She says with people exposed to so much media and so many images these days it’s easy to be inspired by other designers' work and play on that. But when it comes to the big brands, they don’t want to look like anyone else.

“People need to be surprised. People need to be original, especially the big brands”.

When asked about her dream design project, Lorena said she is lucky enough to have ticked just about every box already.

“This year I’ve even been invited to design a synagogue in California. A yacht is the only thing I haven’t done yet, or perhaps something in the Metaverse”.

<a href="https://podcast.architectureanddesign.com.au/episode-176-lorena-gaxiola-on-the-changing-trends-and-challenges-of-hospitality-design/">Listen to Episode 176: Lorena Gaxiola</a> on the changing trends and challenges of hospitality design.

Listen to Episode 176: Lorena Gaxiola on the changing trends and challenges of hospitality design.

Talking Architecture & Design Podcast with Lorena Gaxiola

Better Future Sydney &amp; Australia Design Awards.

We are honoured to have been recognised at the Better Future Sydney Design Awards 2023 and the Better Future Australia Design Awards 2024 winning Gold in the Best Product Design – Commercial and Industry category. This award celebrates creative and innovative design for either a component or overall product. Consideration is given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function. As the world’s largest network of design award programs, Better Future acknowledge excellence in innovation and design.

The Better Future Awards proudly recognise courageous, diverse and excellent design across the globe. Hosting an annual awards program that cover 19 separate awards hosted every two weeks right across the globe. Starting with the Melbourne Design Awards, Better Future Awards have now extended to New York, London, Sydney, Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Brisbane, GOV Design Awards, Australian Design Awards and more. With a global community of 115,000 members that incorporate 9,600 brands and 2,900 studios, Better Future are quickly expanding across the design industry worldwide.

Recognised at the Better Future Sydney Design Awards 2023.