Longreach Recruitment - A Conversation with Miriam from State Twenty Eight
For the fitout of Longreach Recruitment’s new Perth office, designers State Twenty Eight led the design with a focus on wellbeing, texture, and natural warmth. We sat down with Miriam to learn more about the approach and how MLP supported the lighting design journey.
What was the approach to the lighting design for Longreach Offices?
The key was creating warmth and comfort. Longreach is a people-centric business where conversations matter, and we wanted the space to reflect that. The staff spend a lot of time in the office, so it had to feel good – not just look good. The lighting plays a big part in that.
Were there any particular challenges with the space?
Yes – the work zone sits in the centre of the tenancy and doesn’t get any direct natural light. That made the artificial lighting absolutely critical. We designed a gentle, ambient light in that area to support focus without being harsh, particularly for people spending all day there. In contrast, the entry and breakout zones have a stronger visual and spatial connection, so the lighting there is a little more expressive.
How does the lighting enhance the experience for the people using the space?
It creates an atmosphere that feels calm and considered. It’s not something you notice immediately – but after spending time in the space, you feel the difference. That comfort and softness is intentional.
This was your second fitout for Longreach. How did that inform the design?
There was definitely a sense of continuation – we wanted to maintain the essence of their brand. But this new office also reflects how the business has matured. The previous fitout had darker finishes and a moodier tone. This one delves further into Longreach’s namesake and thus is- more textural, lighter, with sandy hues and a softer palette. The lighting brought that palette to life.
What lighting products were specified for the project and what influenced those choices?
We were really intentional with our lighting choices – every product played a role in supporting both the functionality of the space and the overall aesthetic. In the work zone, we used Modular’s SLD50 linear profiles to create an even, ambient base layer, paired with Smart Lotis 82 downlights for a focused, comfortable glow.
For areas that needed a bit more flexibility and direction, the K-Set with Twin K77 adjustable spots and Medard 42 recessed fittings helped us highlight key details without overwhelming the space. In contrast, the Smart Surface Tubed 82 fixtures brought a clean, contemporary look to some of the more visible zones, like the breakout room.
We also layered in Orluna’s Cloud Butterfly fittings, which offer a really beautiful, soft quality of light – perfect for creating that warm, inviting feel we wanted throughout. We used ROFY fittings from Roxo in the meeting rooms, and a slim B4 FOURline profile adding subtle highlights and detail in transition zones and joinery.
The mix of lighting helped us achieve a layered, textural effect – flexible, dimmable lighting that does its job quietly, but beautifully.
How did MLP support the process?
MLP were great collaborators. They helped curate the lighting early on, making sure everything we needed was in stock and aligned with the overall design intent. Their relationships with the contractors also meant the fitout and handover ran smoothly. It was a collaborative team effort.
