Jess - The Draft Assembly

Jess, CEO of The Draft Assembly, leads her esteemed design firm on Chapel Street, Melbourne, where some of the city's top architects, landscape designers, and interior designers collaborate to create stunning private and commercial spaces. Her vision was to capture the essence of daily life within the studio—an environment where creativity and expertise seamlessly come together to bring dream projects to life.

Creative Direction & Mood

Jess envisioned a "behind-the-scenes studio" aesthetic for the shoot—imagery that feels intimate, observant, and exclusive, reflecting the studio’s strong industry connections and the calibre of talent within The Draft Assembly.

To achieve the 'secretive, observant' mood Jess wanted, I framed some shots through doorways and over shoulders, creating the feeling that the viewer was getting an exclusive peek into the studio's creative process.

Location

The Chapel Street studio provided the perfect backdrop, featuring soaring ceilings, a blend of historic charm and contemporary design, elegant crown moulding, and modern glass-enclosed spaces. Bathed in natural light, the setting beautifully complemented the editorial direction.

Aesthetic & Styling

To align with The Draft Assembly’s signature aesthetic—neutral tones of black, white, and a single accent of dusty green—we curated a wardrobe palette of monochrome and earthy hues. This cohesive styling ensured the team’s attire not only complemented each other but also reflected the brand’s refined identity.

The Final Collection

The storytelling approach focused on capturing the tactile elements of their work—detailed shots of trays, architectural drawings, material samples, and hands in action. These were interwoven with wider shots of the collaborative studio environment, team interactions, and refined portraits, creating a well-rounded visual narrative that encapsulates the essence of The Draft Assembly.