Iris Capital is a fully integrated development and hospitality group, driven by a passion for creating places people love.

Iris stands for Independently Rising In Strength and this philosophy sits at the heart of this highly successful family business. The space needed to be proud and professional, functional for the team, yet warm and welcoming.

‘I love the wow factor of our office. You have this arched the entry way as you enter the space. It gives a beautiful feel as you enter the office each morning.’

Melissa Butler, CFO, Iris Capital.

Iris Founder, Sam Arnaout, bought his first property at 17 and hasn’t stopped buying them since. The son of refugees from Lebanon’s civil war, Sam grew up in a gritty suburb of Sydney’s west and has emerged in recent years as a major player in the Australian hospitality and development business. The former panel beater has quietly bought and sold pubs and hotels for two decades, to the point where his wholly owned Iris Capital today employs 2000 people and has an approximate $1 billion in annual turnover with a reputation for boldness.

‘It’s important to have these good facilities. A lot of companies don’t. It keeps our workplace community together. Everything is great. We love it. We think it’s 100%.’

Melissa Butler, CFO, Iris Capital.

Dynamic energy infuses everything Iris does: whether it’s creating a new entertainment destination, a winery experience, or rejuvenating an entire city centre. This energy has now extended into their new Sydney workplace.

Siren’s brief for this project was to create a workplace for the Iris team that was a space that people love. The workplace needed to evoke the feeling of a bespoke hotel, reflecting the notion that hospitality is at the heart of everything Iris does.

The design is best described as grounded opulence meets sophistication. Luxury emerges in each detail as you journey through the space and consideration has been given to every aspect.

Siren’s design was to create a space with the feeling of hotel inspired luxury and comfort – capturing Iris Capital’s unique style and unsurpassed professionalism. The idea was to inspire guests who enter the space, and to also create a sense of pride for the Iris family who work there.

Working with an empty shell, the Siren team worked closely with Iris to maximise the natural light and harbour views. One of the stand out features is a softly angled wall to the meeting rooms in the lift lobby which opens up and frames the window – making the most of the view and the natural light. Iris Capital realise opportunity comes from the relationships and communities they create. Because of that, they place great value on never forgetting that real people and places are the foundation of their success. Their new workplace is a true embodiment of those beliefs.