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Interviews with Peter Rattle - CUS (Vic) Pty Ltd
Designer profileDesign Interview
25 September 2026 · Casselden Lobby Sedute Banquette
To ensure the new seating reflected the botanical theme of the new lobby area.
Our aim was to add both function and style to the refurbishment of this major Building
Hopefully this award will help us win future projects in the commercial building/refurbishment sector.
The project required several months in the manufacturing process and approximately 4 weeks to install as the building was still being occupied.
The original design scope was part of the tender process, however we altered the concept and ultimate design to fit the buildings decor.
We are happy to share our expertise with others.
To meet the requirements of the buildings open and flexible spaces.
Yes, we were influenced by the Architects involvement.
The Building's Owner and the tenants within the building.
The opportunity to refurbish an older style Lobby creating an urban oasis for casual and organised meetings.
It was the name of the project and building.
The use of templates and various prototypes to ensure all components worked and fitted correctly.
The sculpted plinths and use of LED lighting to enhance this component.
Our skilled Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers, helped to bring this project to life.
The hardest challenge was to ensure that the sculpted plinths matched the ninety-degree corners as well as the curved radius ends of the seats.
We thought that this particular project was worthy enough to be included in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design Sector of the Award.
Design Interview
5 May 2020 · RMIT Capitol Theatre I Posti A Sedere Del Banchetto
To ensure the new Seating reflected the Art Deco heritage of this building.
Our aim was to add both function and style to the refurbishment of this Cinema with a look from the 1930's.
Hopefully we can build on this design to win future projects in the Heritage sector.
Several months which including various drawings and prototypes.
The original requirement was part of the tender process, however we changed the concept and ultimate design to fit the Buildings Décor.
We are happy to share our expertise with others.
To meet the requirements of the Heritage overlay on this Building
Yes, we were influenced by the Architects involvement.
RMIT University and the people of Melbourne.
The opportunity to work on a Building that has survived for nearly 100 years of change and be part of bringing it back to life for the next generation.
It was the name of the project and Building.
The use of templates and prototypes to ensure all the components worked and fitted together.
All aspects brought their own level of uniqueness to this project.
Our skilled Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers, helped to bring this project to life.
Yes we researched various images of the Art Deco style including the Chicago Gothic to get a feel for the type of seating used during this particular point in time.
We thought that this particular project was worthy enough to be included in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design Sector of the Award.
From our point of view we were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work on a Building that was originally designed by Husband and Wife team - Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin.
Design Legend Interview
1 May 2020
I started my career as a professional Civil Engineer working in the Mining sector. From there I moved into the manufacturing industry, predominately Carpets both building machinery as well as designing products. As I have always been a hands on person it was an easy progression to the Commercial Furniture Industry where every project and the Clients needs are different.
To manufacture a range of products that are both fit for purpose and add an aesthetic benefit.
No, it was a gradual progression from different business sectors that lead me to this area.
Most of our designs are based around various types of furniture, but we are always striving to do a little more each time so that the eventual product has a wow factor.
They need to have patience with a touch of perseverance, as it will take time.
Listening to the Client and understanding their needs and outcomes.
A product that goes beyond what is normally expected.
Value for money but with an in-built quality.
Tough question, and that design is still out their.
All our projects are completely different and I am still looking for another Dream Project.
The secret recipe is to create a special empathy to what is required and built on that useing the senses of sight and touch.
The University of Melbourne Arts West Building in which we won a Golden A 'Design Award some years ago.
I would probably still be in the Mining Sector.
Designer Interview
1 May 2020
Originally I started out as a Civil Engineer in the Mining and Manufacturing sector but I have always been interested in the symmetry of both natural and man-made items. From there I progressed into the fabrication of custom furniture whereby these symmetries blend together.
Commercial Upholstery Solutions (Vic) Pty Ltd is a manufacturer of custom designed furniture for the commercial market place. We can combine upholstery, joinery, metalwork with polishing capabilities to bring any project design to reality.
Design to me is an idea that something needs to not only fit the purpose required, but also push the boundary.
I like to work with all types of products that can have an impact.
Some time ago we completed a project for the University of Melbourne that involved not only the manufacture of hundreds of Acoustic panels, but also a new installation method over 6 floors and a large Atrium. That was ground breaking for us and eventually won a Golden A 'Design Award.
My first design was furniture for a Hotel Lobby fitout.
We currently use a variety of fabrics, timber species as well as metal.
At the initial briefing with the Clients on a new project.
How best to manufacture the product and keep it under budget.
A tricky question but simply one that meets the budget, meets the Builders/Architects requirements and leaves the Client with the wow factor.
Our Clients, range from high end Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants, Casino's, Educational facilities to Office fitouts.
Via our web site: www.cusvic.com.au
