Elevating Casual Dining Lighting Design at Grill’d Swanston Street
Grill’d Swanston Street, Melbourne 2026
a design led collaboration between ambience and studio y, where lighting defines the experience.
The project explores how light can reshape a casual dining environment into something more atmospheric and refined. Through a careful balance of brightness and shadow, openness and intimacy, the space shifts in character across two distinct levels.
Our andro and Symphony Lighting ranges play a central role in this transformation, introducing moments of light play that bring depth, contrast, and a sense of occasion to the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
A dining experience that shifts in character
A key part of the design approach was creating contrast between levels while keeping the overall experience cohesive. Both floors operate on the same Casambi lighting control system, but with different scenes tailored to their environment. The ground floor benefits from the natural daylight from Swanston St, keeping the space open, bright, and active.
Interior DESIGN
Studio Y
Photography
video
Downstairs, the basement presented the real challenge. With no natural light, the design leans into layering and light play. Track and downlights provide clarity, while custom pendants and integrated LED introduce softness, shadow, and atmosphere. The result is a space that feels warm and inviting, without losing functionality.
One luminaire, three expressions
A defining feature of the project was the use of the Symphony Oboe luminaire in three distinct applications across the venue. Each application responds to its context, helping shape identity across different parts of the restaurant while maintaining design consistency.
“Using Oboe to create different custom pendants across the space really tied everything together.” Sharlene Jayawardena, Lighting Designer
“The Mighty Melbourne on a traditional bun… just kidding. This project was a lot of learning and the place looks really cool.” Eduardo Gazzinelli, Project Coordinator, on his favourite part of the project
The space is located at 107-109 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. If you want to chat to us about your hospitality project – reach out from our contact page.
