The design is organized along linear progression of compressed and released spaces, echoing Melbourne’s laneway condition. The entry is deliberately understated, giving way to a series of rooms that unfold gradually, each calibrated through shifts in scale, light, and materiality, until you arrive at the bar. A restrained palette of dark timber, stone, and patinated metal establishes a sense of permanence, while low, controlled lighting defines zones and heightens contrast. The result is an interior that rewards movement and discovery.

The bar on the main level structures the room, organizes circulation, and stages the act of preparation as a form of performance. Seating is arranged to negotiate proximity and privacy, supporting a range of social conditions without compromising the overall coherence of the space.

Extending the experience below, the basement bar functions as a complementary venue and flexible overflow space. Conceived as a more intimate counterpart to the primary bar, it accommodates private events, larger gatherings, and evolving service needs while maintaining a strong connection to the character of the main level. This additional layer of hospitality introduces operational flexibility and allows the venue to expand or contract in response to different modes of occupation, ensuring the space remains adaptable without sacrificing the carefully curated atmosphere that defines the Death & Co experience.