Hindley & Co

“For me, architecture is much more about eliciting a feeling in the beholder. It’s phenomenological; we’re dealing with the senses and the spirit. It’s like we’re giving you a three-dimensional art experience, as well as addressing all the practical needs of a building.”

Anne Hindley’s academic background as an arts and philosophy graduate means she approaches architecture in a distinctive way.

Her practice, Hindley & Co, focuses on design that uplifts the spirit and expresses the things that are unsaid.

“I'd studied existentialism and a lot of those ideas people were bringing into architecture at the time. Studying with an art and philosophy approach to architecture opened my eyes to how I could bring magic into the field.

“I realised that applying rational theory to a building doesn't necessarily result in a good building. It might result in an interesting building; but our work grapples with bringing the art to the theoretical practices of architecture - using your intuition to make something beautiful and successful architecturally.”

In addition, her experience model-making for other architects translates into a sharp eye for detail.

“You've got to make a lot of judgments in model making, and you start to recognise if something is one millimetre different to something else. I think that experience has been responsible for a lot of my eye now.”

Defined by distilled simplicity, Hindley & Co’s architectural and interior design practice offers elegant designs for highly functional living. The team focuses on new homes and renovations in their designs all over Victoria as well as some projects in Launceston and Sydney.

After working in other areas of Melbourne, Anne chose their current offices in West Melbourne for the building’s high loft windows.

“I feel strongly that this site’s natural light and the vast views over Docklands and Melbourne help our creative ideas to flow. You can see all the weather approaching, the thunderstorms rolling in and the beautiful sunsets. It can’t help but expand your mind.”

Anne enjoys the intimacy of the emotional journey that comes with working on residential property.

“The core team are all women, which is a bit unusual in the building industry. I think that appeals to other women, who are often the lead decision-makers when it comes to home renovations and projects.”

“Every house that we craft is someone’s home. Our contribution to someone’s life provides us with enormous satisfaction.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio