Designer In Profile: Suzanne Hunt – Suzanne Hunt Architect

Name: SUZIE HUNT
Company: SUZANNE HUNT ARCHITECT PTY LTD006 Suzanne Hunt Portrait High Reduced
Position within company: PRINCIPAL
Website: www.suzannehuntarchitect.com.au.

 

.Tell us a little about your background in design.

Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) BArch (Hons) Curtin 1986
Bachelor Applied Science (Architectural Science) BApp Sc WAIT 1984

.How would you describe your personal interior design style?

I love honest, robust and earthy materials, beautiful detailing and creating a feeling of sensuality and
elegance with a seamless connection from inside to out. I want the architecture and interior design of
our projects to be seamless reflecting how my family live. I also love to keep spaces clear so we can add
treasures as we discover them.
.Where does your design inspiration come from?
I truly believe that great architecture and design nourishes people’s lives not only physically but spiritually
and emotionally and leaves a legacy for generations to come. This is really important to me. I want the
homes I design to express harmony, warmth and a calm serenity. I love the feeling that nature can
gentle ebb and flow from inside to outside and our interior and architectural design reflect this.
My inspiration is a combination of factors:
– My clients, their briefs and their treasures
– Context – our beautiful landscape, bright sunlight and harsh climate are very important to me in all
our designs and are inspiring.
– I travel regularly and find inspiration everywhere! Lately I have found inspiration in the souring Karri
Trees of the Boranup Forest in the south west of WA.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Residential design in Australia is moving towards an increased emphasis on sustainable design principles
and materiality selections and integration of renewables with new interpretations of mid-century masters
while having some fun.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond.
– A seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
– Rooms within large open plan spaces divided by beautifully designed elements such as shoji
screens, book shelves and changes in ceiling materiality and heights.
– Honesty in design with robust sustainable materiality and beautiful detailing
– A Sense of calm, lived in aesthetic
– Contextually, climatically and fiscally responsible. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
I believe that the Interior Design and Architecture in residential architecture needs to be seamless and
holistic but most importantly I feel that interior design schemes should reflect the people that are to use
them not that of the designers personal tastes.

. What projects are you currently working on?
Currently we are working on the additions and refurbishment of a premier winery in the Margaret River
region, a family house in a beach side suburb of Perth and two holiday retreats in Gidgegannup and
Meelon.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Now three of my four children have finally finished school my professional aim is to grow my business,
work with amazing clients, design some quality work and have loads of fun!
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My children (although they are not really my possessions!!)
Your favourite holiday destination? I am off to Spain this year……
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? So many…changing all the time
Your favourite food and drink?
A beautiful Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay or Dog Point Pinot Noir from NZ.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Spending time with friends on a summer’s afternoon, eating crayfish with a glass of wine, while
dipping in and out of the pool to cool down.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? A psychologist