From inner-city apartments to highly crafted houses, the design duo behind Four Walls Architecture make the perfect pair.
Architects Claire Paterson (left) and Amy Hendry believe the best architecture emerges from a shared vision.
Long before they became business partners, Amy Hendry and Claire Paterson were architecture students sketching ideas together at Victoria University. More than two decades later, that shared design language has evolved into Four Walls Architecture, an Auckland practice characterised by calm, carefully resolved spaces where architecture and interiors are conceived as one. Rather than chasing trends, the pair focus on proportion, materiality and precision, creating quietly confident homes built to endure.
A wooden staircase lined by a collection of wood frames complements the leafy view outside.
Amy established Four Walls Architecture in 2010 after gaining experience across both residential and commercial architecture in Auckland. Claire, who stayed in Wellington before spending several years working for international firms in London, returned to New Zealand in 2009 and joined the practice in 2013. Together, they have spent the past 13 years refining not only their design philosophy, but also a creative partnership built on complementary strengths.
A complete replan and refurbishment transformed this 1980s Herne Bay apartment. Above right: Clever use of internal space and materials elevated the bathroom in this waterfront apartment.
“We each bring something different to the practice,” says Amy. “I love the challenge of making the impossible, possible, and finding practical solutions to design challenges and construction adversities, while Claire brings exceptional design talent and flair to our projects and resolves every last detail in her designs. Together, we challenge each other to bring out the best in every project, from a macro level to a micro level.”
Their approach is rooted in an architectural discipline that extends seamlessly into interiors. “We pride ourselves on clear, calm and beautifully crafted architecture, whether it’s a renovation, a new house, an interiors project or a multi-unit development,” explains Claire. “We work with pared-back material palettes and concentrate on proportion and form, so every project has restraint and calmness.”
That architectural thinking, they believe, is what distinguishes their work. “Because we are architects first and interior designers second, we bring a really strong formal approach to our projects,” says Amy. “It’s not just about the finishes; it’s about proportion, geometry and space.” Among the projects that best encapsulate that philosophy is the Herne Bay Apartment, where the complete refurbishment of an entire floor transformed the way the home was experienced. By reorganising the plan and introducing warm timber, natural stone and brass, the apartment became what they describe as “a sophisticated yet serene retreat”, with views across Auckland from almost every room.
The City Apartment overlooking Viaduct Harbour remains another favourite project. Here, layers of white-on-white materials created a restrained backdrop that allowed the owners’ art and furniture collection to become the focal point.
Most recently, a new house in central Auckland allowed the studio to oversee both the architecture and interiors from the outset.
“We got to express our design intent through every part of the project, with the architecture informing the interior design and vice versa.” While the finished homes appear effortless, the architects insist that the design process is rarely straightforward. Creativity, they argue, comes not from unlimited freedom but from responding intelligently to constraints.
“Every project has its challenges, whether it’s a tight budget, a difficult site, an existing house that might be quirky, or a very specific brief from our clients,” says Amy. “The greatest creativity comes from meeting those challenges and finding the architecture and design that lies within them.”
This lock-and-leave inner-city studio was stripped and refurbished to create a stylish, minimalist environment.
That mindset has become increasingly relevant as rising construction costs continue to reshape the residential sector. “Clients are coming with the same wishes and expectations, but we need to carefully navigate how to align those expectations with the current reality of construction in New Zealand.”
Practicality, they add, is never separate from good design. “It might be a gorgeous house, but you still need storage and a place for your laptop.” When asked what advice they would offer homeowners embarking on a project today, their answer returns to first principles. “Getting the bones of the architecture right is the most important thing,” Claire says. “It’s better to spend the money resolving the form and proportion of your spaces than trying to cover up a disappointing design with expensive finishes.”
ON OUR RADAR...
The Simon James Tangerine stool. Claire just bought this for her new kitchen. It’s comfortable and low key, but is still a great statement piece. We always love a great kitchen island stool, it completes a kitchen. All kitchen designs will suit something different, but we tend to go for something with great lines which complement rather than take over the kitchen. It’s worth spending a bit more on a great stool, for both comfort, aesthetics and longevity.
Powersurge lighting. We love these and have used their pendants in recent projects. We always encourage clients to choose a few lights to spend a bit of money on, as a great light is a piece of art. Amy has a classic Flos Glo-Ball lamp. It gives every space a soft, playful glow.
Hotel Britomart. This building blew us away when it first opened. The architecture is stunning, and the interiors beautiful. As a refit of an old building, it’s raw and honest, but its makeover is sophisticated and cool.
Pinterest. There is always something new to catch our eye, and it allows us to delve into different themes that inspire us to generate fresh ideas.
PHOTOGRAPHY JACKIE MEIRING
