Award-winning architect Rob Mills runs a holistic practice, Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors (RMA), bringing architecture and interior design under one roof. 

His goal is to create architecture that inspires and protects, with the idea that form, materiality and aesthetics can act in service of our wellbeing - for today and for generations to follow.

Rob is responsible for updating one of Australia's most historic homes in Kirribilli, designed by Adolphus Feez, the architect of Kirribilli House, the home of Australia's Prime Minister. RMA designed significant changes, including an the infinity pool, basement cabana and wellness space overlooking the jetty and Sydney Harbour.

Recent projects include Hampden by RMA, a luxury apartment project delivered ‘end-to-end’, bringing the same level of care to the design and delivery of the apartments as for private residences, from initial design through to construction, purchaser engagement and the complete customisation of interiors. 

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WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Rob about his career and his view on emerging architectural trends.

You quote your grandfather as telling you, “Architects design spaces for people” – a simple truth that continues to define your practice today. How did this quote come about?

My grandfather was Dean of Law and later Vice Chancellor of Melbourne University. 

As part of my university application I had to write a 300-word essay about what architects do, so I asked my grandfather what he thought.

His specialty was jurisprudence - the law of the law - and he was always able to look from above and see a solution quickly. I have fortunately inherited that ability.

As a residential specialist, my role is to design a place for clients in which they really belong, rather than what would suit me.  Each client brief is a journey of discovery, where you need to really listen, to partner with the client, to be able to give them what they want.

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What do you enjoy most about your profession?

There are challenges and frontiers - the first step, winning the project is very tough.

Designing is what I enjoy most, I find it therapeutic and relaxing, except when I design for myself as there are no restrictions. It is helpful to have a framework to work within.

I find it most rewarding to visit a home after the clients have settled in and see them being part of and belonging in their new space.

RMA has a diverse portfolio, from super contemporary to updating historic icons such as the Kirribilli home. Which project has really stood out for you?

They are all different. The smallest spaces can be the most rewarding - I consider the powder room I designed for myself a very sophisticated design.  It simply has a light, a basin and a tap...it is missing the ubiquitous mirror above the basin, so that one can really focus on the act of bathing and cleansing and not be distracted… I think that is important.

And I think we really captured the spirit of yoga in the One Hot Yoga studios in Melbourne and Sydney.

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Having won numerous national and international awards since 2008 for architecture and interior design in both residential and commercial, which has been the highest in professional recognition for you?

The most memorable awards were the 2017 The American Architecture Prize - we won the Firm of the Year Award in Residential Interior Design and received an Honourable Mention for our Armadale Residence (residential) and One Hot Yoga Sydney and One Hot Pilates Melbourne (commercial), we also won Best Interior Design Practice in the London Awards.

And in 2018 we were placed in the top six in the final of the World Architecture Awards. We had to submit five projects and ours were all individual houses. We were pitted against some phenomenal international high rise buildings such as the iconic 432 Park Avenue in New York. It was really good to be included in the same sphere!

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What advice would you give someone looking to engage an architect?

Ring Rob Mills!!

With today’s focus on sustainability, what architectural trends do you see emerging?

We should all be living in apartments as the environmental cost is shared and therefore more efficient. We have designed a boutique apartment building in Armadale, 'Hamden by RMA' which as a 7-star energy rating. 

While it is difficult to build a single truly sustainable house, houses should be constructed out of plantation timber OR built to last 100-200 years. If a house is well designed, using durable materials, it will serve the occupants well and therefore be valued. Sustainability can very well be found in the longevity of good design and construction.

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What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client?

Our Byron residence was probably the most interesting to me. It was commissioned by a German lady, and the culture and the background was not familiar to me. She is incredibly adventurous which is fantastic as I was awarded a freedom you don’t often get.

What advice would you give to a newly graduated Architect or someone thinking about Architecture as a career?

It is a fabulous career, but you really have to commit. The hours are long, but it is extremely rewarding.

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Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

I live between Melbourne and Sydney, I love them both for different reasons.

I cannot think of anywhere else in the world I would rather be.

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