Architect Jorge Hrdina established his Sydney studio over 30 years ago, building a reputation for contemporary, site-specific homes harnessed by the ‘quiet brilliance’ of natural materials and crafted forms.

His influences in architecture have been formed from early experiences living on the rocky Chilean seaside coast, together with the cultural sensibilities of European architecture.

LUXURY LIST WEEKEND spoke to Jorge Hrdina about his career.

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Why architecture?

I grew up in both South America and Europe, visiting countless amazing cities and art galleries with my parents and became acutely aware of different and wonderful built environments. For many years as a teenager I did want the ‘glam’ job of airline pilot. My mother worked in the airlines and I was able to travel around the world as flight staff. 

But in high school, my Milsons Point classroom windows directly overlooked the city and Opera House, and this vista was often a focal point for school art classes. I found that I had some adaptability for these renderings of the city and Harbour Bridge, even helping my school mates with their work. As my father is a civil / mechanical engineer, architecture seemed the natural path for me in synthesising art and science. 

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After more than 30 years what do you enjoy most about your profession?

I enjoy most the ability to change peoples’ lives for the better by creating humane, beautiful and uplifting sanctuaries for them. 

How did your childhood in Chile and Milan influence your approach to design?

It is interesting that the Italian culture in particular, if one can generalise, is so design conscious. Walking through some of the older cities is like walking through an outdoor museum. There is attention to design and detail in the most perfunctory of items, such as streetlamps and park benches, not to mention the industrial design culture and clothing industry. I like to think I take this approach to what would otherwise be the lesser items on a building. 

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“Our buildings grow out of the earth and into the light with a sense of inventiveness allowing the soul to flourish in a quiet sanctuary...allowing the mind and spirit to soar.” Who were you most influenced by?

I was very influenced by a wonderful tutor at Uni by the name of Peter Coles who was at the time working for the House of Hermes in Paris, designing furniture as well as a small house on the Greek Islands for them. He was remarkable in bringing out artistic confidence in his students. Whilst studying I also worked for prominent Sydney architect, Neville Gruzman, who in my view was talented at creating humane modern buildings. 

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Known for your "contemporary, site-specific homes harnessed by the quiet brilliance of natural materials and crafted forms." How would you describe your aesthetic?

I am very much a “modernist” meaning that buildings should be honest and of today, not harping back to historicism. I believe in using the latest technologies but equally bringing a humane quality into a building partially by using natural materials and including elements that are handmade; Craftsmanship is still important.  

What advice would you give a new client?

Don’t be swayed by fashion, be true to yourselves, the way you live, and relate the building to your site sympathetically. 

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What is the most interesting/challenging brief you’ve been given? Did you take it on?

Many years ago a wheelchair-bound client asked me to design a house and environment whereby the resulting architecture would give him good reason to leave his bedroom and use other parts of the house. 

The home was to be a series of different internal ‘worlds’ whereby the sun would enter different spaces at different times of the day in the winter. He was a wonderful young man and I was keen to make a positive difference to his life. 

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Do you have a favourite project?

As with ones' children, one can’t have a favourite! All my projects are of a place and time, but I would say my current constructions are my immediate favourites. 

What advice would you give to an Architecture student? 

You need perseverance and passion. At the risk of getting into trouble, I feel sometimes the younger generations chop and change all too often. 

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What do you enjoy in your down time?

I love being on the boat sailing, skiing with mates, ocean swimming and bike riding...and playing scrabble with my wife if I really have to! 

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For further information phone or email Jorge Hrdina via the contact form below or click here to go to Jorge Hrdina Architects website.

Related reading:

Jorge Hrdina-designed Vaucluse for sale - Raine & Horne

Award-winning oceanfront pavilion residence 

Two Trees: Striking pavilion design with Middle Harbour outlook