We break down the five key themes from our podcast This Much I Know with Karen McCartney with Hecker Guthrie founding principals Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie. Recorded while sitting in Paul Hecker’s own Melbourne home, McCartney and the two designers reflect on their contrasting and complementary approaches to interiors, how they weave character into spaces, and design for adaptability and comfort.
1. Creating Character and Personality
Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie explore how they imbue spaces with character, evoking meaningful memories beyond their physical structure. Hecker discusses the creation of ‘layered interiors’ that reflect the organic, evolving nature of personal living spaces, which he infused into his own home. He describes this approach as “very curated; not in a conscious way, but in an organic way,” emphasising the importance of weaving one-of-a-kind, personal items into a space.
Hecker speaks about his spontaneous approach to collecting and layering personal spaces, while Guthrie’s method is thoughtful, pared-back, and considered. Despite having contrasting yet complementary design approaches, they highlight the importance of engaging with interiors. “Good design emerges by giving attention—it’s all about care,” Hecker reflects.
2. Familiarity and Comfort in Design
The podcast explores incorporating familiarity and domesticity into residential and commercial projects. For Hecker Guthrie, the goal is to create comfortable and inviting spaces rather than overwhelming or intimidating. Whether designing hotels, bars, or retail environments, the practice seeks to maintain a sense of connection—familiar elements, such as fireplaces, are highlighted as touch points that foster a natural relationship between people and their surroundings.
Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie
3. Shifting Design Conventions
Hecker Guthrie challenge the increase of homes that prioritise functionality over comfort. The designers reflect on their experience of clients sharing preconceived notions driven by design trends, touching on the rise of modern homes that negate the importance of personal growth and adaptability.
“There is no greater joy than walking from room to room or making a decision when I get home; which room am I going to sit in?” Hecker shares. “I don’t want to create sterile homes. I want to create homes with warmth and charm that make people feel good and enjoy when they’re alone.” Hecker Guthrie aims to create spaces that stand the test of time and push boundaries to offer meaningful experiences within the home.
The GUBI 1965 pendant light in the dining area.
4. A Sensitive Approach to Materiality and Sustainability
Guthrie and Hecker emphasise how their use of colour, texture, and tone is crucial in creating spaces that feel engaging. Their approach often juxtaposes raw, natural materials with industrial elements to create depth.
“We love the idea of using things like acrylic and solid surfaces. But I think there’s a deeply ingrained sensibility around beautiful timber, earthy tones and materials,” Hecker says. The designers also share their focus on sustainability by integrating durable, timeless pieces that will last and embody their design philosophy of ‘Do it once, do it well, do it forever.’ “For me, that is sustainability; buying a beautiful Danish chair that you know will still have a life in 60 years.”
The Tacchini Sesann sofa in the living area.
5. Curating Distinctive Interiors
Guthrie and Hecker reflect on their evolving design approach in a space with ‘endless choice’. They reflect on their earlier careers where events like the Milan Design Week were exploratory—now their selection process for furnishings and objects is more refined, driven by the core principles of their studio. “Hamish and I have always seen ourselves as editors,” Hecker says. “A great designer is a great editor,” he adds, highlighting a shift to a more focused curation that prioritises unique pieces that blend art, craft, and furniture.
This change has been fuelled by years of experience, curiosity, and a desire to create calm, simple interiors that act as a backdrop for ‘extraordinary’ pieces. Travel also plays a crucial role in their creative process, inspiring new perspectives and informing their design philosophy outside of a commercial lens, lifting cues from Scandinavian design to church architecture.
The DCW Mantis wall lamp.
