Based in Zurich, the interior architect makes a point of working closely with her clients to create bespoke interiors, where life become memorable. Carefully listening to their needs and wishes, Hanya Leo decided to set up her own practice and offer a true collaborative approach, to turn their wishes into lively interiors. The client’s satisfaction plays a major role in the creation of a space and the energy that emanates from it.
May it be for hospitality or residential projects, Hanya Leo aims to design interiors that makes everyday life more enjoyable, not only for the owners and the guests, but also for the employees who are given the needed space to do their work well. Each interior is thought trough down to the details to offer a unique experience.
For hospitality projects, the interior architect imagines bold and experimental universes with a strong sensory dimension, that invite the guests on an extraordinary journey, a change of scenery, just for a moment. When designing a residential space, she focuses on creating a sense of well-being that greatly influences the life of the people inhabiting it. Building a home means creating a deeply personal space where it feels good to live every day, often serving as a lasting sanctuary for years to come.
« Interior architecture can be used as a way to manipulate peoples’ experience of a space. I aim to curate spaces that are meaningful and ultimately lead to the creation of unforgettable memories, » explains Hanya Leo.
To build timeless interiors, she plays with textures rather than colours. It’s all about understanding the surface, how it catches the light, or influences the sound for acoustic comfort. Moreover, inspired by her childhood spent in Brisbane, she implements seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces in her projects. All these essential elements, whether consciously or unconsciously noticed, impact the way we experience a space.
True to her Australian roots, her bold design approach adds a heartwarming touch to the interiors she create, perfectly complementing the traditional Swiss functionality.
While she puts her talent at the service of her clients’ architectural projects, her new collection of artefacts is the fruit of her artistic vision. Exploring shapes and materiality, Hanya Leo has designed pieces of furniture that enhance the interiors with their sculptural silhouettes and imposing presence. “Furniture should be a living part of our space, evolving in our interiors,” she says. Carrying an extra touch of soul, each piece can stand alone or as part of this curated collection, that will be showcased in a pop-up gallery in Zurich, during the summer 2025.
This series is created in collaboration with photographer Jelena Barraud, founder of Wings & Creativity.
Geraldine Morand
Jelena Barraud
Kim Pham