Hugh-Jones Mackintosh is a bespoke, residential design practice that is deliberately boutique in nature, allowing principals Justine Hugh-Jones and Katrina Mackintosh to be closely involved in all projects.

“For us it is important that we match a design vision with a high level of service. We feel these two things define our practice and it means that we have a number of repeat clients – which we love,” says Justine.

Their approach to design is holistic. They understand the value of aesthetics; the perfectly designed armchair, the artwork that lifts the spirits and the medley of fabrics that look as though they always belonged together. This is married with a deep understanding of the power of good design; well-planned, functional and practical spaces are paramount to making sure a home works with ease.

“It’s vital to us that each project feels like a home from the word go, with an in-built sense of history. We’re passionate about what we do, and get an enormous amount of pleasure working with clients to draw out their vision and express their character with unique objects and furniture pieces – be they from an overseas vintage store or a local craftsperson,” says Katrina.

Collaboration is an important word in the practice’s vocabulary both with clients and with the specialists they work with, including architects, landscape designers, builders, upholsterers and joiners, whom they have built up strong relationships with over years of practice. There is, at heart, an appreciation that the entire experience of creating a home for someone is a privilege, and Justine and Katrina feel very fortunate to be able to do that daily.

Justine Hugh-Jones – Founding Principal

Justine set up her practice in 2004, specialising in high-end residential design. She has an innate ability to set a design vision around which her skills align, with a particular emphasis on aesthetics (a keen interest in art underpins much of her approach) and developing strong client relationships.

Her love of languages has seen her living in a number of countries, including France, where she gained a degree in international business, while her love of travel drew her to marketing at British Airways, where her exposure to product design led her, in turn, to interiors. Discovering her main passion was in design, she subsequently took up an apprenticeship with an interior designer in Hamburg before studying art history in Sydney and interior design in London.

Katrina Mackintosh – Principal

Katrina started working with Justine in 2011 and, while enjoying seeing a project through from start to finish, finds the initial concept design phase and architectural planning side particularly satisfying. In addition, she has a passion for tracking down the vintage lighting and furniture pieces that make a project sing. With a total of 20 years’ experience, she graduated with honours in interior design from University of Technology Sydney, and subsequently worked for architectural and design practices specialising in high-end residential projects in both London and Sydney before joining Justine.