Founded in Zurich in 2021 by interior architect Sandra Hinton, Studio Hinton has, in a remarkably short time, become a respected name in international high-end design. Working across Switzerland, Monaco, and other international markets, the studio is known for its composed, thoughtful approach to luxury interiors, prioritising proportion, materials, and continuity.
Studio Hinton’s work begins with a practical understanding of how people use space, shaping interiors that balance comfort, function, and architectural logic. The first step is an insightful dialogue with clients: paying close attention to how they live, what they value, and how they want to feel at home. From there, the studio develops bespoke solutions that bring together structural framework, furniture design, materials, and lighting into a cohesive whole. As a result, each project adapts to every client’s needs and preferences while remaining true to the studio’s astute design language.
Much of this clarity can be traced back to Sandra Hinton’s own background. A graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, followed by formal training at the Parsons School of Design in New York, she combines a methodical, disciplined approach with creative sensitivity. Early professional experience in hospitality design sharpened her understanding of flow, user-friendliness, and long-term value—qualities that continue to inform the studio’s residential work today.
When it comes to a signature, Studio Hinton’s aesthetic is grounded in the careful selection of materials. The palette is built around wood, stone, plaster, and metal, with careful attention paid to texture and proportion. Oak, in particular, appears frequently—stained, brushed, or left natural—and is used not only as a decorative element but also as a physical and emotional anchor. Stone surfaces are selected for their depth and durability, while lighting is carefully layered to support both utility and ambience. This material intelligence has become one of Studio Hinton’s defining hallmarks.
The studio’s alpine projects, many of which have attracted significant international attention, showcase this philosophy beautifully. Rather than leaning into traditional chalet tropes, Studio Hinton has helped modernise mountain living with lighter, more fluid spaces that are better suited to year-round use. One of its most widely noted projects is a major renovation in Crans-Montana, which introduced what the studio describes as a “non-chalet chalet”: a residence that respects its regional identity while avoiding the visual heaviness typically associated with chalet interiors. It has since been recognised by the International Design & Architecture Awards 2024 and Best of Interiors 2024.
Crucially, these projects reflect the reality of 21st-century living and how people use space—particularly in alpine regions, where homes are no longer solely winter retreats. Climate, seasonality, and changing patterns of work have informed Studio Hinton’s thinking, leading to interiors that feel equally comfortable in summer and winter, daylight and snowlight.
Beyond the mountains, the studio’s portfolio extends to urban apartments and coastal residences, notably in Monaco, where it has completed several large-scale renovations. Here, the challenge shifts from landscape to density: maximising light, storage, and freedom of movement while maintaining a sense of tranquillity. Studio Hinton’s response remains consistent—custom joinery, carefully zoned layouts, and a strong distinction between public and private areas—allowing even large, complex homes to feel both elegant and effortless.
An important part of the studio’s practice is its commitment to tailor-made design. Furniture, staircases, fireplaces, and built-in elements are frequently designed in-house, often in close collaboration with Swiss artisans and specialist manufacturers. Advanced technologies such as 3D modelling and CNC fabrication are used not to replace craftsmanship but to support precision and perpetuity. This blend of innovation and traditional know-how reflects a broader Swiss design ethos: great attention to detail and a build-to-last approach.
Despite its rapid growth, Studio Hinton has remained intentionally selective. Projects are taken on for their creative potential as much as for their scale, and the studio continues to favour maintaining close involvement over aggressively expanding its workload. Looking ahead, plans to develop furniture collections and explore hybrid spaces—such as wellness environments and hospitality-adjacent concepts—suggest a company expanding with intent, not haste. Whether designing homes or branching into new areas, Studio Hinton’s focus remains sharp: interiors should age well and feel right for the people who inhabit them.
To find out more about Studio Hinton, visit the links below:
Studio Hinton
Haus der Immobilien
Zollikerstrasse 65
8702 Zollikon
Switzerland
Web: studiohinton.com
Tel (except USA): +41 (0)79 136 16 54
Tel (USA only): +1 323 497 9377
Email: hello@studiohinton.com
Instagram: @studio_hinton