Practice
Providing both architectural and interior design services, LANDE deliver timeless outcomes rich in empathy and functionality which continue to surpass expectations.
Our Founders
Lachlan and Ellie founded LANDE on a shared conviction: that architecture and interiors are not separate disciplines, but a single, continuous act of making. Trained across some of Melbourne’s most respected practices, they came together with a mutual fluency in both – and a particular passion for the places where the old and the new hold a conversation.
LANDE operates at the intersection of architecture and interiors, and of heritage and contemporary design. It’s a position they hold deliberately. When the same minds shaping a building’s structure are also considering its interior character from the very outset, something different happens – decisions become more resolved, spaces more cohesive, outcomes richer.
Their work spans new builds and sensitive heritage restorations, always approaching the inherited site with respect for its narrative and ambition for what it might become. Collaborating closely with each client, they draw on the full breadth of their practice – rigorous detailing, spatial empathy, and a considered design sensibility – to deliver outcomes that are functional, evocative, and rich in empathy. Timeless work that continues to surpass expectations.
Our team is united by a shared commitment to thoughtful design, technical excellence and a deep respect for place.
Our Team
With diverse backgrounds across architecture, interior design and construction, we bring a broad range of skills and perspectives to every project. From emerging talent to seasoned professionals, our studio thrives on collaboration — combining curiosity, craft and considered thinking.
Each member of our team brings a unique lens, shaped by international experience, academic exploration and a passion for meaningful, lasting design. From studies in coastal vernaculars to heritage detailing and the social dimensions of space, our approach is always grounded in rigour and driven by a desire to create environments that reflect how people live, feel and connect. We believe great architecture is both purposeful and poetic — a balance of vision and execution. This belief is carried through in everything we do, from early concept through to delivery, ensuring every detail is resolved with care, clarity and integrity.
Ellie Spinks
Co-Founding Director
Ellie holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Construction Management from Deakin University, followed by a Master of Design. Having spent countless summers on Victoria’s Surf Coast, Ellie’s thesis explored the decline of the iconic fibro beach shack — a study that sparked a deep appreciation for the region’s coastal vernacular. This understanding has evolved into a passion for regional and rural architecture, and a recognition that lifestyle and family dynamics naturally shift when we step outside the city — whether for a weekend escape or a more permanent sea change.
Ellie has contributed to a number of award-winning architecture practices, and her ability to seamlessly integrate refined, highly detailed interiors within broader architectural narratives has become one of her defining strengths and creative passions.
Lachlan McArdle
Co-Founding Director
Lachlan is a Brisbane native who completed both his Bachelor and Master of Architecture at RMIT in Melbourne. With over a decade of experience, he has worked across a range of respected studios, developing a thoughtful and well-rounded approach to practice.
Initially beginning his studies in medicine, Lachlan’s move into architecture was driven by a desire to merge creative thinking with scientific understanding. This blend of logic and imagination has become a defining trait in his work, allowing him to navigate both the technical rigour and softer, more intuitive aspects of design. He draws ongoing inspiration from sustainable practices, emerging technologies, and the enduring character of heritage architecture.
Now based between Melbourne and Brisbane, Lachlan works across residential and commercial projects both locally and abroad. His work is grounded in a sensitivity to place, with a focus on creating spaces that are considered, enduring, and deeply responsive to the people who inhabit them.
Eva Ouano
Project Architect
With two degrees in architecture and over 20 years of experience across Australia and New York, Eva brings a global perspective and a deeply honed skill set to her work. Her career spans a diverse range of projects and contexts, contributing to a strong foundation in both design excellence and delivery.
Eva has a particular appreciation for the craft of hand drawing — a skill she continues to champion for its ability to express subtlety, clarity, and emotion in architectural ideas. This tactile connection to design sits alongside a pragmatic mindset, allowing her to balance conceptual thinking with practical resolution.
Her deep understanding of architectural language is evident in the way she brings ideas to life — striking an elegant balance between creativity and functionality. Eva’s work is guided by a quiet confidence and a clarity of intent, resulting in spaces that are not only refined and intelligent, but grounded in purpose and meaning.
Chris Austin
Project Architect
Chris is a Registered Architect with 10 years of experience working in Melbourne, with a strong passion for residential architecture and a particular interest in detailing and architectural tectonics. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the University of Melbourne.
Chris began his career as a student at a small residential practice led by a former builder — an experience that grounded his understanding of construction and instilled a lasting appreciation for the buildability of good design. Since then, he has worked as a Project Architect at several highly regarded, design-focused studios, contributing to the delivery of award-winning residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
His work is driven by a respect for authenticity — found in the honest expression of materials and the craftsmanship required to transform them into something enduring. Chris brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to each project, always seeking to create architecture that is both finely resolved and deeply connected to place.
Noelia Muñoz
Project Lead
Noelia completed her architectural studies in San Sebastián, including a formative year in Milan. Before moving to Melbourne, she worked in high-end residential interior design in Barcelona, bringing a unique and specialised perspective to her architectural practice.
Drawing inspiration from Gesamtkunstwerk principles, Noelia approaches projects holistically — considering every element from the largest concept to the finest detail. This integrated process allows her to develop cohesive designs where architecture and interiors work seamlessly together.
Through her thoughtful and meticulous approach, Noelia creates captivating spaces that balance personality with harmony. Her work reflects a refined sensitivity to both function and aesthetic, resulting in environments that feel authentic and carefully crafted.
Maya Welsch
Student
Maya completed her Bachelor of Design, majoring in Architecture, at the University of Melbourne in 2022. She plans to continue her studies next year by pursuing a Master of Architecture.
Her academic interests focus on the intersection of gender and space. With a strong passion for feminist architecture, Maya is inspired by how design can challenge traditional gender norms and foster more inclusive, equitable environments.
At Lande, Maya is committed to continuous learning and actively contributes to advancing the practice’s sustainability goals. Her dedication to thoughtful design and environmental responsibility is reflected in the work she supports across projects.