Architect Anna Castles: practicality is making smaller inner-city homes work for families

"I just love working with families and helping them get the best out of their home and project is the best thing for me,” says North Melbourne-based architect Anna Castles. 

Anna thrives on finding solutions for families who want, or in many cases need, to make the most of their living space. Particularly as families grow, realising the full potential of an inner-city home can present unique challenges.

Anna has worked in the industry since she was 20 years old, beginning her career at Harmer Architecture. From there she continued to practise and hone her craft, developing a talent and enthusiasm for layering spaces that suit the needs of modern life while meeting the demands of busy family households.

After several years in the business, Anna took a well-earned break to raise her own family. Over time she began reconnecting with the profession, initially offering advice and insight to friends and family before gradually returning to practice.

“It’s definitely evolved organically,” she told North West City News.

Her earlier experience, combined with her own lived experience of raising a family in an inner-city home, has shaped her approach to residential design.

“Having a young family in a North Melbourne house really challenges you to get the best out of the space,” she said.

Anna has a keen interest in ensuring spaces are not designed for just a single purpose.

“It might be a bedroom now, but it can also be an office, a guest room, a study or a recreational space,” she said.

This lived experience has given her a strong understanding of the modern needs of families navigating smaller homes, particularly when thinking about how spaces will function over the long term, rather than just for the next few years.

During consultations Anna works closely with clients to understand how they currently use their homes and where improvements can be made.

Having purpose-built cabinets and spaces for sports equipment or musical instruments may work well in the short term, she says, but it’s important to consider how those spaces might need to evolve over time.

“Living with good, well-thought-out design really does change your life.”

Examples of this flexible approach can be seen in Anna’s work online, including the Errol Street House project, which features integrated shelving and an adaptable upstairs space that can be used for reading, as a cubby for children or simply somewhere to escape the general bustle of family life.

Anna also places a strong emphasis on collaboration throughout the design process.

“I try to involve the client throughout the process and work with preferred contractors,” she said.

“I love being on site and watching the process, we all have so much to learn.”

Anna Castles Architect has recently moved into a new studio at 128 Errol St, North Melbourne, a space that will also showcase local artists from the area.

You can view Anna’s work at annacastles.com.au or follow her on Instagram @castlesanna •