Hilary Stephens

I’m Hilary - the artist behind Hilza Studio.  I am self taught when it comes to art, my education and background is in architecture which deeply informs my art practice. My work explores colour, light and spatial energy, through abstract colours and subtle, sometimes bold - forms. I think of each artwork as a love letter to the viewer, as colour has the ability to completely shift how we see and feel.

Studying architecture changed how I see the world — in so many scales, from the way in which we live at home,  to the rhythm of an entire city. It has taught me how deeply our surroundings shape us. Now, I bring that same awareness to my art: how it feels in a room, how it shifts energy, how it invites you in.

To travel is one of life’s greatest privileges — to see the world, to be expanded by its architecture, food, culture, people and colour. Every city has its own rhythm, its own palette, its own energy. To be able to capture a sensory energy and feeling of another place, is where the magic lies for me.

I love for my work to inspire you in your everyday, to go after your dreams, curate the energy in your home.

STYLE MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

The Colourful World Of Architect-Turned-Artist Hilary Stephens

ByKiri Johnston| 2nd September 2025

A viral TikTok turned Melbourne-based architectural designer Hilary Stephens’ art hobby into the thriving Hilza Studio, where each bold creation is described as a love letter to the viewer. For our September issue, we caught up with the architect-turned-artist to hear about her journey, her work, and her recent residency in Ibiza. 

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW