As part of the SpeakingOut! series for the 2026 INDE.Awards, industry voices come together to explore the ideas shaping contemporary design. In this episode, host Jan Henderson speaks with Allison Pye of Lindblom Pye Interiors, an accomplished designer whose work continues to define thoughtful, human-centred interiors.

This interview is proudly supported by Tongue & Groove, partner of The Interior Space category at the 2026 INDE.Awards, celebrating excellence in interior design across the Indo-Pacific region.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Allison Pye’s approach to interior design is grounded in creativity, clarity and restraint. While she did not always set out to become an interior designer, her drive to pursue a creative path ultimately shaped a career she describes as both fulfilling and essential.

At the core of her philosophy is a belief in simplicity, not as an aesthetic trend, but as a rigorous and intentional process. For Pye, restraint is not about doing less, but about refining every decision so that each element has purpose. By limiting materials, forms and visual noise, her interiors create space for what truly matters: the architecture, the environment and the people who inhabit it.

This thinking is evident in her longstanding collaboration with architect Michael Leeton, where the boundaries between architecture and interiors dissolve into a seamless and holistic outcome.

Reflecting on her journey, Pye notes that interior design was not always a clearly defined profession when she began her studies. Her instinct to create, and her commitment to that instinct, guided her into a career that has continually evolved.

A significant recent milestone is the rebranding of her studio to Lindblom Pye Interiors, marking a new chapter alongside long-time collaborator Sophie Lindblom Taylor. The partnership signals both continuity and growth, built on years of shared experience and a strong alignment in design values.

The standout project discussed in the interview is ‘House on a Hill’, located on the Mornington Peninsula on Boon Wurrung Country. Designed in close collaboration with Leeton, the home recently won The Interior Space category at the 2025 INDE.Awards.

Set within a dramatic landscape of rolling hills, vineyards and distant ocean views, the home is defined by its integration with the natural environment. Upon arrival, visitors are guided through a carefully choreographed sequence that leads to a striking yet understated interior, where expansive glazing frames the surrounding landscape as the focal point.

Internally, the design is characterised by a restrained palette of timber, stone and concrete, layered with natural finishes and textures. Every element has been carefully considered, resulting in spaces that feel calm, warm and deeply liveable.

Importantly, the home was designed for a multi-generational family, requiring a high level of flexibility. Through thoughtful zoning and spatial planning, the house can adapt seamlessly, accommodating two occupants or hosting gatherings of more than twenty, without compromising comfort or intimacy.

Pye’s work contributes to a broader shift within the design industry towards intentionality and authenticity. In an era often dominated by visual excess, her emphasis on quiet interiors and material honesty offers a compelling counterpoint, prioritising experience over spectacle.

The success of ‘House on a Hill’ also highlights the value of deep collaboration. From architects and designers to builders and craftspeople, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when all contributors are aligned in vision and care. This holistic approach not only elevates the final outcome but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and pride throughout the process.

A sincere thank you to Allison Pye for sharing her insights, and to Tongue & Groove for supporting The Interior Space category at the 2026 INDE.Awards.

To hear more from Allison and explore the full conversation, watch her SpeakingOut! Episode here. Entries to the 2026 INDE.Awards are now closed, stay tuned to our website for the shortlist announcement in July.