MACFIE ARCHITECTURE x Tori Hayley

Tori Hayley is an international fashion, lifestyle, and architecture photographer, currently based in London. Macfie Architecture has been lucky enough to work with Tori, to capture over a dozen completed design projects, over the past 5-years. Interviewed from her home in East London, we profile Tori about her aesthetic and her dream spaces to shoot.

Where did you study?

I studied Fashion (menswear) at AUT, and studied photography at The New York Film Academy, in one of my fave cities, New York.

What is your favourite city for architecture?

London or Paris. I love the uniformity of Paris, and the darker aesthetic of East London. Both places have such a rich history that has been carefully maintained. Can you imagine all the people that lived in these houses?!

Architecture to me is about the feeling you get from a space. I especially love city architecture where you can get a glimpse into peoples lives through an open window. A meal laid ready on the table, children doing homework, a dinner party among friends, teenagers sneaking out a window - all is on display. 

What do you enjoy about shooting architecture?

I appreciate that architecture is a reflection of personality. Especially in a home where it is one’s sanctuary & space to truly feel at ease to be themselves.

The way a floorplan is designed to maximise space & save energy also amazes me - small sq meterage designed well can be more practical & efficient (& beautiful) than a largely, poorly laid out space.

Favourite project you have shot for Macfie Architecture and why?

I love the way Macfie Architecture blend beautiful NZ heritage buildings, with a bright & fresh open plan layout. One of my favourites would have to be one of the very first villas I photographed for Macfie Architecture in Grey Lynn. A traditional villa from the street, with a large glass extension on the back, opening up the main living area pouring warm light throughout the house. It had such an inviting feel to the home, a real warmth.

Dream space to shoot?

Somewhere with soft warm light - perhaps an artist studio in Paris on a summer afternoon. Parquet flooring, sheer curtains blowing in from the terrace in a warm breeze.