Q&A With Hannah Hering, Interior Designer

Q&A with Hannah Hering

Professional Journey

How did you get started in interior design?

Hannah: I had originally been studying marketing and retail merchandising in university, but toward the end of my second year I realized I had a preference for my creative courses and decided to take a walk through the arts building on campus. It was there that I saw a hallway of interior design projects designing pop up shops, I almost immediately applied to the program.

What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design?

Hannah: It’s just something I’ve always had an interest in, and it felt right for me. It’s the perfect balance of being creative and being technical, which is a lot of fun.

Design Philosophy and Work

How would you describe your design philosophy?

Hannah: My intention when designing a space is to create something that feels inviting, timeless, functional, and completely unique to my client. I often draw inspiration from the surrounding environment and try to incorporate as many earth tones and natural materials as possible to create a sense of connection between the interiors of a home and its site. Throughout the entire process I make sure to always trust my intuition. You’ll kind of just know when something feels right in a space.

Which designer(s) do you most admire and/or have influenced your work the most?

Hannah: I really admire the work of Sarah Sherman Samuel and Jane Hallworth. Both designers incorporate a wide range of texture, color, natural materials, and have an incredible way of making each home they design truly come to life with intentional and thoughtful spaces that not only honor the homeowners but also the location and its influence.

What is your approach to understanding and fulfilling a client’s vision?

Hannah: I really truly love getting to know my clients. I want to hear their likes and dislikes, how they intend to use their space, what inspires them and really incorporate all of that into their design. Establishing open communication and trust ensures that we’re aligned throughout the design process and really allows that vision to become intuitive.

What’s the most overlooked feature when designing a kitchen remodel?

Hannah: I think there are two worth mentioning. One is the overall work triangle of a kitchen, the path between your range, your refrigerator, and your sink. It often seems that the aesthetic of the kitchen tends to take over and the crucial space planning needed for a functional space can be overlooked. The second element is something a bit smaller but still important and that’s cabinet hardware. Hardware is one of those small details that can really make a space sing. If your home leans mid-century modern, embrace it – have fun, pick the funky hardware. If you’re remodeling and have original elements of your home within your new kitchen, find something that harmonizes the old with the new.

Company Culture and Team

What do you enjoy most about working at Syndicate Smith?

Hannah: I really enjoy the people I work with, not only within the office but our clients as well. I feel so lucky to be able to meet so many people I otherwise wouldn’t likely connect with and to be working alongside such kind, fun, and creative individuals.

Which of our core values resonates most with you at this time and why?

Hannah: This is kind of a tough question because I’d really like to say all of them. If I had to pick one, I’d say that ‘Connect, Listen & Understand’ really resonates with me currently. Human connection is one of the most important things in life whether that’s in or outside of work and getting to know people past surface level and learn what really inspires them or fuels their fire is so much fun. This is something I’ve been really focusing on within my job and personal life lately.

Personal Insights

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of architecture and design?

Hannah: Aside from design I really love gardening, painting, hiking, camping, dinner parties, strolling farmers markets, and paddleboarding with an occasional lake or river swim.

If interior design was not an option, what would you be doing to pay the bills?

Hannah: I’d like to think I’d be running my own event designing and decorating business focused on small scale weddings and dinner parties... or making art or working on a small-scale fruit & vegetable farm. Definitely something hands on and creative.

What is your favorite room in your own home and why?

Hannah: The rental we’re currently in has a beautiful open concept kitchen, dining and living room with a good amount of natural light and stellar views of the valley. I’ve added a lot of plants, a couple statement rugs, art made by loved ones, a soft rice paper pendant above the couch, and of course a disco ball to catch the afternoon light that all together give the space a cozy, eclectic, and playful feeling. I love spending time in this space whether it’s hosting a dinner party, painting at the dining table or relaxing at the end of the day with a glass of wine and a movie.

Do you have any design-related pet peeves?

Hannah: I’d say my biggest pet peeve is when spaces lack character, color, and warmth. Embrace wood and other natural materials, empower yourself to experiment with texture and patterns, allow some movement and color in your countertops, and most of all have fun with your furnishings!

Can you share a fun or interesting fact that people might not know about you?

Hannah: I grew up in the freshwater surf capital of the world. Also known as Chicken Joe’s hometown.