Get to know Erin Hannon-Watkinson of Studio HA/WA
Her start as a designer, how it all began, and her approach to interior design. Find out more about our Founder & Creative Director at Studio HA/WA.
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
In short, no. As a kid, if anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up my answer would have been an artist. Throughout my childhood I loved anything creative. I have a distinct memory of a high school friend’s mom saying that if you look at how children play and what activities they gravitate towards, it gives you a good indication of what they will like to do as adults. This might not be the case for everyone but looking back I remember playing with dolls and using 2x4s and other materials from around the house to make walls, rooms and connecting spaces to create miniature homes. Looking back now at how I played in this way, combined with my love of art, it’s obvious that this was something I have naturally gravitated towards from a young age. Over the years, my family always encouraged my creative side…from working on craft projects with my grandma to turning our kitchen nook into a makeshift art gallery.
WHERE DID YOU GO TO INTERIOR DESIGN SCHOOL?
In my final year of high school, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to study at university. I think that it can be really difficult at such a young age to know what all of your options are and what you want your career path to be. Ultimately, I decided to attend Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, where I received my degree in Communication Studies and Fine Arts. In essence, what happened is that I initially enrolled in Communication Studies but ended up taking all of my electives in Fine Arts, which were the classes I enjoyed the most and got the best grades. Before graduating, in considering my next steps, I knew that I wanted to lean into my artistic side. Talking things through with my mum, she suggested that interior design could be a good fit for me, which led me to apply to interior design programs. In the end, I chose to attend The School of Interior Design at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Toronto, Canada. The program was a lot of hard work and late nights in the studio but it was very clear to me that this was where I belonged. The biggest takeaway from my time there was to think big and that there are no limits to your creativity.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
At the beginning of my career, I worked at a few different firms and gained a variety of industry experience in residential, high-rise residential, commercial and hospitality projects. My time at Yabu Pushelberg, was an education in itself. It was here where I worked alongside so many incredibly talented designers in a space where I was encouraged to push creative boundaries and had the opportunity to work internationally on high-end luxury projects.
After having my first child, as I transitioned into my new role as a mother, I spent some time re-evaluating my career and what I wanted that to look like moving forward. The reality is that I hadn’t really planned to start my own business. Shortly after having my second child, I had someone reach out to me personally about renovating their home. Unsure of whether this was really the right time for me to take on a project, I decided I would go and meet them as a favour. They didn’t take no for an answer and, in hindsight, I’m glad they didn’t. It turned out to be a dream project, which is what led me down the path to starting Studio HA/WA.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO DESIGN?
I start each project with a good plan. The foundation of all my designs is making a space functional. If a space doesn’t work well, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it is. The materials and finishes are the icing on the cake that elevate and enhance the design.
I believe that truly good design should stand the test of time and have a level of permanence. Placing importance on quality, natural materials and timeless details allow a design to transcend time and trends. I definitely have aesthetic sensibilities that I’m drawn to but I am excited by the challenge of creating spaces that blend the HA/WA approach with each client’s unique needs and style.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
We’re so inundated with imagery in our daily lives. I do find a lot of inspiration from places like Pinterest and Instagram but I find it refreshing to get out of that digital space and find inspiration elsewhere…Actually getting out there in the world and seeing and experiencing things for yourself. I love getting out from behind my computer, whether it’s disconnecting in nature, visiting an art gallery, exploring architecture and culture through travel or simply picking up a new book or magazine. It may sound cliche, but inspiration really is all around you.
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