Hannah Oravec
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a residential and boutique commercial interior designer”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Ever since I was a little girl, I was exposed to my dad always renovating our home (which actually happens to be the home my mom grew up in too!). I found my spark for creativity at that young age and never looked back. After completing a design degree at one of the East Coast's top interior design schools, I moved to Philadelphia for my first job (which is also where I met my husband, Mike!) It wasn't until I met Mike that I realized that I didn't have to play by anyone else's rules, I could make my own. I had always envisioned myself starting my own business, but I thought it was something that would come later in life with 20 years of experience (or whatever those job descriptions say) With his encouragement, I started my business and have watched it grow over the past couple of years to something so much bigger and beautiful than I could ever have expected.
How do you stand out in your field?
Honestly, I think it comes down to the client interaction. I’ve seen so many times where designers try to design to their own liking and don’t think about the client’s needs.
While a funky geometric glass coffee table may look great, it also is not going to be very practical for a family with small children. That’s what I love about the initial consultation. I rarely go right into talking about design, but I start off asking questions about the client. What do you do for work, what your interests are, your hobbies, how you envision the space being used, what works in the space for them and what doesn’t, etc. From that information there, I can already get a design going knowing that they will need extra storage for their kids toys, or to open up some walls to accommodate entertaining for a large number of guests, etc. And that’s really what I love about designing, creating spaces that fit the client’s needs and making them feel good in them. I’ve lived in cities before and rented apartments there because I knew that it was going to be temporary. I didn’t but a ton of effort into designing, as I was only going to live there for a few months. But, that gets depressing.
There’s something about making a house a home. Somewhere you are excited to be there, and you feel relaxed and comfortable. A place that is functional and has proper storage (trust me, I know all about storage needs, I didn’t have a bedroom closet in my Boston apartment!). My favorite part about the whole process is the revel. It’s so rewarding to see the joy on my client’s faces when they walk into their homes. One of my most cherished memories was doing a reveal for my client and her five-year-old son’s new apartment. Her son screamed with excitement and ran around the apartment. While I was showing my client some things in the living room, we popped into her bedroom a few minutes later. Her son was curled up, asleep in her bed. When he woke up he said, “Mom! Look at your room! It’s SO NICE!” It’s things like that, knowing that I’m making these homes for people, that makes it so rewarding and why I love my job so much.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
So many exciting projects! I can't wait to share photos! One of my favorites is this really cool 1940's Bauhaus home with floor to ceiling glass walls.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I think the best part about being a designer is the fact that your style frequently evolves. If I had to best describe my personal style I would say that it is really eclectic. I love so many different eras and so many different designs. But I also love fusing them together, to create something unexpected. I'm obsessed with Art Deco style and geometric shapes, but I also love the curves and simplicity of mid-century modern style. Not to mention that a good modern boho room will always have my heart.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I love my industry! But I also have a huge passion for health and wellness. I workout frequently and love food, a lot.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Emails. Ugh.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Clean my house! I love cleaning but I work from home and I get stressed when my house isn't clean! It takes up a good amount of time, so that would be super helpful.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Just be you. I used to be so insecure about any and everything when I was in high school and college. I became more confident when I moved to a city I knew no one in, and had to just branch out and meet people. I realized that you can only be yourself and you shouldn't try to be anyone else just to fit in.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to start a non-profit! That's also in the works!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Im always open to professional opportunities that allow for creative and strategic freedom through content.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Right now I'm redesigning a home from top to bottom. We are gutting the entire home and its only 15 years old! The home just wasn't functional for the family. It's an awkward layout, really narrow hallways, and just doesn't work for them. They love the area and the land, so they wanted to work with what they had. We started out with concept images and just discussing what they liked and what they were hoping to get from the space. After lots of options and 3d modeling, we got to our perfect floor plan. We are in the construction process and should be finished up in the next few months!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My hourly rate is 100 hr. I like to go over and see the space and talk with the client to get to know them. I then give them a proposal with concept images of what I'm thinking, along with a high and low budget for each space. I require a 1/4 deposit to start the project, and then bill monthly.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
My husband, Mike! He's been my biggest supporter and has really challenged me to think outside the box on my designs.
Instagram: @mikeoravec
Email: mikeoravec53@gmail.com
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot an email my way with your scope, budget and timeline! Having some images of things you like are always helpful, too.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Get outside.
This member profile was originally published in March 2019.