Trade Tales: Hannah Oravec on Bringing Wellness into the Design Process

Episode Release Date: November 20, 2024

In this enlightening episode of Trade Tales, Kaitlin Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Home, delves deep into the intersection of wellness and interior design with the accomplished designer Hannah Oravec. As Hannah scales her design firm, she navigates the delicate balance between preserving her core values and embracing growth, all while fostering a work environment that champions both creativity and well-being.

1. Hannah's Journey into Design

Hannah Oravec's passion for interior design is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a household where her father was constantly renovating, she was immersed in the world of colors, materials, and design from an early age.

[02:07] Hannah: "I grew up in the same house that my mom grew up in and my dad was always renovating it. I was always picking out colors with him and materials, helping with projects. I knew early on that I wanted to pursue this."

Her formal education in architecture and design led her to her first post-graduate job at a design firm. To manage student loans, Hannah ventured into e-design, eventually leading her to establish her own firm, Lawless, in 2017 after securing her first in-person client in Boston.

2. Emphasizing Client Relationships and Personalization

Hannah believes that understanding clients on a personal level is pivotal to creating spaces that resonate with their lifestyles and preferences. Her approach goes beyond mere aesthetics, delving into the personal stories and values of her clients.

[04:24] Hannah: "What’s cool about residential design is you get to know your clients so well—their families, their hobbies, their favorite memories. It allows us to personalize their homes uniquely."

One poignant example is a client couple who cherished their honeymoon in Portugal. Incorporating Portuguese bar stools into their kitchen not only added a unique design element but also evoked cherished memories for them.

3. Forging Strong Client Connections

Building a solid foundation with clients starts well before the design process begins. Hannah prioritizes comprehensive conversations to understand the client's lifestyle, preferences, and needs.

[05:55] Hannah: "We have a lot of conversations with clients even before we start designing. I ask them to share about themselves, their family, favorite scents, and even how they take their coffee."

These personalized touches extend throughout the project, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring that clients feel valued and heard.

4. Integrating Wellness into Design

A cornerstone of Hannah's design philosophy is the integration of wellness into interior spaces. This commitment stems from her personal experiences and formal accreditation in wellness design.

[16:39] Hannah: "Wellness isn't just one thing—it's a culmination of factors like healthy materials, biophilic design, lighting, and indoor air quality. It’s about how every decision affects our well-being."

She advocates for the use of natural materials, such as marble and soapstone, over synthetic alternatives like quartz, highlighting their aesthetic beauty and health benefits.

5. Building and Leading a Collaborative Team

As Lawless expanded, Hannah recognized the importance of a diverse team that brings varied perspectives to the table. She emphasizes hiring designers who complement her aesthetic while contributing their unique flair.

[14:38] Hannah: "I don’t want carbon copies of myself on the team. Diverse aesthetics lead to better projects."

Her team, though small, is cohesive and collaborative, ensuring that each project benefits from multiple viewpoints and expertise.

6. Navigating Business Operations and Financial Management

Hannah's adeptness in business operations is evident in her structured approach to project management and financial stability. She implements detailed onboarding processes and transparent billing practices to foster trust and clarity with clients.

[28:20] Hannah: "I always have financial talks early on with clients. We provide a range rather than a fixed quote, explaining how different choices impact the budget."

This openness helps clients make informed decisions without feeling blindsided by unexpected costs.

7. Overcoming Challenges and Adapting to Change

Like any entrepreneur, Hannah has faced her share of challenges, from evolving software tools to balancing personal life with business growth. Her adaptability and willingness to pivot have been key to her firm's resilience.

[27:31] Hannah: "Every few months, something isn’t working, and we move on. Bringing in diverse experiences helps us find better solutions."

Her recent ventures, including opening a vintage furniture shop alongside her design firm, exemplify her ability to seize opportunities that align with her vision.

8. Balancing Work and Personal Life

Hannah's dedication to her business is matched by her commitment to her family. The recent birth of her daughter has prompted her to redefine her work-life balance, ensuring that family remains a priority.

[39:24] Hannah: "Separating business from personal life has been one of the toughest aspects. Having my daughter made me realize the importance of family over work."

This shift has led to a more supportive company culture, where team members are encouraged to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

9. Future Aspirations and Industry Insights

Looking ahead, Hannah aims to further expand her team and continue integrating wellness into her designs. She acknowledges the increasing consumer awareness driven by social media, seeing it as both a challenge and an opportunity to elevate the value of professional interior design.

[44:35] Hannah: "People are more immersed in design thanks to social media, which is great because it highlights the value of investing in their homes."

Her ultimate measure of success, however, remains deeply personal.

[48:26] Hannah: "Success to me is my family. Having a successful business is important, but an amazing family is what truly matters."

Conclusion

Hannah Oravec's journey is a testament to the harmonious blend of passion, wellness, and strategic business acumen. Through her dedication to personalized client experiences and a steadfast commitment to well-being, she has crafted a design firm that not only beautifies spaces but also enriches lives. Her story serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring interior designers striving to infuse their work with meaning and purpose.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah Oravec [02:07]: "I grew up in the same house that my mom grew up in and my dad was always renovating it. I was always picking out colors with him and materials, helping with projects. I knew early on that I wanted to pursue this."

• Hannah Oravec [04:24]: "What’s cool about residential design is you get to know your clients so well—their families, their hobbies, their favorite memories. It allows us to personalize their homes uniquely."

• Hannah Oravec [16:39]: "Wellness isn't just one thing—it's a culmination of factors like healthy materials, biophilic design, lighting, and indoor air quality. It’s about how every decision affects our well-being."

• Hannah Oravec [28:20]: "I always have financial talks early on with clients. We provide a range rather than a fixed quote, explaining how different choices impact the budget."

• Hannah Oravec [48:26]: "Success to me is my family. Having a successful business is important, but an amazing family is what truly matters."

This episode of Trade Tales offers invaluable insights into blending professional aspirations with personal values, emphasizing that true success encompasses more than just business achievements. Hannah Oravec's holistic approach to design and life serves as an inspiring model for entrepreneurs in the creative industries.