Designer Crush: Katie Hodges
Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky1. How did you get your start in design?
The road to my interior design career was a bit windy, so it’s hard to discern the actual “start.” My first exposure to the industry was when I worked as a personal assistant while in college, pursuing a master’s in Speech Language Pathology. She was building a house, and I quickly became obsessed with the design and construction process. My boss was a very prominent headhunter, so she encouraged me to think twice about being in medicine and explore the creative side of me that was just dying to burst open. Thankfully, I listened and took an internship position, while teaching myself AutoCAD drafting at home to gain a competitive edge.
2. What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in their current career and wants to move into a different field?
I think it all depends on your risk-tolerance, and how well you deal with change. I am a firm believer in total immersion, which means dedicating 100% of your focus on something to gain and maintain momentum.
However, if you can’t take a hard pivot into the new field, start taking on projects or take classes night/weekends to get your feet wet, gain experience and meet like-minded people. Listen to podcasts featuring people who have had similar forks in the road to gain perspective and inspiration.
3. How do you define “California style”?
California’s design aesthetic is the combination of organic, international and modern elements in a manner that feels relaxed and welcoming.
4. What are some of the ways you mix modern and traditional elements?
My favorite fool-proof mix is a traditionally shaped sofa with mid-century side chairs. It not only creates balance in visual weight, but forms the easiest base to build the rest of your room upon.
5. What was the process for launching your online shop and what differentiates your products from others on the market?
What started my shop were weekly messages on my Instagram asking about how to purchase the benches for the end of the bed that I made for my clients. That’s where I realized there was a shortage of benches that fit king beds on the market. The vintage pillows and other furniture followed shortly thereafter!
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
India, for its ornate and detailed architectural features and color, which amidst so much detail looks harmonious and never clashes.
7. Who’s your dream celebrity client and why?
Shaun White. He seems like such a hardworking, earnest and fun person, who also appreciates design and real estate. Hardworking, creative people are my kind of people.
Lightning round!
8. First concert?
*NSYNC.
9. First celebrity crush?
Jonathan Taylor Thomas (JTT!!!).
10. Favorite subject in school?
English.
11. Favorite pizza topping?
Pickled jalapenos.
