Emily Hodge is the owner and principal designer at her self-named Charlotte-based firm, Emily Hodge Design. Her work juxtaposes modern lines with raw materials, textures and classical architectural details.
Emily’s work started some 15 years ago. She has now been in Charlotte for five years, “working a bit under the radar” as she puts it. She works out of her studio in the Dilworth Artisan Station.
Emily has tackled all sorts of projects, from renovating and furnishing full apartment buildings in Chicago to student housing renovations in Georgia to large-scale new builds in Charlotte. Here, she tells us more about her firm, her style, and where she gets new inspiration.
How did you decide to go into this kind of work?
I happened to hear about a local interior design school that offered a night program. Without much hesitation, I quit advertising, got a 9-5 admin job and enrolled in design school. The whole transition ultimately led me to incredible career and life experiences. These have shaped me into the designer and person I am today.
What is your design “signature”?
Space planning is my signature, and my favorite part of the process. The beauty and customized aesthetic always comes about. But the foundation of a home must be in space planning–whether that’s designing a kitchen or laying out a furniture plan. We spend a good chunk of time learning about our clients’ daily habits and movements throughout each space so we can tailor every detail. We go into depths with customized lighting and power plans so that every inch of a residence has been considered.
From where do you draw most of your inspirations for your designs?
All of my inspiration comes from my clients and their personal style or aspirational look. Additionally, I rely on my stacks of historical Architectural Digest and Elle Décor magazines.
How would you describe your general design philosophy?
I believe my role as a designer is to help people bring to life their dream homes, which means we work hard to determine a client’s particular style and are extremely collaborative through the creative process. I will always impart my obsession with classic architectural details, but ultimately I want my clients to feel like their home truly feels like their own unique space.
When working in the idea phase with a new client, how do you go about getting a feel for their tastes and their aesthetic? Is there particular research that you do?
We dedicate the first part of our relationship to determining the aesthetic direction of the home. I have developed a collaborative process that extracts their loves and dislikes, which are mutually important. The results of this process become our roadmap for the design. Each project is vastly different in look, which is so fun for me!
Is there a particular feature or object that is consistent across your designs?
I absolutely love the weight and texture of an oversized faux fur throw or chunky merino wool blanket, so I’ll always put one into a basket or at the foot of a bed.
What makes a project a success in your opinion?
I love when an entire project team collaborates and communicates well: architect, builder, interior designer, homeowner. Each partner brings such a vast amount of passion, expertise, and experience. Together, we’re here to lay it all on the table to create the absolute best product possible.
Photo Credit: Allison Kuhn
emilyhodgedesign.com
@emilyhodgedesign
