Erin Doak shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Erin, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to expand how I define home. For years, my work centered on kitchens and interiors, but through our rebrand to Hello Home, I’ve felt pulled to design for the whole home—spaces that shape how people live, gather, and connect. That broader approach now includes turnkey furnishing and styling services, and now that I’m in Aggieland, a door naturally opened into exploring short-term rental design as well.
What once felt intimidating now feels like a meaningful evolution: shifting from designing rooms to creating full experiences—whether for a family settling in, a guest passing through, or a community that values thoughtful, welcoming spaces. Stepping into that bigger picture feels like the brave next chapter in both my business and creative journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Erin Doak, owner and Principal designer of Hello Home, a full-service interior design studio based in Bryan, Texas, serving clients throughout College Station, Austin, and beyond.
Hello Home was born from what began as Hello Kitchen—a design studio focused on kitchens and baths—and has since evolved into a firm that designs for the whole home. Our mission is simple: we’re redefining how people experience and connect with their spaces
We’re also focused on refining our signature aesthetic and partnering with clients who align with both our process and design style. It’s an exciting season of growth—creating meaningful collaborations and crafting spaces that feel as good as they look.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Becoming a mother completely reshaped how I see the world—and deepened how I approach design. Function has always been at the forefront of my work, but motherhood gave me a new level of understanding about the realities of family life—the joy, the mess, and the beautiful chaos that fills a home.
It reminded me that thoughtful design isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating spaces that truly work for the way people live. That shift has made my work more practical, intentional, and grounded in real life.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Absolutely. Every month when I meet with my business advisor, Caroline with Faith Financial, I feel truly heard. She’s one of my biggest cheerleaders—someone who listens deeply, helps me process ideas, and offers clarity when things feel chaotic. Having that kind of support has been invaluable as a business owner.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that design equals luxury. In reality, good design exists at every level and for every budget. It’s all relative and perspective-based—what feels “well-designed” to one person might look completely different to another.
At its core, design is meant to spark joy and reflect the people who live in a space. We all have different styles, and that’s what makes design so fun. Too often, parts of the industry become so elevated that they start to feel exclusive—like sharing materials or resources somehow lessens their value. But the truth is, design is vast. When we support one another, collaborate, and stay open, everyone benefits.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I think I’d regret not creating some sort of curated collection—whether that’s décor, furnishings, or a small retail concept. I grew up working in retail and have always loved the tactile side of design: sourcing, styling, and seeing how pieces come together in real life.
One day, I’d love to have a warehouse or studio filled with my own curated finds—a mix of timeless pieces, collected goods, and those special items that make a space feel personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hellohomedesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellohome_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570272405606
Image Credits
project photos: Avery Nicole Photography and Bryce Vandergriff Photography
headshot photo: Madeline Harper
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