To enter the awards, call us on: +44 (0)1244 401932

In Profile:
AhA!nteriors

In Profile:

AhA!nteriors

Shortlisted: 2 categories

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026

Name: Paulina Hospod
Company Name: AhA!nteriors
Position Within Company: Founder & Principal Designer
Website: www.aha-interiors.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I’m the co-founder and principal designer of AhA!nteriors, a boutique design-build firm based in New York City. My background combines interior design and construction management, supported by over a decade of hands-on experience in design, millwork, and high-end residential renovations. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute. In addition to leading our design-build practice, I teach Professional Practice for Interior Designers at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), mentoring emerging designers on professional standards, ethics, and the realities of running a design business.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Refined yet approachable—rooted in craftsmanship, historic reverence, and timeless materiality. My spaces mix natural materials such as marble, walnut, ash, and unlacquered brass with tailored color stories, sculptural forms, and subtle patterns. I avoid “trendy minimalism” and prefer soulful, lasting interiors that reveal personality and purpose.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

From architecture, travel, and lived heritage. I draw inspiration from New York’s historic townhouses, Italian artisanship, and the natural patina of materials that age beautifully. I’m also influenced by fashion—animal prints, bold textures, and the craftsmanship behind a well-made garment often parallel what I design for the home.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Design is shifting toward authenticity and longevity. Clients seek deeply personal, custom homes designed to evolve with their lives, not for resale. The future is local, sustainable, and craft-driven—favoring quality over quantity and human connection over algorithmic perfection.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.

Sustainability through material integrity
Emotional comfort and wellness
Craftsmanship and provenance
Adaptability and long-term use
Local sourcing and cultural continuity

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?

Design with intent and honesty. Every choice—no matter how small—should serve the space, its history, and the people who inhabit it.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

They celebrate integrity, originality, and craftsmanship on a global stage. For designers who truly build from concept to completion, they affirm the value of thoughtful design and collaboration with artisans, clients, and communities.

What projects are you currently working on?

A SoHo Manhattan loft featuring fully customized interiors with extensive built-in storage for purses and shoes, a bespoke banquette, and layered finishes of fluted wood, bronze, and brass. Designed for a modern young client and their Frenchie, the space blends curated artworks, natural materials, and tailored craftsmanship, achieving a balance of warmth, sophistication, and contemporary urban living.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

The Greenway Apartment—a project that captures the essence of refined urban living while honoring the building’s original character. Every detail was considered: refinished parquet floors, preserved arches, and restored brass hardware bring back the home’s historic warmth, while custom millwork, a petite kitchen island overlooking the treelined street, and softly layered tones and textures create a sense of calm sophistication. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful updates can celebrate the past while embracing modern comfort.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

The Park Terrace Kitchen—a galley-style space with a very narrow footprint toward the window area—required exceptional creativity and precision. We designed custom narrow cabinetry, specified a wall-mounted kitchen faucet to preserve circulation, and relocated ovens away from the cooktop to improve functionality. To balance efficiency with warmth, we introduced a playful palette of mustard and mauve, accented by natural wood. The result is a compact yet vibrant kitchen that feels both tailored and livable.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? E.g. Lighting companies, furniture companies

Tiles—I love using them floor to ceiling in bathrooms and feature walls to create depth, texture, and timeless character. I also rely on custom furniture makers and workshops across the U.S., whose craftsmanship ensures quality, precision, and authenticity in every project. My designs depend on trusted partners who share a passion for material integrity and lasting beauty.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? 

To deepen my interior design client base and expand editorial recognition for both recent and upcoming projects. I’m also committed to mentoring young designers, sharing my experience within the built environment and empowering them to find confidence in their craft. I especially want to encourage female designers to see themselves as equals on the jobsite—to hold their heads high, command respect, and know their value in every phase of the design and construction process.

Your most treasured possession?

A vintage bronze giraffe, about thirty inches tall, discovered during a recent High Point Market antique hunt. It’s a whimsical reminder that the best design treasures are often found by chance—and that character and history always elevate a space.

Your favourite holiday destination?

The Caribbean—especially the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten—for their warmth, color, and effortless rhythm of life.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Hotel: Austin Proper in Austin, Texas, designed by Kelly Wearstler, for its bold mix of pattern, texture, and soul.
Restaurant: Clay at Wildflower Farms in Upstate New York—beautifully seasonal, earthy, and serene.
Bar: Soho House in New York City—stylish, intimate, and always creatively charged.

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Sociopath – A Memoir
Film: Dirty Dancing – a forever classic
Song: Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) by Elton John & Dua Lipa

Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Pierogi — and yes, there’s no “s” in plural here in Polish 🙂 A nostalgic comfort and a reminder of home.
Drink: Mezcal Negroni — smoky, balanced, and just the right mix of bold and refined.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Browsing antique markets or taking my dogs to the park, chatting with friends, and soaking in the small, everyday inspirations that often find their way into my work.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?

A photographer or a barman—both creative, sensory, and grounded in human connection.

Anything else interesting?

My dad, who built many houses, and my mom, whose eye for beauty continues to inspire me, are the reason I fell in love with design in the first place—and remain my greatest supporters in everything I do. They taught me to approach every project with respect for people—their stories, needs, and the way they truly live in their spaces.

And of course, my Yorkie-Poo, Zygmunt, is our unofficial demolition supervisor—a daily reminder that joy belongs in every project. My OG poodle, Tadeusz (Tadziu), the original “productivity department lead,” brings endless warmth and cuddles to every design day.

AhA!nteriors has been shortlisted for 2 categories in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026.

design et al only work with the world’s leading companies in the International Design & Architecture industry.

If you think you have what it takes to compete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by following the links below:

Use the links below for more information about the Awards:

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2026
are organised by design et al

Sylka

Contact Us

If you wish to speak to someone regarding the design awards,

Simply fill in the form below!





    Interested in:

    Alternatively, call us on 0044 (0)1244 401932