Hacin + Associates [architecture + design in boston]

Jenn Clapp featured on Houzzz

Interior Designer Jennifer Clapp's Newburyport home was recently featured on houzz.com, an online community that serves as a platform for home design enthusiasts to seek project inspiration, advice and information from design professionals. Check out the article, "traditional on the outside, quirk appeal inside" to learn more about how Jenn and her husband, Greg, added character and charm to their traditional Greek revival home here.



 

Design can change your business: Phil Johnson of PJA advertising + marketing

I recently had the chance to chat with Phil Johnson [@philjohnson] of PJA advertising + marketing, who talked enthusiastically about the ways that the agency's new space has affected their business. Below are some insights from our conversation. A big thanks to Phil for his candid feedback, and to PJA for being so vibrant, engaged, and fun to work with! 

- Nicole Fichera

PJA Advertising is an advertising and marketing agency that combines marketing strategy and creative curiosity to find hidden truths that others are missing in order to help innovative brands challenge convention and find an unfair advantage against outsized competition. They wanted a creative environment, but [according to Phil] they did not want to make their space “look” creative by “putting a bunch of cool stuff everywhere and a pinball machine in the kitchen.”

The existing space was very complicated: several wings off a high-ceilinged main space with a mezzanine loft. These non-contiguous spaces each had their own look and feel. Groups of people occupied their part of the office with very little movement, and the workflow was fragmented.

H+A wanted to counteract this stagnation and fragmentation, drawing people throughout every part of the office. After an extensive series of programming interviews, departments are now clustered and distributed throughout the office with key proximity relationships to support the fast-paced, collaborative workflow.

H+A Interview: Spotlight on Kate Kelley

First in a series of features highlighting individual members of the H+A team, this interview connects with associate Kate Kelley, Director of Interior Design. Read on to learn more about Kate's philosophy on life, design, and the importance of playing hopsotch.

Design is...for me, design is helping to make life just a little easier and more pleasant for people. I noticed early on that my mood and general wellness was directly affected by my surroundings - space, scale, color, light. Life can be hard enough so if I can bring someone comfort and ease with a well-designed space then I am happy.

A turning point for me was...definitely the decision to switch careers. Everyone in my family, including myself, was trained in finance and no one expected me to make the switch to design. Thankfully I made this change early on and I haven't looked back once.

Words of wisdom...I think one saying I try hard to remember is 'stop and smell the roses.' My life is a little crazed with family and work and so I'm usually in a rush and constantly thinking of the next thing 'to-do.' In the midst of the chaos, I try to stop and recognize the small moments of joy that really count: like if I'm rushing into a doctors appointment with one of my kids and they suddenly stop and want to play hopscotch, or if we are reading the third book of the night and I can hardly stay awake as they keep asking questions about 'why frog is mad at toad.'

You must go see...Mackinac Island, Michigan! My parents are from Michigan and most of my extended family still lives there. I went to Mackinac Island for the first time for my uncle's wedding when I was ten and haven't forgotten it since. Basically, it's the Nantucket of Michigan but even more special. You arrive by ferry and there are no cars or motorcycles allowed on the island so you get around by foot, bike or horse buggy. It is magical. It's like Disney, but real!

- Kate Kelley

Images of Kate's desk + pin-up space

David Hacin in 'Boston Common'

Be sure to check out the October/November issue of Boston Common where David Hacin has been featured in an editorial choosing his favorite pieces for fall from The Morson Collection. H+A always loves working with The Morson Collection - Caroline Morson curates the showroom with great care, paying close attention to detail and craftsmanship. She, alongside her team of associates, provides an unparalleled level of customer service. Thanks, Caroline!