Art and Interior Design: an Interview with Hannah Marion

Good Art goes hand-in-hand with good interior design.

At TASC, we understand how interior design has an impact on the art that we source for our clients. We took a moment to reach out to Hannah Marion, an interior designer at Perkins Eastman who we’ve worked with on past projects. Take a second to get to know Hannah and the work she does.

You work with Perkins Eastman as an Interior Designer. What made you decide to study interior design?

I have always been drawn to the fields of architecture and interior design. When I was younger I would flip through timeshare brochures just to study the different floor plans. I loved doing something referred to as ‘space planning’. I would sketch out different layouts for my childhood home, always trying to find the optimal layout.

When I started college, I initially went to school for architecture. I loved the conceptual approach and the opportunity to apply artistic ideas and complex mathematics to building design, but we didn’t talk about the people occupying these spaces. After my first year, I realized that I wanted to focus more on interior spaces and human experiences and decided to change my major to interior design.

Today, I enjoy working at a company that values the experiences of people in different environments. Our primary intention is not to design the most expensive or impressive building but rather to have a positive and lasting impact on people within the building and the surrounding community.

I love learning, and in design there is always an aspect of discovery. I am constantly inspired by different things in my life: nature, history, literature, the human mind, current issues, wellness, technology... There are so many different people, needs, and therefore spaces that need to be designed, that a vast array of knowledge and experiences that can be applied. I really value this combination of creative expression, problem solving, human psychology, and technical knowledge that converges when creating spaces for people.

Do you have a specific approach to your work? You, and the folks at Perkins Eastman, work with a range of clients, from higher education institutions to senior living communities. How do you ensure your design fits each unique project? How would you describe the main intentions of your work?

At the core of Perkins Eastman is our “Human by Design” ethos and we focus on keeping people at the heart of everything we do. This isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have a design vision you really want to see come to life, or you think you may know the best option, but your client or end-user disagrees. At the end of the day, remembering that someone will live, learn, heal, work, or discover in the spaces we design is the most important piece. Listening to those people and understanding their needs before designing for them, helps to ensure each space is uniquely suited to represent that group of people and create a space that works with them and for them.

Since we work on projects in so many different locations, I focus on discovering unique elements about the geographical context and the culture of the surrounding community to make each design feel authentic and distinct. There are certain technical and evidence-based standards we apply to each project based on research and experience, but every client and project is distinctly different.

How does being in Pittsburgh shape your work?

Pittsburgh’s unique history in its evolution from a very industrialized ‘steel city’ to a hub of education, healthcare, and technology is very intriguing to me. I think there’s an interesting juxtaposition between the past and the present of this city. Design involves constantly pulling concepts and styles from the past and reimagining new ways to apply them to current and future work. I think there’s a lot of inspiration to be found in the architecture and design of Pittsburgh; there’s such a vast mix of architectural styles in downtown alone -- but I am also inspired by the story of the city’s resilience and transformation in order to endure, and the stories and experiences of people that have lived through it.

Why do you think art matters when considering interior design? How does art and design talk to one another?

In many ways, I believe interior design is a form of art. Harmony, balance, contrast, texture, color, pattern – these are all elements we consider in design, as well as art. Considering the artwork in the interior design of a space is critical as it can amplify the emotions and responses of users in a space. When interior design and art are integrated it results in a cohesive space, where pieces of history, the local culture, or untold stories can be expressed. Most of the work I do is in senior living, and artwork can have significant benefits in these communities. Whether evoking familiar feelings and memories in dementia environments or instilling a sense of home in skilled nursing, it can reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. Artwork can engage, inspire and transport people who see, sense or interact with it. This is particularly important in spaces where people are likely to experience psychological or physiological stressors.

As you look to the future, are there any ideas you think should be front and center in the minds of architects and designers?

I strongly believe architects and designers have not only an opportunity but a responsibility to improve communities and address some of the biggest challenges we are facing. People are dealing with a lot these days such as the lingering effects of Covid-19, financial hardships, discrimination, and the climate crisis just to name a few.

The building construction and operations sector is one of the largest contributors to energy usage, carbon emissions, and landfill waste in our country. Designers and architects can begin to make a difference in some of these areas by making intentional, environmentally conscious decisions and encouraging our clients to adopt more sustainable practices. We have a responsibility to the environment, but also to our communities where we need to focus on creating inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and help break down stereotypes and discrimination. Imparting a positive impact on people in interior spaces – in my mind, that’s at the heart of being an architect and an interior designer.