Women, In Their Own Words: Paulina Hospod

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Welcome to another edition of our “Women, In Their Own Words” interview series! At DesignDash, we love celebrating remarkable women who shape the design world with their unique perspectives, thoughtful practices, and transformative ideas. Through this series, we hope to illuminate the artistry, philosophies, and inspirations that drive their work.

Today, we’re thrilled to feature Paulina Hospod, Founder and Principal Designer of AhA!nteriors, which is a boutique NYC design-build firm redefining what it means to renovate with craftsmanship, clarity, and holistic expertise. Known for seamlessly blending architectural precision with creative intuition, Paulina brings an unmatched depth of knowledge to every project, from high-end cabinetry to full-home transformations across the five boroughs.

With over two decades of experience, advanced degrees in both interior design and architecture, and a passion shaped by her family’s multi-generational construction and craftsmanship roots, Paulina leads with intention, intelligence, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. In this interview, she reflects on the interplay between demolition and creativity, her admiration for pioneering designer Florence Knoll, and how empathy and clarity guide her leadership on construction sites.

We hope you enjoy reading Paulina’s responses as much as we did!

Women, In Their Own Words: Paulina Hospod

DesignDash: If you could listen to only one musical artist while working, who would it be and why?

Paulina Hospod: I actually had to check my Spotify account to answer this—picking just one artist is hard! I love remixes and older tracks, and lately I’ve been listening to Kavinsky Radio. It’s this perfect mix of retro beats and cinematic mood that keeps me energized without distracting me—it feels a bit like designing with rhythm.

DD: What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve found for your work?

PH: A demolition day. There’s something poetic about the controlled chaos of tearing down walls to reveal hidden structure. It reminds me that creation often starts with letting go.

DD: If you could collaborate with any historical figure (artist, designer, writer, etc.), who would it be and what would you create together?

PH: Florence Knoll. I teach Professional Practice to college seniors, and we often discuss major women designers who shaped our field. What I admire most about Knoll is how she championed the value of both education and professional experience in defining what it means to be an interior designer. She was among the first to distinguish design as a discipline separate from decoration—rooted in rigor, function, and vision. I’d love to collaborate with her on a contemporary workplace that balances form, flow, and human connection.

DD: Do you have a must-do creative ritual or superstition before starting a project? If yes, what is it?

PH: Not really, but I do like to meet with my clients on-site right before we start demolition—when the space is finally cleared and full of possibility. It creates a stepping stone for us, a shared moment of anticipation before transformation begins.

DD: If your creative work were a color palette, which colors would be essential?

PH: Muted mustard, smoky violet, forest green, warm brass, and natural oak—deep, soulful tones that evoke comfort and quiet confidence.

DD: How do you manage the business side of being a creative—do you enjoy it or is it something you’ve had to grow into?

PH: I actually really enjoy it. It’s such a big part of my business—the estimates, invoices, payroll, understanding how we make money and stay afloat. I’ve always loved numbers. I know it’s unusual, but it’s the practical side of my Aquarius weirdness.

DD: If you could only use three tools or materials for the rest of your career, what would they be?

PH: My Benjamin Moore fan deck, my tiny laptop, and my professional camera. With those three, I can design, document, and dream from anywhere.

DD: How has your creative process evolved over the years?

PH: Each project teaches us something new. I stay curious—embracing innovation, AI, and any tools that help us refine our design and construction process. Growth comes from balancing old-world craftsmanship with forward-thinking technology.

DD: What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d known when you started your business or creative career?

PH: Don’t get too comfortable. Keep reassessing whether what you’re doing—and how you’re doing it—still makes you happy. Comfort can be the quiet enemy of growth.

DD: Have you seen the landscape change for women in the creative industry over the years? What still needs to change?

PH: Absolutely. There are far more women leading builds and running studios now, but we still need broader recognition for the managerial and construction side of design. Women aren’t just the aesthetic voice—they’re the strategic, technical, and financial backbone too.

DD: How do you think being a woman has shaped your creative vision or business approach?

PH: It’s made me intuitive and adaptive. On construction sites, empathy and precision go a long way. I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t mean toughness—it means clarity, communication, and respect. That’s how I design, too.

DD: Have you recently wrapped any exciting projects or collaborations?

PH: Yes! We recently completed a full-gut renovation of a four-story townhouse in Park Slope for a family of five—with a garden-level apartment designed for their parents. It’s a project that beautifully blends generational living with modern flow and timeless materials. We also wrapped our Greenway Apartment in Forest Hills, which has been shortlisted in the International Design & Architecture Awards. And I’m working on a few new ideas for next year that I can’t wait to share soon.

Many Thanks to Paulina Hospod for Participating in “Women, In Their Own Words”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Paulina for sharing her insights, experiences, and thoughtful reflections in this installment of “Women, In Their Own Words.” Her work at AhA!nteriors demonstrates the power of combining technical mastery with creative depth. Alongside her team, Paulina creates spaces that are not only beautifully crafted, but deeply functional for the people who inhabit them.

From full-scale brownstone renovations to award-nominated apartments, Paulina’s approach blends innovation, craftsmanship, and human-centric design. Her leadership continues to raise the bar for what is possible in NYC renovations, inspiring both emerging designers and seasoned professionals alike.

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We encourage you to explore more of Paulina’s work by visiting AhA!nteriors online and following along on social media @paulinahospod for updates on her latest projects and upcoming designs.

Stay tuned for more inspiring voices in our “Women, In Their Own Words” series. If you would like to be invited to participate in this interview series, please email our EIC at editor@designdash.com with “WITOW” in the subject line and your responses in the body.

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