Voyage ATL Magazine Interview  |  5.23.18

Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest in interior design goes as far back as I can remember. Growing up, my dad’s career necessitated that we moved often, from Chicago to Phoenix, to Miami, to Atlanta, which exposed me to a unique blend of regional and cultural styles; and in turn, created this great love and appreciation for architecture & decor. As I grew older, my interest grew into passion, and I decided to pursue a degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I/O Psych). I knew I had a love for design already, but I wanted a genuine understanding of why and how design affects us the way it does.

After graduating, I joined the industry working for an architecture & interior design firm and eventually for a local real estate development firm. My 10+ years in these environments taught me so much. The painstaking details that go into a functional & successful design, both on the vertical & horizontal level, from the buildings themselves to the big picture of the overall community as a whole. I believe there’s a set path for all of us in life and I have no doubt that these career opportunities were exactly where I was meant to be to allow me to learn and experience all the invaluable things I have.

Along the way, my “for fun” designs for friends & family caught the interest of some business-owners within the community. Eventually, I was introduced to Ramon Gonzalez of Thrive Coworking, who believed in me and my designs, and enlisted my talents for 3 of his commercial properties – the success of which has lead me to where I am today.

Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, the momentum that came from my first large commercial design project caught me off-guard. I never dreamed people would respond as positively and passionately as they have to my designs. The main challenge lately is just trying to maintain a good work/life balance with my husband and toddler, while also pursuing this professional dream and seeing what these passion projects may grow into. Thankfully my family is so supportive, and also a huge part of my “behind the scenes” design team. They are seriously the best.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Erin Blane Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I think a lot of what gives my designs that “warm feeling” is my love of (and admittedly sometimes a bit obsessive…) attention to the details. I factor in the often-overlooked aspects of design that increase function while also rejuvenating form.

Whether it be color, light, acoustics, traffic flow – I strive to create the best space for my customer’s aesthetic, both functionally and visually/subconsciously. As Charles Eames said “The details are not the details. They make the design”.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the mix of old and new that is Atlanta & the surrounding cities. Our generation is adding our own layer & colors of personality to the spaces we’re interacting with, but while also preserving & often highlighting the history and stories of those that came before us in this city.

Ponce City Market, The BeltLine, Historic Downtown Roswell, Downtown Crabapple & Alpharetta, they’re all doing such amazing things, all with their residents in mind, all wanting to create the best uses for their community. I’m really proud & excited to be a part of the creative fabric of our city during this time.

The EBD Team