Studio Designer Director, Akiko Hrovat 'Boutique 18' Winner

Congratulations to our Studio Design Director, Akiko Hrovat, for being honored as one of Boutique Design Magazine's Boutique 18 -- a program recognizing 18 of the hospitality design industry's rising stars!

Akiko has worked on some of the most notable projects at EDG. We sat down with Akiko to find out how she got her start, what makes her tick and where she finds inspiration.

EDG: You are currently a studio leader at EDG. How did you get into restaurant design?

AH: I had received my degree in business (in Japan) and moved to the US to study hospitality management. I was working in the office for a catering company and slowly transitioning into being at the sites. I was doing floral design and setting up rooms for events and going to the design center to pick up things for events kind of an event design intern. While I was at the San Francisco Design center one day there was a talk being given by EDG about restaurant design. I had no idea that was even a thing and thought this is really cool. I got the contact from the speaker and started as an intern a few weeks later. That was 9 years ago.

EDG: You have worked on a variety of projects from Andaz Scottsdale to Lido House in Newport which are totally different looks. If you could describe one element that you bring into each project what would it be?

AH: I grew up in Japan so my aesthetic is based in intention and often streamlined. Attention to detail is really important to me as well. Sometimes if it’s the right project I like to do something a little playful.

EDG: Have you ever had the moment when you look at a project and think “this is it, this is my masterpiece”.

AH: (Laughing) No, no no. That hasn’t happened yet. I always want to go towards excellence on any project I work on. Andaz Scottsdale was the closest. At the opening just seeing it and how happy the client was. I could just say wow this is amazing.

EDG: You live in the San Francisco Bay Area which has a great scene. What are some local inspirations?

AH: I’m always looking for inspiration in unexpected places. Even a stain on your shirt can be the inspiration for a cool pattern or color idea. It’s about keeping yourself open to the possibility.

EDG: Who is a modern creative you admire?

AH: My five year old. Kids come up with such great and unexpected stuff. It’s a sort of out of the box thinking that you lose when you get older sometimes. I love seeing it.

EDG: So you have to answer our TOP 5 questions and some of them are kind of silly.

AH: Oh no. Ok. I have some silly answers for you then.

EDG:  In school what sport did you play?

AH: Volleyball and I sucked.

EDG:   Are you left or right handed?

AH: Left but I peel vegetables and use scissors with my right.

EDG 3. What was your first job?

AH: I worked in a gas station. Seriously. I was in high school and was an attendant

EDG: Ok number 4, what is your favorite building?

AH: The Eiffel Tower.  

EDG5: Last question. What is the best moment of a project?

AH: When the client sees it complete.

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