Business Details
13 Years
experience
Radical Purpose Interior Design in Oakland
Founded in 2013, Studio Hatch embodies radical purpose through ethically crafted residential design that reflects clients' values and sustains communities. Our studio prioritizes sustainable materials and local collaboration, working with BIPOC artisans and craftspeople to create spaces that protect environmental and human wellness. With 20 years of industry experience, our founder Kate Hanzo employs a values-based approach that transforms homes into personal narratives celebrating family heritage and cultural identity.We specialize in full-service interior design, from initial concept development to final execution, while maintaining transparent communication throughout every project phase. Our commitment extends beyond aesthetics, actively supporting local economies through purposeful sourcing of vintage, artisanal, and custom pieces that tell meaningful stories. The design process begins with exploring clients' personal histories and aspirations, ensuring each home becomes a tangible expression of its inhabitants' authentic selves.
Services
Full-Service Interior Design
Sustainable Material Sourcing
Custom Artisan Furnishings
Community-Centric Design
Heirloom Preservation
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of values-based residential design expertise
- Commitment to sustainable, non-toxic materials and circular design practices
- Proven collaboration with BIPOC artisans and local craftspeople
- Founder-led studio maintaining personal oversight of every project
- Specialized in creating spaces that preserve family heritage and cultural identity
Services
Full-Service Interior Design
Our comprehensive design process guides clients through four distinct phases: discovering personal narratives, crafting visual stories, realizing design elements, and implementing sustainable solutions. We coordinate with architects, builders, and local artisans to ensure seamless execution of every design vision. Each project incorporates bespoke elements that reflect the client's history while maintaining ethical sourcing standards throughout the process.
Sustainable Material Sourcing
We prioritize natural, non-toxic materials and repurpose existing elements whenever possible. Our sourcing strategy emphasizes locally collected vintage pieces and collaborates with artisans who share our commitment to environmental wellness. This approach reduces ecological impact while creating unique spaces that tell authentic stories through carefully curated textures and materials.
Custom Artisan Furnishings
Through established relationships with Bay Area craftspeople, we commission one-of-a-kind furniture pieces that blend artistic vision with functional design. Our network includes BIPOC artisans specializing in handcrafted textiles, reclaimed woodwork, and innovative material applications that transform living spaces into personalized art collections.
Community-Centric Design
Our design philosophy actively supports regional economies by collaborating with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color creators. We maintain a curated network of local vendors who share our values of ethical craftsmanship and cultural preservation, ensuring each project contributes to the economic vitality of our surrounding communities.
Heirloom Preservation
We specialize in integrating family heirlooms with contemporary elements to create spaces that honor generational stories. Our approach revitalizes cherished objects through thoughtful restoration and strategic placement, ensuring cherished memories remain central to modern living environments while maintaining functional relevance in today's homes.
People
Kate Hanzo
Founder & Lead Designer
Kate Hanzo established her eponymous studio in 2013 after two decades in interior design. With a UC Santa Cruz degree in Community Studies focused on Race and Racism, she creates spaces that honor cultural heritage while advancing sustainable practices. Her relational approach prioritizes client stories, transforming homes into purposeful expressions of identity.
Questions
What makes your design approach unique?
Our values-driven process combines personal storytelling with ethical practices, emphasizing sustainability, BIPOC collaborations, and spaces that reflect your family's cultural narrative.
Do you work with existing furniture and heirlooms?
Yes, we specialize in revitalizing cherished pieces through thoughtful restoration and integration with new design elements that honor your family history.
How are local artisans involved in projects?
We collaborate with a curated network of BIPOC craftspeople for custom furnishings, textiles, and architectural elements that support regional economies.
What design services do you offer?
Full-service residential design including space planning, material selection, custom furniture commissions, and sustainable sourcing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
How does sustainability factor into your designs?
We prioritize material reuse, non-toxic finishes, and local sourcing while designing spaces that balance environmental responsibility with functional living requirements.
Can you accommodate specific cultural design elements?
Absolutely, our process begins by exploring your heritage and values to create spaces that authentically represent your cultural identity and family traditions.
