*🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*

Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

Vincent Reed sits down with Emma Hooton, founder and design director of London-based Studio Hooton, to explore her journey from West London estate agency to leading a boutique interior design studio specialising in historic and listed properties. Trained at KLC School of Design and shaped by early experience under House & Garden Top 100 designer Hugh Leslie, Emma shares how craftsmanship, antiques, and bold, original thinking define her approach.

Emma explains Studio Hooton’s “anti–show house” philosophy, how she guides clients through clear and considered design decisions, and why communication and trust are just as important as creativity. She also discusses growing her studio organically, building a strong team culture, and navigating the complexities of working within conservation constraints—highlighted through projects like the Bishop’s Palace transformation.

*Other topics covered include:*

• Learning design during the Lehman Brothers crash

• The influence of craftsmanship and traditional materials

• Rejecting generic “showhome” interiors

• Managing client expectations and avoiding overchoice

• Building trust and understanding client psychology

• Growing a design studio without a rigid long-term plan

• Working with listed buildings and conservation specialists

• Choosing the right clients and projects

• Expanding into international markets

• Designing historic homes for modern living

Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into restoring and reimagining historic homes with sensitivity and character.

*Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps:*

(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)

00:00 Meet Emma Hooton

01:51 From Estate Agency to Design

02:55 Learning Under Hugh Leslie

05:35 Craftsmanship and Bold Style

09:03 Rejecting the Showhome Look

11:16 How Designers Lead Clients

14:00 Presentations Without Overchoice

17:13 Client Psychology and Trust

26:30 Starting Studio Hooton

30:31 Early Confidence and First Hires

32:53 Building Team Culture

37:31 Growing Without a Five Year Plan

40:59 Vision and Drive

43:33 Dream Projects and Specialism

45:11 Expanding Beyond the UK

46:44 Choosing the Right Clients

48:25 Navigating Conservation Rules

52:09 Managing Team Dynamics

56:33 Competition and Client Trust

01:02:51 Starting Out in Today’s Market

01:06:47 US Clients and New Markets

01:08:07 Favourite Historic Transformation

01:11:46 Where to Find Studio Hooton

01:13:48 Advice, Networking and Challenges

01:16:36 What Makes It All Worth It

01:19:58 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

*Connect with Emma Hooton and learn more:*

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmahooton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiohooton/

Website: studiohooton.com

Email: emma@studiohooton.com

*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ListedBuildings