[HBP#32] - Emma Hooton - Inside Studio Hooton: Transforming Heritage Interiors

*🎙️ 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 livingWhether 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 Hooton01:51 From Estate Agency to Design02:55 Learning Under Hugh Leslie05:35 Craftsmanship and Bold Style09:03 Rejecting the Showhome Look11:16 How Designers Lead Clients14:00 Presentations Without Overchoice17:13 Client Psychology and Trust26:30 Starting Studio Hooton30:31 Early Confidence and First Hires32:53 Building Team Culture37:31 Growing Without a Five Year Plan40:59 Vision and Drive43:33 Dream Projects and Specialism45:11 Expanding Beyond the UK46:44 Choosing the Right Clients48:25 Navigating Conservation Rules52:09 Managing Team Dynamics56:33 Competition and Client Trust01:02:51 Starting Out in Today’s Market01:06:47 US Clients and New Markets01:08:07 Favourite Historic Transformation01:11:46 Where to Find Studio Hooton01:13:48 Advice, Networking and Challenges01:16:36 What Makes It All Worth It01:19:58 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.comEmail: emma@studiohooton.com*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.comJoin the conversation:https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual#InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ListedBuildings