Designer promotes collaborative efforts within the industry
With a broad-based background that includes interior design, hospitality and restaurant work, it’s no surprise that Erin Hurst sees the benefits of industry-wide collaboration. The French’s Cabinet Gallery award-winning designer utilizes her extensive experience to create industry synergies throughout the Tennessee design community.
A double major in Interior Design and Hospitality, Tourism Management, Hurst graduated from Purdue University looking to pursue a career in design with a culinary emphasis. Beginning in restaurants, she worked her way up to management, though it was an internship at an architecture firm specializing in hospitality that launched her professional career. She worked as Project Manager for a food service consulting firm, Retail Manager for Viking Culinary Arts Center and Housewares Buyer for Whole Foods, before moving into kitchen and bath design, where she’s spent the last 13 years designing award-winning residential kitchens. Her work was also highlighted on three “Property Brothers” episodes in 2018.
Hurst earned her AKBD in 2008 and her CKD in 2011, and has served as Secretary and v.p. of Programs for the NKBA Tennessee Chapter in 2014-2017, before becoming president. Her leadership skills have been integral to establishing relationships with various industry associations, creating a new culture of collaboration in Tennessee. By creating cross-over events, she has united ASID, IDS, IIDA, CEDIA and HBA, benefiting members, association leaders and manufacturers’ reps by pooling time, resources and creativity, and creating new learning and networking opportunities.
