Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Volkmer.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in the hospitality space, my love of experiences, travel, and storytelling helped refine my vision and approach to design. I’ve always believed that spaces should tell a story and be a reflection of a client’s journey or a brand’s essence. At the core of everything we do is the belief that interior design should bring JOY.
For me, it’s always a balance of architecture, locale, and personality. Whether we’re breathing new life into a historic home or designing something entirely new, the goal is always to design a space that feels soulful, holistic, and balanced.
My journey in residential design started when I joined a colleague I deeply respected in a luxury design–build venture. I truly learned the construction industry “trial by fire,” cutting my teeth on a pair of beautifully detailed penthouses in Dallas. Watching design come to life from locating plumbing penetrations to final accessories was addictive.
When my husband and I relocated to Austin, I had enough referrals to keep me busy while figuring out my next steps. The referrals kept coming, and by 2018 I officially launched Evensen Design. We hired our first team member in 2020, and the studio has grown organically ever since. Our business has been fueled by referrals, partnerships, and a shared philosophy of design that feels both grounded and exciting.
We always begin with strong architectural influences, staying true to scale and proportion before layering in details, finishes, furnishings, lighting and art. I love sketching by hand as much as I love drawing in CAD, both of these two processes balance creativity and precision. My background in construction is invaluable, and allows our team to collaborate easily with builders and ensure the design intent is carried through every phase.
Today, I’m endlessly grateful for a business that aligns with my passion, a talented team, and an incredible creative community here in Austin. It truly takes a village, and I’m fortunate ours is such a talented one.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always ups and downs when building a business. Fortunately, my dad has owned his own company for decades, so I had a strong example of entrepreneurship early on.
For me, the biggest learning curves have been financial planning and scheduling. Knowing how to forecast, pace projects appropriately, and say no when timing or scope isn’t right. Learning when to pause has been key to keeping our workflow balanced and giving each project the time and attention it deserves.
Within the business, hiring talented people and empowering them to grow has made all the difference. I’ve learned that delegation isn’t about letting go, it’s about trust, mentorship, and building a team that thrives together.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Evensen Design is a boutique interior design firm rooted in the belief that design should bring joy, and that spaces can be both elevated and livable, timeless yet full of personality.
Our projects span high-end residential and boutique hospitality, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, proportion, and materiality. Each project begins with the architecture, respecting the bones of the space, and then we build in layers of design and detail to bring our vision to life.
The studio culture is collaborative and thoughtful. We love partnering with builders, architects, and artisans who share our standards and creative spirit. Every member of the team contributes ideas and supports each project in house, with a Lead Designer assined to every project, taking over the Project Management required. That collaboration keeps our work fresh and personal.
We’ve grown primarily through word of mouth, and that’s something I take great pride in. It means our clients not only love the end result, but also the experience of working with us, which, to me, is the ultimate measure of success.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
At the end of the day, I truly love what I do. There are inevitable ups and downs, but when you’re passionate about your work, the challenges feel temporary and the rewards are deeply fulfilling.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that the experience is just as important as the end result. Great design is about connection, client and designer, ideas and execution, aesthetic and livability. When you stay anchored in joy and collaboration, everything else tends to fall into place.
Pricing:
- Every project we take on is unique so our pricing is always tailored to the scope, scale, and needs of the client. We typically begin with a design retainer and build a custom proposal based on hours, level of service, and anticipated scope. Because our process is highly collaborative and detailed, we take on a select number of full-service projects each year to ensure the right level of attention. The best “fit” is always when there’s mutual alignment in vision, timing, and process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evensendesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evensendesign/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evensen-design/
Image Credits
Project Photos by: www.aarondoughertyphoto.com
