Meet Erika Hostens, the newest member of our Architecture team in Galesburg, IL!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself…
Erika: I was born and raised in Wisconsin, where I have lived most of my adult life. My children and I moved to Galesburg in May 2018. A couple of months later, I married my husband, Dan, who is a Police Lieutenant for the Galesburg Police Department. Together we have five children and 2 dogs, so our house is constantly a bustle of energy.
I obtained a Bachelor of Art degree in Interior Design from The University of Northern Iowa in 2000 and began my career in Wisconsin with a Healthcare Design/Build firm. After spending 10 years away from the workforce to be a stay at home Mom, I entered back into the Design field and have been fortunate enough to gain experience in both Residential and Commercial Design.
Q: What inspired you to pursue an interior design career?
Erika: I have always been a very creative person and decided partway through my Freshman year of college to test the waters in the Interior Design field. I took the first intro course and I WAS HOOKED! I love the facts that the field has variety, allows me to stretch my brain down creative avenues that not everyone goes down, and that I get to work with Clients internally and externally on a daily basis.
I love the fact that I can help create an unexpected vision for Clients, help their dreams come to life and watch the look of excitement on their faces, when they see it for the first time.
Q: Do you play any sports?
Erika: While having children has really put a damper on my time to enjoy it, I have been playing golf since I was 6 years old. In fact, golf was the reason I attended UNI, as I was a member of the Women’s Golf Team there from 1996-2000. With that being said, I am trying my best to make time to get back out on the course when I can and enjoy the sport with my family. The funny thing I am noticing is that when you aren’t out there too often, you don’t build bad habits!
Q: What sports teams do you root for?
Erika: All I probably have to say here is – “I remind you, I am from Wisconsin!” I am a diehard Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan, but also really love to cheer for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Bucks. If the sport involves a ball, I love to watch it!
Q: What is your personal motto?
Erika: Dance like no one’s watching. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like no one’s listening. Live like it’s Heaven on earth.
Q: What was the last movie you saw in a movie theater?
Erika: The last movie I saw was Star Wars – Rise of Skywalker. Being a “newish” Star Wars fan, I thought it was great! I did have to ask my very patient husband a few questions during the movie to understand a couple of things, but I really loved it. He tells me that one of these days we are watching all 9 episodes in one weekend and I replied, “Let’s not get too crazy!”
Q: What is one little known fact about you?
Erika: That I am obsessed with true crime and I love to listen to crime podcasts – especially “Crime Junkie”!