Annaka Hoelk: Crafting Contemporary Home Objects with Purpose and Passion
Vancouver industrial designer Annaka Hoelk, founder of Annaka Hoelk Studio, possesses a clear vision for her creative work: to craft products that people genuinely desire to incorporate into their living spaces. Her contemporary, architectural designs are deeply rooted in an understanding of how individuals interact with objects in their daily lives.
Starting Small with Big Ambitions
After graduating from Emily Carr University in 2023, Hoelk was determined to establish her own company focused on furniture and home goods. She embraced the opportunity to pursue this path early in her career, inspired by a philosophy of following one's passion. "There's a great quote from Jim Carrey that goes something like 'you can fail at something you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love'," she reflects.
Initially concentrating on larger furniture pieces, the practical realities of launching a small business prompted a strategic shift. Hoelk redirected her focus toward smaller home goods, discovering they offered equal creative satisfaction while being more feasible to produce independently.
A Distinct Design Philosophy
"I would describe my work as a contemporary and efficient take on classic goods," explains Hoelk. "I like to work with simple, architectural shapes, referencing modernist design history, while reimagining the basic building blocks of everyday objects."
Her inaugural product, the Nook vase, launched in October of last year and is available through her website, Provide Home, and Walrus Home. This piece challenges conventional perceptions of a vase, prioritizing functionality and aesthetic engagement. "It's designed to hold flowers upright, help the user make a dynamic composition, create visual interest with its frosted material, and most importantly, celebrate and frame the flower," she notes.
The Nook vase encourages users to slow down, appreciate proportions, light, and placement, fostering interaction rather than mere utility. Similarly, her Crease incense holder exemplifies this thoughtful approach to everyday items.
A Creative Heritage and Personal Drive
Design is a natural extension of Hoelk's upbringing within a profoundly creative and entrepreneurial family. Her grandparents were an architect and interior designer who founded Burgers Architecture, her mother is artist Bobbie Burgers, and her sister recently established the fashion brand Leny in London. This environment made a creative career feel not only attainable but essential. "It didn't really occur to me that I could be fulfilled by a non-creative pursuit," she admits.
Industrial design specifically resonated with her temperament and cognitive style. Recognizing her structured thinking and Type-A personality, Hoelk found the discipline perfectly aligned with her desire to blend artistry with precision, creating home objects that make everyday living feel intentionally considered.
