Hanna Carlton – Library Designer

Hanna is the latest addition to the BookSpace team, joining us at the beginning of September 2022.

After graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 2011 in Interior Architecture and Design, Hanna has lots of experience working in the commercial design industry.  She’s worked on all sorts of projects – from restaurants and hotels to bespoke kitchens.

Q & A time

We wanted to get to know Hanna a little better so we asked the rest of the team to come up with a few important questions (and some rather silly!).

Could you tell us a bit about yourself? 

Well I’m a mum of two young children so I’m kept very busy.  I love getting out and exploring the outdoors with them and going on adventures in the family camper van.  I also enjoy running and painting – when I get the chance!

What did you want to be when you were a child?  

When I was very young I wanted to be a Lollipop Lady but as I got older, I discovered my passion for design and wanted to become either an architect or interior designer.  

What was your favourite book as a child?

I loved reading Roald Dahl books and my favourite was probably Matilda, I loved Miss Honey. I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to read stories like this with them.

What books are you currently reading with your children?

With my son it’s anything dinosaur related – fact books, Dinosaurs Love Underpants, etc. My daughter loves the Usbourne ‘That’s not my..’ series.  They’re a really nice way for her to explore different textures in a fun way.

What is your favourite BookSpace product?

The Reading Hideaway or the Treehouses – you can imagine how exciting these are for children, and are a great way to create cosy spaces for kids to read for pleasure.

How long do you think you’d survive in a zombie apocalypse?

I’ve watched The Walking Dead so know all the tricks. That being said, probably not very long!

Would you rather be a reverse centaur or a reverse mermaid/merman?

Reverse Centaur. No one wants a fish head.

Does chocolate belong in the fridge or the cupboard?

In the fridge…except for cream eggs.

If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sunday Roast with beef and Yorkshire pudding – just the best.

What does your new role entail exactly?

As a library designer at BookSpace, I’ll be working closely with headteachers, class teachers, librarians, bursars and contractors to create lots of interesting and imaginative library designs.  

I’ll be on the road visiting primary schools at least one day per week with the rest of my time spent in the office producing 2D layouts, 3D visuals, picking out colour schemes and liaising with our suppliers and library furniture installers. 

What are you looking forward to most in your new role?

It’s early days but I can’t wait to get started on some of the themed libraries – especially the treehouses which I know children will LOVE!