By Design: Hannah Sellers Terry

If you head to Fall Creek Falls to see the changing leaves this autumn, treat yourself to an overnight stay at the beautifully renovated Lodge at Fall Creek Falls. The Lodge is a shining example of how ESa — a renowned architecture design firm — has left its mark on Middle Tennessee. It’s projects like these that draw top talent into the firm’s fold — talent such as Hannah Sellers Terry, a design manager for ESa.

Hannah grew up in Madisonville, Kentucky, but — on a trip to New Orleans — the European and Creole styles of architecture sparked her initial interest in the medium. “I knew I'd be in the design industry in some way,” she said. Even an invitation to a friends’ house meant an opportunity to further her earliest design studies.

Hannah eventually earned her M.Arch — a master's degree in architecture — from the University of Kentucky, and she moved to Nashville eight years ago and worked for various firms before joining the ESa team. While her work ranges from architectural and interior design to an at-home studio practice, Hannah’s approach is “to give attention to the unintentional and leave space to connect the viewer to their built surroundings; exploring themes of balance, weight, and familiarity.” 

As her studio work focuses on acrylic paintings, painted textiles and both indoor and outdoor murals, Hannah’s Instagram illustrates her joyful style expressed in every color imaginable. She loves working with commissioned clients, because — by getting to know them — she’s able to utilize details of their life to personalize designs. For example, a co-owner of DraftKings commissioned Hannah to custom-paint Nike Air Jordans for display in their child’s room. This piece is one she’s most proud of because “I like to think they look up at these dope shoes while they’re doing their math homework and get inspired to go out and do something creative.” For Hannah, that idea serves as creative motivation. 

When searching for personal inspiration, Hannah says that, from wallpaper to design finishes, Nashville firm New Hat Projects “can do no wrong!” Through a much wider lens, the city of Nashville in and of itself consistently charms her imagination. With the influx of new, innovative minds, Hannah believes the growing population offers hope for, “more architecture, more people, and more art!” 

At this year’s Nashville Design Week, you may spot Hannah at some of the various panel discussions, searching for new sources of influence. She explains, “I love hearing what inspires them, particularly when designers from different areas come together to discuss the same topic in different ways.” 

To commission Hannah for your own source of inspiration, visit her at HnnhSllrs.com or find her on Instagram at @Hnnh__Trry.