Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryanne Hibner.
Maryanne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a Philippine-born California native – is that a thing? My passion for design started fairly early but it came from a need to figure out a solution to help my Mom. She was constantly rearranging the living room, mind you, we lived in a small house with my grandparents so there weren’t many options. We didn’t have much with disposable income so I became an expert at making dollhouses out of cardboard boxes. Years later, I attended FIDM – DTLA where I learned the fundamentals of interior design but my learning truly started with real-life experiences. I was fortunate to have started my career working for a firm that worked on multi-family and model home projects. There I learned all aspects of design, project management and construction. In 2006, I had the opportunity to work for The Irvine Company as Director of Design focusing on the multi-family portfolio. It was a dream job, I loved it and I was able to contribute to many wonderful projects, which included The Island Hotel, Newport Beach.
In 2012, now a Senior Director with two ‘littles’ under the age of 3, I realized I needed flexibility. A good friend of mine was doing design management for a few developers and I was able to help her out. In return, she helped me in the best way possible. She jump-started my firm with five projects all along the West Coast from San Diego to Seattle (remember the flexibility part… I was burning the candle at both ends with a colicky baby at home…but I had my flexibility).
Being a new business owner was not easy and this is still true today. There are so many facets to having a company. I wear many hats and trying to balance the design and home life is not easy but it comes with the territory. Hibner Design is approaching seven years I couldn’t be more happier. I have to say, I am living the American dream.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been many obstacles along the way but I’ve faced each one head on and I’ve always come out stronger.
My best advice: Believe in yourself! Listen to the voice inside you, always follow your instincts and remember your worth.
We’d love to hear more about Hibner Design Group and No. 15 Studio.
Hibner Design Group specializes in Multi-Family, Student Housing and Model Home projects. Our newest venture No.15 offers residential design services with an online shop. We hand select pieces and aim to offer items that are socially conscious with fair trade and fair wage. A small percentage of our proceeds are donated to International Sanctuary/Purpose Jewelry, an organization that provides a healing process to those rescued from human trafficking.
I believe what sets me apart from others is the fact that I did work for a developer. With that experience, I look at projects from all aspects that include marketing, operations and return on investment.
I’m most proud of my team. Hibner Design is my staff, it isn’t just me. I like to empower the women in my office. I measure my success with their success. This may just be a stepping stone for some, if they land a job with a bigger firm, I know they gained foundational tools at Hibner – I always want to see people grow and succeed, that above all makes me happy.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I personally believe that women can do anything… and history has proven that. I think that we as women are able to take on more (which is both a blessing and a curse). I believe that all opportunities are open to women.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hibnerdesign.com www.no15studio.com
- Phone: 949-271-0020
- Email: maryanne@hibnerdesign.com
- Instagram: maryannehibner hibnerdesigngroup no15studio
Image Credit:
Photos of kids: Tosti Studios, Laguna Beach – David Tosti, Photos of Interiors: From Real Estate photos from my previous house
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