Inside the Montana Motor Supply building – tucked unsuspectingly behind main street in downtown Bozeman, Montana – you’ll find Abby Hetherington and her team. This team consists of designers, saleswomen, operators, project managers, stylists, a token illustrator, a Paul Bunyanesque character that lends muscles to hoist furniture and arrange the showroom floor, amongst others that contribute their unique talents, skills and craft.
For those new to following, Abby Hetherington Interiors (AHI) is housed with its sister company, the Architect’s Wife (AW). Think of AHI as the back of house designers while AW is the the front of house curators.
Here, we share some of the faces behind AHI & AW along with a bit of their backstory. Today we're highlighting our newest member of the team—Caitlin Davis! Caitlin came to us in the fall of 2020 and has made herself an indispensable asset to the shop and the team. Her energy and willingness to jump in and help teammates and customers make her a total keeper. Read on to get the details!
How did you land at AHI/AW?
I came to AW unofficially in September 2020 as temporary help for the store's annual Tent Sale. An official position came my way in November 2020. This was a COVID related job shift for me, and I am so grateful and excited for the opportunity.
What is your role?
I don't think I've had an "average day" since I started, which was right before the Christmas holidays! I'm here to help people locate and experience the MANY treasures in the showroom. This store is such a visual and textural FEAST!
Where do you find design inspiration?
The AW and AHI staff are such an inspiration with their unique visions of how items/textures/fabrics work together. I love to travel and I love the design aesthetics of different cultures.
What was your first job?
I taught swimming lessons at the local public pool in high school.
Favorite book of all time?
Tough one! I'm an avid reader and like all types of books. I recently finished "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor and found it fascinating. Who knew we (as humans) have been breathing wrong for such a long time?!
What's your guilty pleasure song?
Anything from the "Hamilton" soundtrack. Turned up LOUD!
What's something one might not know about you?
I have been told I have a freakishly good memory about books and authors. Someone will ask "Who wrote that trilogy about Henry VIII, you know the ones told from Thomas Cromwell's point of view?" Without hesitation, I will say "Hilary Mantel". And then list the three book titles, just in case they were wondering.
If you could have a dinner with someone who is alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Amy Poehler. I just feel like we would laugh a lot, which is the sign of a quality dinner in my book. And hey, if Tina Fey is free she can come too!
What have you been up to during this great pandemic?
Reading up a storm, painting some of the rooms in our house, rediscovering that I LOVE jigsaw puzzles, relearning to play cribbage, long-distance binge watching with my childhood best friend (she's in Florida).
If you were to pick two things to take home with you today from the Architect's Wife showroom, what would they be?
If I had a place large enough to do it, the 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Also, the Saba Essential Sofa in Paprika. She is so beautiful!
