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Mother and Daughter Team
Our extensive décor portfolio includes single wall units for customers who desire an original design, to dramatic custom wall sculptures, light fixtures, tables and accent pieces for luxury homes, offices and public spaces. Every design evolves from aesthetic elements, proportionality and compositions drawn from the classic European tradition of the famous Bauhaus School of Design.
HKN Design Studio, North Kansas City, MO
Each piece is designed and constructed by Helena and Natalie.
Helena Bates
My work at HKN is a dream come true. It embodies why, in 1983, I risked my life in a daring climb over the Alps to escape the rigid system of former Communist Czechoslovakia. To live the American dream. To have my own small business. To use all my talents and education in architecture and design from the prestigious Prague Institute of Technology where I received my Masters degree
I dreamed of somehow combining being my own boss with the proud legacy of European design traditions of Old World quality. After settling in America, I expanded my professional skills as an architectural illustrator in Denver, Colorado, as an assistant to a fashion designer in Boulder, Colorado, and as a commercial architectural designer on Madison Avenue in New York City.
HKN Design is, for me, the culmination of the best elements from my personal history.
To top it all, I have the privilege to work with my super-talented daughter Natalie, the co-owner of HKN Design, whose two other sisters Julie and Caroline both work in their chosen creative fields. Together, Natalie and I bring our unique creative passions to every HKN piece we design and hand craft in our studio in Kansas City, Missouri.
Natalie Bates
I have always enjoyed trying to find purpose and the potential in the materials that others have disregarded. I collected these drums and veneers not knowing where it would lead, but believing I could create something new. I’m grateful for the creative outlet and opportunities that I get to share with my mom on a daily basis.
When I am not working with HKN Design, I am playing drums with The Grand Marquis, volunteering with the nonprofit community youth 5 Star Jazz Band, working at Casual Animal Brewing or walking pups with PetPals KC.