Christine Hardin Founder & Principal Designer, Niche Design Co.
Q:Â What brought you to Prescott and how long have you been here?
A: My family and extended family lived in the Phoenix area when I was quite young, and a large portion of them still call Arizona home. My mother remarried in 1981 and moved my sister and me to Chicago, where I remained through my high school years. Afterward, my mom relocated to Prescott to be closer to my grandparents; I followed in 1995. I married my best friend here, raised four children and now enjoy watching our 10 grandchildren grow up in this beautiful town.
Q: How did you become interested in your career field?
A: My interest in design started early. I was the child constantly rearranging my bedroom and covering the walls with magazine cutouts as inspiration for what I hoped to create one day. In high school, I immersed myself in every art class I could and dreamed of studying at the Art Institute of Chicago. Creativity has always been part of my life, shaping every space I’ve lived in. In my 40s, while working for Yavapai County, I finally decided to pursue that lifelong passion by enrolling in an online interior design program. Around that time, my husband, who owns a construction company specializing in custom homes, invited me to design a few of his spec homes. That experience confirmed that I had found my calling. In November 2019, I took a leap of faith, left my county position and launched Niche Design Co. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to be working with several custom home builders and doing what I love every day.
Q: What is the biggest reward of your job?
A: The greatest reward comes at the end of a project, when I see the joy on my clients’ faces as they experience their newly completed home for the first time. Each project should be a true reflection of those who live there, capturing their style, personality and the way they live. For me, the privilege lies in getting to know my clients on a personal level so I can design spaces that are not only beautiful, but also uniquely and authentically theirs.
Q:Â What is your favorite Prescott activity?
A: From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Prescott is full of holiday festivities and transforms into something right out of a Hallmark movie. Acker Night has always been a favorite of mine. What’s better than sipping on hot chocolate or spiced cider on a chilly night; strolling through local shops and listening to incredibly talented local musicians? The Festival of Trees is another highlight, showcasing the community’s generosity and support for local charities.
