At Aha!nteriors, we offer expert design, renovation, and custom millwork services in-house. We custom-design every room of your home and fabricate each cabinet and built-in piece, sparing no details to create a breathtaking space that is all your own.
No matter your location across the five boroughs of NYC, our team is dedicated to crafting the perfect living space that reflects your lifestyle. Bypass the hassle of managing contractors and appreciate a seamless experience as we take your selections from vision to finish line. When it comes to custom interior remodels, we’re ready to provide unmatched craftsmanship, attention to detail, and personalized luxury living that exceeds expectations.
If you want a totally custom, one-of-a-kind look
If you have a clear vision or a general direction
If you have specific lifestyle needs in mind
If you need to keep updates within building regulations
At Aha!nteriors, our comprehensive, in-house approach to design, renovation, and custom millwork ensures seamless and stress-free transformations for our clients. Our process eliminates the need for multiple contractors, allowing our clients to enjoy a white-glove, concierge-style service where they only need to make final selections and approve designs.
With a deep commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, we custom-design each room, fabricate custom cabinetry and built-ins, and manage every aspect of construction. Our masterful team and warm collaboration makes each project a journey to realize your dream space with unmatched ease.
Paulina Hospod's passion for interior design and construction began long before she founded Aha!nteriors in 2012. With a solid educational foundation in Interior Design and Architecture, Paulina honed her skills working for a high-end contractor for nearly a decade. Inspired by her father, a skilled electrician in Poland, and supported by her brother-in-law, a craftsman in woodworking, Paulina learned to navigate and excel in a predominantly male industry.
Driven by a relentless desire to learn and a commitment to mastering all aspects of design, construction, and millwork, Paulina co-founded Aha!nteriors to bring the vision of seamless, high-quality home transformations to life. Partnering with Albert, who shares her enthusiasm for innovation and excellence, they have created a firm that defies the industry's "it can't be done" mentality with creativity and expertise.
At Aha!nteriors, Paulina and Albert have built a boutique firm that values craftsmanship, honesty, and long-term relationships. With certifications as a Home Improvement Contractor and as an instructor in the Interior Design Department at the School of Visual Arts, Paulina's credibility and expertise are unparalleled.
Aha!nteriors is committed to solving the prevalent issues of unreliable contractors and subpar workmanship by delivering exceptional quality and fostering trust with their clients. The result is not just a beautifully crafted home but a space where clients can thrive, entertain, and enjoy a home designed for their unique day-to-day needs.
OUR FAMILY & TEAM
Paulina Hospod holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in high-end residential renovations and is an expert in architectural cabinetry and interior design. In addition to her responsibilities at Aha!nteriors, Paulina is an instructor at the School of Visual Arts, and a member of both the NKBA and the IDS. Outside of her work, she enjoys taking her rescue dogs to the Catskills, exploring NYC's culinary scene, and indulging in a good pinot noir or mezcal margarita.
Albert Rutkowski, with over 18 years of experience in architectural cabinetry and millwork, leads a skilled team dedicated to fabricating and installing one-of-a-kind cabinets. He started in the industry right out of high school, developing a passion for crafting to the highest industry standards, and is a member of the NARI. In his free time, Albert enjoys snowboarding, exploring nature on a quad, and restoring classic cars and motorcycles.
Danuta Hospod, Office Manager at Aha!nteriors, holds a Master of Science in Financing from Mercy College. With a background in accounting, banking, and invoicing, Danuta is great with numbers and highly organized. Before moving to America in 1999, Danuta was a top-ranked bank professional in Poland, turning down a top-level position to seek a new future for her family. She is Paulina’s mom and Albert’s mother-in-law.
Andrzej Hospod, Project Manager at Aha!nteriors, brings over 40 years of construction experience. He studied at a Technical College with an Electrical Specification and holds an OSHA 30-hr Construction certification. Andrzej excels in tile installations, electrical work, and all stages of construction, and his vast expertise allows him to offer creative solutions and identify potential issues. Andrzej, Paulina’s father and Albert’s father-in-law, left a high-end construction job to help Aha!nteriors thrive. Fun fact: he once had a custom jewelry business and built his own house in Poland.
Kazik (Kazimierz) Fijalkiewicz, Site Supervisor at Aha!nteriors, is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations on construction sites, coordinating and delegating tasks to the crew. With a Technical College education and an OSHA 30-hr Construction certification, Kazik brings over a decade of experience in high-end renovations throughout NYC. His personable nature, respectfulness, and authoritative presence ensure that work progresses smoothly, meets deadlines, and adheres to safety requirements.
Tibor Hirjak, Site Carpenter at Aha!nteriors, is responsible for rough framing and finish carpentry at jobsites. Originally from Slovakia, he has over 25 years experience on high end jobsites. In his free time, he catches fish which he shares quite a bit with everyone.
Alfredo has over a decade of experience in NYC renovations, specializing in wall preparation—from repairs and skim coating to priming and painting. Known for exceeding expectations, Alfredo takes pride in his craft. When he's not on the job, he enjoys fishing and often shares his catch with coworkers.
Zygmunt, born in July 2023, was first spotted by Paulina at Tadziu’s vet office after being abandoned twice by a pet store owner. Despite enduring two surgeries, he remained a spirited little pup—wild, young, and without a home as the holidays approached. Paulina knew he’d be the perfect addition to the team, and now he’s here, bringing endless love and joy. This adorable Yorkie-Poo has unmatched talent in the art of demolition—no squeaker stands a chance against him!
Born in June 2018, Tadeusz’s name took some thought. Originally called Teddy by his previous owner, Paulina felt he needed a name with a unique flair. She chose Tadeusz (Tadek for short), a Polish name that still echoes his original one. Tadziu, as he’s affectionately known, is the ultimate cuddler and kisser—a lovable little poodle with a flair for drama. When Ziggy joined the family, Tadziu was less than thrilled, even inventing a "limp and whimper" routine whenever Ziggy so much as nudged him. A few hundred vet dollars later, it was clear he’d been faking! Now, Tadziu leads the productivity department, keeping a watchful eye on Paulina’s work-life balance.
Find Answers to Your Questions Here
Hiring a design-build firm streamlines your project with all services under one contract, eliminating the typical "finger-pointing" between designers and contractors. This approach saves you time and ensures smoother communication and accountability. It's also budget-conscious from start to finish, allowing for better cost control and fewer surprises. With a design-build firm, you get a cohesive vision and execution, resulting in a beautifully crafted space that meets your expectations and budget.
We have a budget minimum of $100k. We can do kitchen or bathroom-only remodels so long as they meet our budget minimum.
Schedule an appointment with us to talk through your vision and budget. If the budget aligns and we feel confident moving forward, we schedule a site visit or video visit. Following this, we provide a detailed estimate for our comprehensive design and build services.
We only work with clients on homes they own and live in. We can manage apartment, condo, and brownstone regulations, licensing, and zoning.
You’ll work directly with Paulina and/or Albert throughout the process.
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Nassau, Westchester.