Park People: Hannah Wilson, OKA

Senior Textile and Homeware Designer at OKA, Hannah Wilson, shares her passion for textiles and how she draws inspiration from Milton Park’s green surroundings and creative spirit.

How did you first get into design and textiles?

I’ve always had a passion for creating, which is what led me to join Loughborough University’s School of Design and Creative Arts. Inspired by my degree, I transitioned into the fashion industry and had the pleasure of working with countless talented designers in London and New York.

After returning to the UK, I decided that I wanted to use my skills to create timeless homewares that people really love. The idea that someone might hand-pick a piece that I had created for their home was so motivating, which is how I found my role at OKA.

What does your role at OKA entail?

My role at OKA is varied to say the least! I design patterns and textiles across our product range, from homeware and plates to upholstery. Working across lots of products and mediums means there are no two days that are ever really the same.

I’ve now been at OKA for nine years and love every second of it. Designing something people pick out for their space is really rewarding, as not only are you giving a part of yourself with each bespoke design but you’re helping them to create their own sense of ‘home’.

What stood out to you the most when you first joined OKA?

One of the biggest surprises when I joined OKA was seeing how much collaboration goes into our products. We work with talented craftspeople across the globe, who are all equally passionate about creating unique, treasured pieces for people to enjoy.

Working alongside these individuals, I begin my design process with sketches, either drawn or painted by hand, to get my ideas down on paper. Once drafted, we translate these ideas into digital formats and share our ideas with other colleagues to decide how the product could fit into our existing range.

There is a whole team of talented people involved in the process of getting a product drawn up to it eventually sitting proudly on our in-store shelves. Everyone really knows their craft and there’s a real shared drive to create great work.

As a creative, how does being based at somewhere like Milton Park benefit you?

Given the number of life science companies at Milton Park, it’s easy to assume that the majority of those working here are predominantly technical or analytical. However, I’ve learnt that there’s a strong community of creatives here that makes it an inspiring place to work.

Being surrounded by green space creates a much more peaceful environment and that really matters when you’re designing. Lots of our employees take advantage of this to help when we need to come up with new ideas, whether that be a short walk to draw inspiration from nature or a Milton Park 5k run to reset our thinking.

The amenities here also make a huge difference. Bee House is a great spot that allows our company to have larger, more formal meetings with our partners. Having a Post Office in the Park is also a huge benefit, especially when you’re squeezing in errands during your workday.

Are there ‘sneak peaks’ you can tell us about for 2026? 

I’m really excited about our new wallpaper collection, launching in April 2026. The collection is all being made in the UK and really leans into OKA’s iconic patterns. 

It’s something that OKA has wanted to do for a long time and as someone who used to design wallpaper earlier in my life, it has allowed me to flex a skill I’ve not had a chance to use in a long time. It’s a true full-circle moment for my career!