ON IDENTITY

In your own words, who are you, and what do you do?
Alexandra Hodkowski: I curate publications and cultural programming. I’'m also a business woman and professor.

Alvaro is an artist with many interests. 

Together we do all the visuals, communications, networking, cultural programs, make coffees, select and order all the publications. Head Hi is an independent hybrid space dedicated to art, design, architecture, the exchange of ideas and dialogue. We also have to be hybrid and flexible in what we do in order to make it all happen.

Why design?
Design is everything, it exists in the natural world, it is materials, it is form, it is art that can be used for something, it has a function—let’s say, a spoon, a screw, a vase, a seat, functionality over aesthetics, but it is very gratifying when the look and finish of these objects are actually beautiful and interesting.

Where did you get your love for design?
Alvaro Alcocer: I think it is about awareness, interest, and curiosity. Just like some people are bird-watchers, we look at design elements in our environment (natural and human-made). When one looks around and wonders, Who made this? Or, How was this made? Especially when looking at centuries-old objects, buildings, and tools. The idea behind it is very intriguing to us.

Hearing the stories of the designers is core to our interest. At Head Hi, we highlight the people that make and are featured in the books we carry. Many have devoted their entire lives to architecture and design. It is our goal to provide a place where you can experience listening, seeing, and understanding their process.

How did where and how you grew up influence the way you think about and experience design?
AA: Something I noticed in México is the creativity that comes with the lack of resources. It’s fun, it’s weird, and it’s clever.

Pyramids and ancient buildings in México are a very important part of my heritage. I also was very fortunate to experience closely the process of constructing a building, as my father designed and built three homes where I grew up. I was there to see the entire process, which made a huge impact in my life.

AH: I grew up in the mountains of Colorado, living in a place where you are so connected to nature, which lends me a certain empathy towards living things, including trees, flowers, and animals. The funny thing is that, in the end, I love cities! Somehow, I apply the practical tools and mountain mindset I grew up with to living here in New York. 

What brought you to New York?
AA: I came to NYC in 1998, after a year in San Francisco. I’d never been to NYC before, but I was always fascinated with it. I just knew I had to be here. When I arrived I was electrified with the energy of the crowded streets, people from all over the world. It was extremely stimulating. 

AH: I came in 2010 for grad school. I studied alternative, artist-run spaces and socially engaged projects. I would never take that experience back. I was reading the books I always wanted to with the people that made them as facilitators and mentors. It was a dream come true, and I apply what I learned to the work I do now.

ON INSPIRATION & PROCESS

What inspires you?
Books! Exhibitions. Music. Listening to others. 

How do you get out of a creative rut?
Exercise, to be in nature, the outdoors. Alexandra runs and Alvaro surfs.

ON COMMUNITY

Do you feel like you are part of the New York design community? Do you roll with an artistic circle?
Community is what one builds. It is about supporting each other, participation, showing up, encouragement, criticism. We like to immerse ourselves in different circles; the same becomes too repetitive. NY has a lot of different scenes, and we like to check them all out–not just design.

ON THE BUSINESS OF DESIGN

Before starting Head Hi, what were your respective careers? Did your studies lead you there?
AA: I’m an artist, and I have always loved going to places for gatherings, happenings, and shows (art, performances, music). Coffee shops as hubs are important places in the creative process; so are bookstores. Unfortunately, due to the high costs of living and rent in NYC a lot of them had to close, so Head Hi is my offering to the community. It’s very DIY. Even as an act of rebellion against greedy corporations that erase the past and make every neighborhood look the same.

How did you launch this current career and business? From idea to execution, how did you bring it to life?
Our combined experience in the arts, hospitality, and retail was an advantage and came in handy. Perhaps it is why we are still here after five challenging years and opening just before COVID. Hard work and passion.  

How did COVID impact your business?
COVID-19 impacted us on so many levels, economically and mentally. Like many small businesses, we had to take a loan in order to keep our doors open and figure out ways to continue, like setting up a web shop to sell books online. Having an actual space has always been the focus, but at the time it was a struggle since we were on lockdown, and then many customers changed jobs or lost their job, or moved out of NYC. It was hard. We’re still feeling the aftershocks.

What is the biggest challenge to running this type of business?
Retail and foot traffic go hand in hand, and it is very inconsistent. No matter the location and the business projections, retail is unpredictable, especially considering the world’s uncertainty right now. Becoming a destination is no easy task, but we’re trying! It's hard to get people out of their homes these days. But we encourage people to take a break. Treat yourself. Come feed your curiosity. Take home a book that inspires you, or gift it to someone you care about.

Tell me about your most recent programming and projects. 
Last year we launched the first New York Architecture + Design Book Club with our co-organizer Untapped, and it has been fantastic. We’re very excited to continue in 2024 and explore new ideas of doing a book club.

We are also doing more collaborations with other small businesses, studios, and designers. We’re all connected, so why not collaborate and share our platforms? Grow together, help each other, elevate one another. 

What’s next for you and your business?
More Head Hi offsite events, products, and merch in 2024. 

More dance parties! Music is important in our lives and keeps us going. Dancing with our community is a beautiful thing.

ON RECOMMENDATIONS:

What is the best place to get a housewarming gift?
Head Hi and Lichen in Ridgewood.

What are the vintage sellers, concept stores, and designers to know in NYC?
P.Nina designed by Peyton Sandler. Top Hat in LES. Lydia Rodrigues LRCNYC.