Design Journey #24 - Intro: Anna Teresa Hamerska from interior studio Atelier Monday & Prague for Design Lovers
Introducing Anna who co-founded the interior design studio Atelier Monday in Prague - sharing her founder story & her favorites in Prague
We’re kicking off this new series with someone whose design journey I’ve had the pleasure to witness first-hand: Anna, co-founder of Atelier Monday, an interior design studio based in Prague. Our paths crossed already 8 years ago and I’ve been a fan of her aesthetics from day one. She not only creates beautiful spaces, but also shares great insights on entrepreneurship and creativity.
Let’s dive into her story – and her favorite places in Prague for design lovers.
Anna, please tell us a bit about yourself first :)
My name is Anna Teresa, I’m Czech-German (always lived in between Germany, Austria and Czechia) I co-founded an Interior Design Studio Atelier Monday.
It’s a design Substack so let’s dive into it. Long-story short, my love for design started young, thanks to my dad, who collected art before it was even cool. He has a very good feeling for spotting great talent. Walking through galleries and visiting artist residencies with him sparked my love for aesthetics, art and design and planted the seed for the following years.
I studied business because that seemed “practical”, but it didn’t take me long to realize that it wasn’t exactly my happy place and that it was just a vessel to other things. After my business bachelor I went to different route - to study interior design in Rome and then move to Munich, to join my first big girl job - at the growing Westwing Home & Living startup (back then). That’s where I met Anke (we were baby trainees), and where I helped building their interior design service from scratch under the best boss ever (hi, Pauline).
After returning to Prague, I co-founded Atelier Monday — fun fact: with someone I had met just once for a glass of wine. The connection was instant, and the vision we shared was so strong that it didn’t bother us. We both had an obsessive attention to detail and a drive to build something meaningful in the interior world so it was a quick decision.
Fast forward five years, we’re now a team of 8, designing residential and commercial interiors across Europe. Being featured in Elle Decoration, Forbes, and Harper’s Bazaar still feels surreal — we haven’t processed this yet! It’s so crazy. Sometimes I feel like we haven’t accomplished anything and then I look back and I’m so shocked and grateful that we decided to do this step.
Your founder story
When you look back at the beginnings of Atelier Monday - what was your biggest challenge starting out? What do you wish you had known earlier? What advice would you give others thinking about starting their own creative business?
There are so many, but looking back, the biggest challenge was finding the right people to bring the vision to life. In the beginning, we tried hiring people with similar skill sets to mine/ours - it never worked. We learned (the hard way) that you need people who are better than you in other areas, who bring complementary skills to the table, and who help turn a vision into a real business. We’ve had some hurdles, but I can now proudly say we have the best all-girl team ever! All so different but so complimentary to each other. I just knock on wood for this momentum to last.
Also, in the early years, we took on many projects for very little (or no) money, just to get our foot in the door. I wish that wasn’t necessary, but it taught us a lot. It gave us the chance to participate in projects, learn through experience, and build a reputation without the pressure of being perfect from day one. It’s super hard and not everyone can afford to do this was our start.
If you ask about advice. I’d say just share your know-how, ask questions, and connect with others. Unfortunately, I feel like Prague can be a bit closed off when it comes to sharing knowledge. It slows down collective progress. I spent six months in LA, and the openness there blew me away. People are more generous with their insights, more collaborative. I think we need more of that in Europe — and I believe we can change it if we start with ourselves.
Your favorite project so far
Is there a project that’s especially close to your heart – and why?
I mean, how do you choose between your children?
But if I have to — I love our commercial projects. There’s something so satisfying about turning a brand’s vibe into an actual space people can experience. One favorite? Myowa - a spiritual tattoo concept store. Not your average “ink and skulls” vibe. The founder wanted it to feel like a temple for transformation. We leaned into raw textures, grounding energy, and made a space that feels like a deep breath.The client gave us creative freedom and it worked out so well!
On the residential side, I’ll never get over the apartment we designed for Andreas and Viki Ortner. Andreas is a fashion photographer, so obviously we were sweating a little at first - but they gave us full trust and freedom. That spiral staircase and the green powder room still live in my head rent-free.
Looking ahead: your dream project
If you could choose freely: what kind of space or client would be your absolute dream to work on or with?
Ok, let’s manifest! :)
My ultimate dream would be designing a Polène store. I love their approach to retail spaces and their creative identity.
Another dream? A beautiful, innovative, design-focused longevity or wellness clinic. I’m obsessed with the idea of creating spaces that create deep healing, feel like a hug and a retreat near to your home. The LA pat of me is talking here.
Your go-to interior brands
Are there any interior brands – big or small – that you personally love and often come back to? Whether for inspiration, sourcing, or styling – I’d love to know your favorites.
Louise Roe: I love what they’ve built. It’s timeless yet somehow bold.
Layered and Cappelen Dimyr - always my go-tos for beautiful rugs and I love following the real life use of their carpets in homes.
The Future Perfect Gallery (LA, SF, NY) – I adore how their galleries feel like homes, where architecture livable design merges beautifully. Even my techy, non-design partner was very much impressed.
The Invisible Collection - My dear friend Alma works there and their selection is the dream. They curate pieces form famous interior designers and it’s always unique.
And of course, I mix new and old. I’m passionate about vintage furniture, not just for the aesthetic but also as an investment. I believe in the value of good design over time. Anything by Charlotte Perriand! Love to follow 1stDibs or The Oblist for that or local vintage no name stores.
I also enjoy treasure-hunting on Etsy from time to time, finding small makers and unique pieces is like looking for a needle in hay but hey, it’s fun!
Most inspiring interior places you've experienced so far
Is there a place (a hotel, a gallery, a restaurant, or even a city) that really left a mark on you as a designer – and why?
Japan took my breath away. I may be biased (we got engaged there), but Sowaka in Kyoto - a beautifully restored machiya was pure magic. The layout, materials, atmosphere, it was like walking through history with a modern soul. The beds were hard, and I didn’t sleep a minute, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
And then there’s LA. My relationship with the city runs deep. Mid-century gems like the Stahl House or the VDL House are so impressive. Experiencing those spaces from the inside - just as their creators once did, is unforgettable.
And more…but I’d write this article my whole week haha.
Prague for Design Lovers
I’ve only been to Prague once (probably over 10 years ago), but it left a great impression – and I’d love to come back soon. You’ve grown up and built your creative business there – what does the city mean to you today? For anyone visiting with a love for design - which spots would you recommend?
Prague is culturally rich, full of creatives, and overflowing with talent. Even in LA, people recognize Czech glass — I was so proud!
If you’re visiting, here are some musts:
Food & Cafés:
Bistro Sodo: Best breakfast eggs, and the interiors are cute too.
Eska Bakery: For sourdough, coffee, or a great lunch.
Alma: My favorite all-day spot. Cocktails, dinner, music, wine bar - it has it all.
Taro: Beautifully designed with lights from my favorite Czech glass artist Eliska Monsport with a unique food concept.
Sugo Pasta Bar: If you love Italian food, go here! Pronto!
Shops:
Ingredients and Myskino (we designed this one in Dušní street) - niche perfumes and concept beauty.
Artiseme: Design heaven. From vases to fashion to cheeky „You’re hot as fuck“ mugs.
Book Therapy: A hidden book haven in Vinohrady. You can even rent out this space for a night with wine and snacks.
Hidden gems:
Visit Villa Müller or Villa Winternitz
Villa Müller 
Or take a trip to Villa Tugendhat in Brno — it’s a masterpiece.
Kunsthalle Prague – a newer gallery with beautifully curated exhibitions.
And honestly? Just wander. Prague is full of architectural surprises and treasures all within a few blocks. Just take it in. :)
Thanks so much Anna, I’m definitely so into it to plan my visit to Prague very soon now, I hope you guys feel the same.
If you want to follow Anna’s design journey from now on, you can find her here:
And Anna’s recently launched Substack:
That excessive use of Ettore Sottsass's plywood never goes unnoticed.