Erin, our Customer Support – and the first point of contact for everyone who calls Plankbridge – combines a background in theatre design with a talent for pulling together every element of a customer’s dream hut
Can you tell a little bit about yourself and your background?
After graduating from Solent University in make-up and hair design with a specialism in wig design, I quickly advanced in theatre and became Head of WHAM (Wigs, Hair and Make-up) for Elf in the West End. I led a team and worked directly with actors, including preparing their wigs, hair and make-up for guest appearances, such as Loose Women at the BBC Studios in London.
I loved the creativity of it and worked on some incredible, showstopper wigs along the way, but eventually I wanted something more settled than short-term contracts on the road and took a role at Babington House in Somerset. Three years on reception gave me a real passion for meeting people and helping with everything from spa and yoga bookings to travel and logistical questions. Now, when people call Plankbridge, I enjoy not just answering their questions but having a proper conversation about their ideas and plans. I love being able to help them.
Tell us about your role at Plankbridge. What does a typical day involve?
I answer telephone calls, take care of the showroom and welcome customers who come in for workshop tours. I also direct enquiries to the right team members and support our Head of Sales, Kate. Over time, my role has evolved to also include working on hut specifications – the nitty-gritty details of what goes into building a hut. When a project moves from initial design to workshop drawings, I act as the key link in the process, carefully recording everything from paint colours and soft furnishings to fabric choices, hinges – even the exact colour of the hinges! I capture all those small details you might not think about when buying a shepherd’s hut, ensuring everything is right for the finished product.
Do people tend to have a clear idea of what they want from the outset?
I’d say it’s about an even split. Some people come to me saying, “This what I’m thinking about having – it’s my dream, can you help me achieve it?” Others are more like, “I have a rough idea, but I’d love some help getting there.” That’s when I start creating mood boards and styling guides to bring their vision into focus.
One of the first things I like to find out, especially if it’s going to be in the garden of a family home, is what colours they prefer. I then dive into our Plankbridge colour palette and select shades based on whether they want something soft and subtle or bold and bright. From there, I match the ironmongery and fabrics for curtains and soft furnishings. It really brings out the creative in me!
Any favourite projects you’ve worked on?
One of my favourites – and actually my first fully solo specification project – was a 2m x 2m utility hut that’s about to go into production soon. The client wanted a more compact version of our Pool House design and found a wallpaper they loved featuring little swimmers in striped swimsuits, which inspired the whole scheme. We paired it with some beautiful striped Fired Earth tiles and the design is stunning.
What do you love about a Plankbridge hut?
The craftsmanship! Even before the furniture goes in, you can see the beauty in the wood, the ironmongery on the windows and the sense of proportion. There’s so much character in our huts.
If you could design your own hut, what would it be like?
It would sit in the middle of a wildflower meadow, bright and airy inside, with corrugated iron in Hurdlemaker Green for the exterior cladding. I’d hang dried flowers from the ceiling and run it as a small wildflower business. It’s a dream of mine!
What’s the best part of your job?
Seeing the finished hut after working on it from the very beginning is amazing. We currently have a hut in production heading to Santa Barbara in California, and I’m really excited to see it completed. It has a beautiful dark meadow wallpaper on the walls with Fired Earth colours to go with it and pops of colour. Each room has its own feel and it’s stunning.
Another thing I love about my job is that I am involved with every single aspect in the building. I’ll go down and talk to the team and they’ll check up on me and see what I’m doing. It feels like one massive family, with everyone doing their jobs brilliantly. We’ve all been there where we go to a job that feels a chore. Here, it feels like I’m actually going to see some friends, have a good day and get the work done. That’s a great feeling!
- Meet more members of our talented Plankbridge team, here
