Erin Hunter is a 2026 5 Under 40 Winner

Portrait by Bruce Gorivan

Photograph by Nat Rea

Photograph by Nat Rea

Photograph by Nat Rea

Photograph by Anthony Crisafulli

Erin Hunter says the one thing that’s evident in all her work—even in the most modern and contemporary projects—is a welcoming and warmly appointed feeling. Hunter, thirty-eight, is the cofounder and principal architect at Studio Hearth Architecture + Design in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

Architecture was, for her, a very direct career path. “It was always architecture,” she says. “Art was a big part of my life, and I wanted something that would let me draw every day.” It helped that Hunter was also very good at math, puzzles, and problem-solving.

She earned her degree in architecture from Rhode Island School of Design, where she met her husband and business partner, Joseph Combs. She began her career at a boutique architecture firm in New York City, training in classical architecture and its intersection with modern design. Afterward, she gained experience in the Boston area, designing and managing a variety of renovation projects.

In 2018, she and Combs kind of fell into entrepreneurship when a new construction project landed on their desks. Now they offer full-service project delivery from early schematics to construction administration. “We cater to the client with the aim of making the process as comfortable as possible,” she says. “We try to take on their stress.” Green building and energy efficiency are priorities for the firm.

“In all our work, we try to utilize traditional building techniques while imparting a freshness and lightness,” says Hunter. “It defines what we want to put out there. We want to make every person feel completely at ease in their home.” The firm’s work has earned several PRISM awards from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston and a Boston Society of Architects Honor Award for small firms.

Hunter and her husband live in Stoneham, Massachusetts, with their two daughters and a big bear of a dog (named Bear).

This year’s 5 Under 40 awards ceremony will be held on September 17, 2026, at The Galleria at 333 Stuart Street in Boston. The festivities will include food, drink, and the chance to catch up with old friends while making new ones. The highlight of the evening is the auction of five unique rugs designed by our 2026 winners and produced by Landry & Arcari Rugs and Carpeting, with all proceeds supporting SOLA (the School of Leadership, Afghanistan). Click here(opens in new tab) to purchase tickets.