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Interior Design Success Stories

Throughout the Heritage interior design program we see our students’ hesitations transform into confidence and their dreams turn into realities. We are so proud to feature our wonderful grads and to share their designer success stories!

Visit our YouTube channel to watch live interviews with HSID Alumni

Christie Arena, Christie Lori Design & Interiors

"After earning my Master’s Certification, I joined the Model Home Department at Trio Design Inc., where I worked with high-end builders. In 2023, I took the bold step of starting my own interior design company, Christie Lori Design & Interiors."

Deepali Kalia, Filling Spaces

Deepali, co-founder of Filling Spaces, dared to dream big. Growing up in India, her passion for textiles and interior design was ignited by her surroundings and travels. Each unique product is a testament to her artistic vision, inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of her childhood and explorations around the world.

Pelar Fullilove, 37th Burleigh Interior Design

Designing a Dream: Pelar’s Inspiring Journey from Cancer Warrior to Thriving Entrepreneur

Jordan Ferland, Design House

Jordan transformed her career from software sales to interior design, fueled by a passion for creativity and aesthetics. She is co-founder of Design House, a design firm offering full-service design from concept to construction oversight and virtual design options.

Hannah Swan, Swan House Hospitality by Design

From Runaway to Runway: A Story of Resilience and Design

Anthony & Calvin Campbell, Campbell Skye

The story of Anthony and Calvin is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and determination. Their business, Campbell Skye, has a mission to create amazing spaces that are both beautiful and functional. They are an inspiration to anyone looking to turn their dreams into a reality!

Shannon Ponciano, House of Ponce

In the world of design and entrepreneurship, there shines a model of inspiration: Shannon, the passionate CEO of House of Ponce. Her journey is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s a testament to resilience, dedication to community, and the power of family.

Stewart Horner, Penny Black Interiors

Stewart Horner lives by the quote “All or nothing”. His mission is to disrupt the interior design business in the Portland and surrounding areas, to provide unique interior solutions and product sourcing to suit the lifestyle of a discerning few (with some compromise along the way I’m sure).

Cat Petersen, Miranda Kaye Interiors

My experience at Heritage School of Interior Design in Portland was instrumental in preparing me for a career in interior design. As a complete beginner, I was able to explore different aspects of interior design and discover my strengths and passions. Today, I am proud to be working in the interior design industry with Miranda Kaye Interiors, which brings me so much joy and fulfillment!

Gordon Bass, GBK Interiors

Gordon Bass's journey from being the principal of a pre-school to leading his own design firm, GBK Interiors, is not just a career shift, but a testament to following one’s passion and finding fulfillment.

Teresa Gonzalez, Plush Couture Interiors, Executive Director of HSID LA

"In 2019 I transitioned from a 20+ year career in the fashion industry to pursue Interior Design. It was a bold leap, but one that brought me immense joy and fulfillment. While fashion was a creative outlet, it wasn’t until I began exploring the realms of hardware, finishes, and textiles in Interior Design that I found a new level of excitement."

Kelley King, Kelley King Designs

Since graduating, Kelley has launched her own design firm, Kelley King Designs. Her fearlessness and determination have earned her a coveted spot in the competitive design industry.

Julanda Student Success Story Featured Image

Julanda Shannon, Julanda Shannon Designs

Julanda is a trailblazing alumna of Heritage School of Interior Design, whose passion for design has led to a thriving career in Bend, Oregon!

Lane Walsh, Dwell Denver Real Estate

“My new purpose is to take my previously unidentified design talents and help our real estate clients either stay in their homes or buy homes that might be less expensive but can be renovated. Having the skills to help our clients make smart housing and design decisions will be the perfect complement to what we already do!”

Anjali Miller, Anjali Miller Interiors

Anjali leads her own residential Interior Design firm where she brings her clients’ dreams to life with creativity and passion. Her dedication to excellence and penchant for leadership have earned her admiration and respect in the design industry. But for Anjali, success is not merely measured by accolades or achievements; it’s about waking up every day with a sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.

Anya Nunley Heritage School of Interior Design Student Success Story

Anya Nunley, Parker Furniture & Design

Anya balanced the demands of school as a single mother of two kids. Engaging in distance learning was intense! And yet Anya found the experience deeply rewarding and is currently an Interior Designer with Parker Furniture & Design.

Michael Bennett, Studio Kër

HSID Gives Super Bowl Champion Michael Bennett A New Beginning!

Andrea Krajeski, Copper Boom Design

Andrea Krajeski’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions, embracing change, and making a difference. As an independent interior designer, she continues to inspire others with her resilience, creativity, and dedication to her craft.

Amy Hulsey, Interior Designer

Realtor Amy Hulsey Takes Her Career to the Next Level with an Education in Interior Design

Taylor Van Wey, Ann Sacks Tile & Stone

Taking Steps to Pursue Her Passion for Design – Read About Taylor’s Dreams for the Future

Alex Walker, Interior Designer

Inspiring Story: Alex Walker Helps Others Through Her Dream Career as a Designer

Hannah Lichtenthaler, Paul Schatz

"I did not think in one year from starting this program I’d be where I am today. I am truly grateful for all the support and resources Heritage has led me to!"

Maya Adams-Dirks, Maya Matthews Interiors

Saturday Fundamentals Graduate Maya Adams-Dirks Aims to Bring Heart into Everything she Creates

Dan Flores, Interior Designer

Air Force Emergency Manager, Dan Flores, Discovers His Calling for Interior Design!

Alex Larsen, Meadowlark Interiors

Alex feels that Heritage is exactly what she needed to gain a thorough understanding of what it takes to be a designer and how to become inspired.

Courtney Meredith, Interior Designer

Courtney Lands a Career as a Lead Designer at C2 Design!

Elizabeth Teel, Interior Designer

“Interior Design is the Marriage of Form and Function, Beauty and Practicality” – Two Things Elizabeth Teel Always Wanter for Her Career

Aleta Fouks, Aleta Interiors

After Realizing Design has Been a Common Thread in her Life, Aleta Launches Her Business, Aleta Interiors

Brooke Baker, Interior Design Intern

A talented and resilient individual has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and creativity.

Rachel Mayta, Interior Designer

Childhood Cancer Survivor, Rachel Mayta, Has Always Strived To Achieve Her Goals Even If They Seem Impossible!

Crystal Samuel, Interior Designer

"The extra time at home during the Covid-19 pandemic made it clear to Crystal that it was time to pursue her true passion for Interior Design. Having the spare time at home to work on projects and explore design elements set a fire within her that she could no longer ignore."

Heylen Thienes, Tricorn Black

Heylen Took Advantage of a “Now or Never” Moment to Launch her Business, Tricorn Black!

Ashley Ludkowski, Interior Designer

A Look Inside Selva Studio: A Home Furnishings and Interior Design Studio owned by Heritage Denver Graduate Ashley Ludkowski

Evelin Marsh, Designer & Artist

Talented Artist, Designer and Entrepreneur Evelin Marsh Is Passionate about Supporting Female Entrepreneurs Locally and Globally!

Amber Rodriguez, Commercial Design Specialist

"With the help from Heritage I was able to land a job as a Commercial Design Specialist at Inform Interiors in Seattle! I work with wonderful manufacturers selling hand-crafted furniture from Europe. I meet with high end interior designers specing for retailers such as Nordstrom’s design team and Nike."

Savannah Paletta, Interior Designer

Savannah’s Creative Freedom as a Child Allowed Her Passion for Design to Blossom

Rob Kohn, Interior Designer

After a Successful Career in New York, Rob Returns Home to Colorado to Explore his Passion for Interior Design

Beth Goltz, Beth Goltz Real Estate & Design, LLC

After Leaving a Corporate Career, Beth Found her Passion in Interior Design and Real Estate

Cierra Warness, Interior Designer

For Cierra Warness, Interior Design is a Way to Create Functional Art that People Can Live Within

Coco Lawson, Interior Designer

"To date, being a student at Heritage has been the greatest experience of my life. There are days when I don’t feel like I can make it through because it is such an intense program, but you’re encouraged daily to be the best version of yourself.”

Mandy Ho, Mandy Ho Design

Mandy sets herself apart from other designers by leveraging her experiences as a large-scale project manager, engineer, financial risk manager, and life coach.

Keats Willis, Donna DuFresne Interior Design

"After completing the Fundamentals of Interior Design Program at Heritage, I began working for Donna DuFresne Interior Design and Studio B. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Donna and Megan, and I am very excited for what the future holds!"

Angel Phillips, Cozy in Love Spaces, LLC

Angel Phillips of Cozy in Love Spaces, LLC is the Oregon Home Style & Structure Award Winner 2018 Interior Design: Bathroom. Read more about her award and design here!

Nazanin Karimi Hajari, Chic Living Interiors

“I was afraid to be a student again – it’s been a challenge, but a good challenge. Whenever I worry about class on Tuesday, or a test, my husband reminds me to be proud of what I’m doing. Once I’m at school I feel good – I love being here and I love all the new friendships.”

Maddie Kuzik, Interior Designer

Despite Challenging Times, Maddie Kuzik Lands Her Dream Career at Kim Layne Interiors

Rachel Anderson, Harper Rae Design Co.

Looking back now I see that I was always on this path and had a natural interest in interior design, but I didn’t realize I could actually make a career out of it until recently!

Stephanie Kennedy, Chown Hardware

Once her youngest was off to college, Stephanie finally decided to pursue her passion for interior design.

MacKenzie Duffy, Modern Myth

MacKenzie’s Love for Travel and Art Inspired the Launch of Modern Myth

Lindsey Petersen, Airbnb

“I think we often overlook how impactful small, everyday changes in someone’s space can be over the course of time. I find it so amazing how drastically interior design can change someone’s entire world by simply creating a more thoughtful space for them.”

Caitlin Dewey, Robbins Weiner Design

Upon graduating from Heritage, Caitlin began her design career working at Robbins Weiner Design!

Amanda Sienkiewicz, Interior Designer

A Life Changing Event Inspired Amanda to Explore a New Career in Interior Design

Mary Levy, Interior Designer

As Mary continues to grow as an interior designer, she is remembering the advice from her career counselor: Just take one step, then another, then another. You don’t have to know what’s around the corner, just keep moving forward!

Samantha Ivari, Egg & Dart

Samantha loves her position at Egg & Dart, but hopes to eventually follow in the footsteps of her parents, pursue her realtors license, and flip houses!

LucyAnn, Interior Designer

Following an Early Career as a Model and Actress, LucyAnn Pursued her love for Interior Design

Patty Buckley, Interior Designer

Patty felt energized and excited that Heritage could offer an accelerated education that would provide her with the knowledge needed to successfully pursue a career in the Interior Design industry.

Kari Voegele, Interior Designer

Heritage grad Kari Voegele and her husband Aaron, a general contractor, saw something special in this 105 year old bungalow – thank goodness they did because the results are AMAZING.

Shannon Southwell, Instinctive Interiors, LLC

Shannon fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream and passion for design by launching Instinctive Interiors, LLC in June 2019

Claudia Folk Wright, Interior Designer

While helping renters design their spaces, Claudia noticed how much she enjoyed helping others express themselves in a creative, visual, and emotional way.

Darcy Davis, Interior Designer

I love to create spaces that capture the “feeling”. I want to design spaces where families will make memories that will be passed down from generation to generation.

Jennifer Porter, Blue J Interiors

Jennifer is currently working with several residential clients throughout the metro Denver area updating kitchens and bathrooms, as well as reconfiguring living spaces and choosing lighting and furniture.

Bryan Shriver, Shriver Custom Design Co.

Bryan comes from a family of artists and has been in the painting business for several years. While he loves painting and using his eye for color on a daily basis, he always knew that he wanted to do more.

Sydney McManness, Spire Design Studio

Sydney has allowed the quote “Be the girl who decided to go for it!” to help motivate her while she navigated this brand-new chapter in her life.

Anna Bugge, Interior Designer

Anna’s niche is lifestyle styling. She describes it as everyday styling, “living in the real-world space”.

Martha Dane, Olive + Rust Co.

In fall 2017 Martha started her own company, Olive + Rust Co. She is focused right now on marketing as an event designer, stylist and coordinator and says: “I am always working to improve the environments around me whether it be a venue or home space.”

Joanie Atkinson, Interior Designer

Moving to Portland to attend Heritage was spectacular. Because I wanted to complete the Masters Program within one three-month semester, I knew I needed to be completely focused. Leaving my job and my social circle behind in DC allowed me to dive into my studies whole-heartedly.

Kelsey Karst, Karst Interiors

Kelsey believes that interior design has the power to transform daily life no matter the circumstances and loves being part of that beautiful transformation.

Twyla Gurlea, Interior Designer

Color Strategist Twyla knew developing her Interior Design skills and knowledge would give her the ability to offer her clients a more comprehensive design package.

Adam Roper, Interior Designer

Before leaving NYC, Adam was a Resource Librarian for an architecture firm on Park Avenue and it was during that time that he realized being a designer was an achievable goal.

Nikki Childress, Interior Designer

Early on in the program, Nikki recognized that by joining Heritage she was part of an incredibly supportive, strong, smart and creative classroom.

Tara Dawkins, Parlour & Palm

Tara recently completed a stunning design project for her clients who wanted a TV-free zone where they could curl up with a coffee and a book, or a cocktail and good friends

Emily Yates, Student Relations Manager

Emily “knew that attending Heritage would allow me to pursue what I was truly passionate about; creating beautiful spaces”.

Calista Zumhofe, Interior Designer

A true “Jill” of all trades, Cali, has worked as a professional painter, retail manager, electrical panel builder, and a landscaper to name a few.

Olga Abbott

Olga overcame many obstacles on her way to becoming an interior designer and the person that she is today. While she grew up in Siberia, she found home in Portland and at Heritage.

Ann Tristani, Artist & Interior Designer

Ann is passionate about all things beautiful and throughout her career, has pursued the art of creating beauty in many forms. She is a professional fine artist and oil painting instructor, whose oil paintings have been juried into national and regional shows, and are represented by several fine art galleries.

Maira Garcia, Interior Designer

“I’m in love with my new job at Restoration Hardware. My goal is to grow within the company and start my own design firm in the future.”

Julia McGinnis, Interior Design

Julia, "wanted a career that was a mix of strategic thinking and creativity." She found this in Interior Design.

Jennifer Adams, Jennifer Adams Worldwide, Inc.

Heritage grad Jennifer Adams is a highly successful celebrity interior designer who worked her way to the top. She is a truly inspiring individual and we are excited to share her story!

Irene Tokstad, Design Allure

Since graduating in the Spring of 2017 Irene poured her heart into building her business Design Allure. The wildly successful Design Allure has grown to a staff of 10 and offers services in both interior design and home staging.

Noelle Ryan, Noelle Ryan Interiors

Noelle Dalby is a naturally creative person who was a talented makeup artist and worked in property management before deciding to pursue a career in Interior Design and enrolling at Heritage.

Jenny Puerner, Pottery Barn

Jenny Puerner has had a busy year: getting married, moving to Portland, purchasing a home, getting a puppy, and graduating from Heritage School of Interior Design.

Amy Troute, Amy Troute Interior Design

After graduating from Heritage, Amy moved her design firm from home to a small studio in the Pearl District and the fledgling “Design for Home” became Amy Troute Inspired Interior Design, a full service residential and commercial interior design firm.

Sukriti Pansari, Interior Designer

Sukriti’s journey at Heritage has been unique in that she has completed the entire Masters Program in just three months!

Janna Allbritton, Yellow Prairie Home

Throughout her entire life, Janna always wished that she could be someone who did what they love for a living – “They just glow!” Today she has achieved that goal, and more!

Barbara Mestanikova, Styled Living

“As a child, I used to drag furniture across the room just to get a different look or to do a room makeover.” Barbara grew up in a communist regime where there was a very limited selection of pretty much everything – let alone furniture, window treatments, and accessories.

Julie Nolta, Julie Nolta Design

Julie was a proud member of the design team for the Barclay House at the NW Natural Street of Dreams in Happy Valley.

Kristen Siefkin, Interior Design Alchemy

When Kristen decided to leave PR officially, she was ready. “As a type A personality, I was definitely fearful of failure, but I have come to the point in my life where I’d rather try and fail than not try at all.”

Amy Pearson, Amy Pearson Design

"At the end of every single day I LOVE what I do and I am so incredibly grateful for an opportunity to work in a field that I am so passionate about."

Katie Andersen, Chancellor Designs

Katie had design experience and some schooling under her belt before attending Heritage but she didn’t have the confidence or the practice in presenting her design work that she needed to pursue a career in Interior Design. Katie felt fulfilled being in a group that supported her and believed in her talents.

Tracy McGuire, Tracy McGuire Interiors

Tracy McGuire has always had a knack for design, but she remembers it cultivating in college where she studied art, architecture, German and European history.

Beth Clark, B. Clark Interior Design

"The journey I took to this life hasn’t been a simple, straightforward line. It’s far more interesting than that."

Audra White, Cultivated Space

Audra's business, Cultivated Space, provides mindful interior design services that are rooted in spiritual wellness and a holistic lifestyle.

Kelly Basset, Pottery Barn

Throughout the program Kelly flourished as a designer and and prior to graduating she was hired by Pottery Barn.

Katie Buchanan, Interior Designer

It’s everything I’ve dreamed of and more and to have accomplished this amazing milestone at age 20 with the help of Heritage and their amazing staff has been so overwhelming in the best way possible.

Joyce Robinson, Interior Design Joy

“I kept running across the Heritage ads online, and they kept calling out to me, in a whisper at first. The beautiful spaces in the photography and all of the success stories touched me.”

Olya Surits, Interior Designer

After a year of researching Heritage School of Interior Design, she finally made the decision to enroll and her life has since changed in the best possible ways! The Heritage program validated her natural talent for design and gave her the skills she needed to pursue a career in Interior Design.

Julie Adams, Interior Designers

After graduating from Heritage Julie hopes to combine her love of design and traveling by working in home accessory imports as well as residential interior design.

Debbie Barry, All Things New Interior Designs

“If you can do what you love and get paid for it, that’s the best job”. This quote led Debbie to purse an education in design.

Mya Lwin, Mya Lwin Designs

Mya recently launched her own interior design business, Mya Lwin Design. “My goal is to start building my clientele for both local projects in Portland, as well as for e-design projects nationwide, over this next year.

Patrice Westphal, Urban I.D.

Patrice believes that especially in Oregon, living spaces should be comfortable, inviting and happy. Since graduating from Heritage School of Interior Design she has been able to make this happen for people everyday as her career!

Laura Evans, Urban I.D.

After years of assisting family and friends with decorating their homes, Laura Evans realized that she wanted to turn her passion into her career. She accomplished this by enrolling in Heritage School of Interior Design in 2004, and since graduating has become the founder and owner of one of the first collaborative interior design studios, Urban I.D.

Breanna Calixtro, Urban I.D.

“I graduated from Heritage in April of 2012 and since then have immersed myself in the design industry. I own BreAnna Lee Design, LLC and work out of the Urban ID Studio located in the heart of Portland. Really, I just LOVE what I do! I have a deep and pure love for everything design."

Interior Design Success Stories

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