Erica Swanson has been an instructor at the Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver since 2018, where she teaches the Intro to Kitchen & Bath Design class as well as the evening InDesign & Photoshop course.
With a background in Architecture from CU Boulder and Interior Design from The Art Institute of Denver, Erica launched her career working for a high-end spec home builder in Denver, gaining valuable insights into luxury home design. She is a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer as well as a Certified Color Consultant, bringing over 15 years of experience to the interior design industry.
In 2015, Erica founded her own firm, ES Designs, where she serves as the owner and creative lead. Initially, her work encompassed a broad range of projects, including kitchen and bath design, conceptual designs for developers, and office space updates. In 2024, she was inspired to refine her focus, dedicating her efforts to helping families and individuals transform their spaces to better support both physical and neurodiverse needs. Erica now specializes in creating environments that are accessible, functional, and inclusive, while still maintaining kitchen and bath design as a central component of her work.
“My inspiration comes from the belief that every home should be a sanctuary, especially for those with unique needs. As both a mother of a neurodivergent family and a designer, I specialize in creating spaces tailored to individuals with ADHD, anxiety, autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, limited mobility, sensory processing disorders, and those who wish to age in place. My goal is to help families transform their homes into functional, comfortable, and supportive environments that meet their specific needs.”
Erica is deeply committed to advancing the design industry’s focus on neurodivergent needs. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive design that effectively serves individuals from all walks of life. Her vision is to continue expanding ES Designs and increasing its impact in this vital area.
“Teaching at HSID has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The supportive environment created by the dedicated staff and instructors fosters growth and learning. I find great fulfillment in sharing my knowledge with the next generation of designers and in creating engaging activities and learning environments that offer high educational value.”
To aspiring designers, Erica offers thoughtful advice:
“Focus on building strong connections with other designers, vendors, and showrooms. Be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up. Although it can be challenging, this experience is invaluable for your growth as a designer. Above all, trust your instincts—sometimes your first idea is the best one, so don’t hesitate to pursue it!”
Reflecting on her career, Erica shares some of her proudest accomplishments:
“Earning my Kitchen and Bath Designer certification was a major milestone for me. I also take great pride in the positive feedback I receive from clients, even for small details. Knowing that my work has made a meaningful impact on their spaces is truly rewarding.”
Balancing the demands of her career and family has not been without challenges. As a parent of three, Erica has had to juggle her responsibilities while running her design business.
“Managing my time as a parent and business owner often means working late nights or weekends, but I strive to maintain a healthy balance to ensure both my professional and personal life thrive.”
We are grateful for Erica’s dedication and the invaluable contributions she makes to the success of our students at the Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver. We look forward to watching her design firm continue to grow, with a focus on creating inclusive and supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals and families.