As Heritage School of Interior Design marks its ten-year anniversary with Stephanie Plymale, we sat down with our beloved Fundamentals of Interior Design instructor Janis Howard. Janis has been here for every HSID milestone and has dedicated over 20 decades to teaching the art and science of Interior Design.

Today, Janis shares her inspiring journey and passion for design that has not only transformed lives but also shaped the Heritage School experience.

Read Janis’ instructor bio here!

Working with students for over two decades is a remarkable journey. What inspires you the most about guiding and mentoring aspiring designers through their educational paths?

Witnessing their growth and success in the field of Interior Design is the biggest inspiration. Transitioning from a 20-year banking career to follow my passion for design, I realized the joy of being a trainer and guiding individuals in an area I love. Seeing people thrive in design is immensely fulfilling for me.

I firmly believe that through Interior Design, we have the power to enhance and improve people’s lives, making them healthier and better. It’s this transformative impact that continues to drive and nourish my passion for mentoring aspiring designers.

As a seasoned instructor, could you share which aspect of the curriculum at Heritage School of Interior Design brings you the most joy in teaching? What topic or module resonates with you the most?

“Feathering the Nest” from our foundation’s book! I find immense satisfaction in guiding students through the process of selecting and combining fabrics, determining furniture layouts, and exploring the psychology of color through paint choices. Auditioning colors is crucial for creating the right atmosphere in a room and understanding its purpose.

What resonates with me is the emphasis on the application of the elements and principles of design, which serve as the cornerstone for successfully designed rooms. These principles govern every aspect of our work, from establishing focal points to achieving balance within a space. It’s at the intersection of form and function that Interior Designers truly shine.

I also love teaching about styles, particularly how they change over time. Styles that used to be distinct have become more blended. Today it’s challenging to have a purley French Country design style or a Tuscan style room.

What notable shifts have you witnessed within Heritage School of Interior Design, in terms of the institution itself, the students, and their subsequent achievements and pursuits? How have these changes shaped your teaching practices?

One notable change is the elevated quality of the curriculum, which has become consistently excellent across all of our classes. This adaptability has been a key strength at HSID. We also recognize that every student learns differently.

The students have changed over the years as well. I’m seeing younger students who are looking for honest, direct feedback with a big dollop of kindness. I find that the key is to have an open-minded, flexible approach that caters to the diverse learning styles of each student.

What would you say is the distinctive magic that defines the Heritage School of Interior Design experience, both for educators and students alike?

The exceptional leadership, the high quality of our courses, and the positive energy. At HSID, we don’t just teach a process; we cultivate creative thinking and encourage students to tap into their natural creativity. I actively seek and celebrate outside-the-box thinkers, those who are willing to color just a bit outside the lines.

I love to be playful in the classroom, there’s no need to be overly serious!

Was there a moment or series of events when you realized your calling to be a designer? What ignited your passion and set you on the path to becoming an instructor at Heritage School of Interior Design?

After two decades as a banker, I locked the door and left that chapter behind! I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in the fourth week of an eight-week Interior Design course, sitting next to my best friend and it hit me — I could do this, I could teach!

At the time I needed to have three years of Interior Design industry experience before they would consider me for a teaching role. I spent all three years bugging the instructor and finally, she gave me the job and I’ve been teaching ever since!

Looking ahead, what do you foresee as the upcoming trends in design, and how do you envision Heritage School of Interior Design navigating or contributing to these developments in the foreseeable future?

Staying current with Interior Design trends is not only my passion but also a responsibility as an instructor. I’ve noticed a few clear Interior Design trends happening lately. Lighting is everything! Custom hoods over cooktops, bold use of black on walls, and incorporating hard materials floor-to-ceiling, like marble on countertops extending to the ceiling are all having a big moment right now.

Technology has also had a huge impact on the Interior Design industry. AutoCAD has changed the industry and has made it so easy to show clients a particular design vision. At Heritage School of Interior Design, we are committed to staying current on the tech that will ensure our students are successful in the Interior Design industry after they leave our programs.

Throughout your tenure, is there a particularly inspiring student story that stands out to you? What makes this story memorable and impactful?

I’ve had MANY! It may sound cliché, but receiving notes from students expressing gratitude for being an “awesome instructor” or witnessing their subsequent success nourishes my soul.

There’s one wonderful student story that I love to tell. While teaching I often used the saying “Ya gotta do it, KISS KISS!” to motivate students. After graduating and starting her own successful business this student had that phrase tattooed on her arm in my handwriting! She later shared a picture of it, I couldn’t believe it!

It’s moments like these that underscore the profound impact we can have on a student’s life. Seeing them not only succeed but also carry our shared experiences forward in such a meaningful way is why I am passionate about teaching. Despite the challenges, seeing students succeed in our industry is what makes every moment worthwhile.

Our interview with Janis reminded us that the magic lies not just in the curriculum but in the passion, adaptability, and genuine care that defines the Heritage experience. Looking ahead, Heritage School of Interior Design will continue to nurture the next generation of designers who will undoubtedly leave their unique mark in the world.

Here’s to another ten years of innovation, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making lives more beautiful.

Cheers to the past, present, and future of design at Heritage School of Interior Design!