Daily Inspiration: Meet Dawn Heuer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Heuer.

Hi Dawn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into design began somewhat unexpectedly but with a deep sense of purpose. I started my career working behind the scenes on design television shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Trading Spaces, where I learned how powerful design can be—not just visually, but emotionally. Those early experiences taught me that great design tells a story, shapes how people feel in their homes, and has the power to transform daily life.
After years of working in the industry and refining my craft, I launched Heuer Design Collective in 2019 with the goal of creating a studio that balances authenticity, creativity, and accessibility. What began as a solo endeavor has grown into a full-service firm with an incredible team, a design studio, and a curated showroom. Along the way, we’ve built lasting relationships with clients and collaborators who value both beauty and meaning. Every project we take on is an opportunity to create spaces that are not only timeless and functional, but that also reflect the people who call them home. My path has been fueled by curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for helping others see the beauty in how they live.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but every challenge has shaped who I am as a designer and business owner. I launched Heuer Design Collective just before the pandemic, which brought both uncertainty and unexpected opportunity. Suddenly, everyone was focused on their homes, but we also had to navigate supply chain delays, shifting timelines, and learning how to manage projects virtually. It pushed me to adapt quickly, refine processes, and embrace technology in new ways.
More recently, the realities of the industry have brought new challenges—rising costs and tariffs have made sourcing and pricing increasingly difficult, forcing us to be even more strategic and creative in how we deliver value to our clients. And now, as I prepare to open our first retail showroom and studio—a 4,000-square-foot space that represents years of vision and hard work—it’s both thrilling and terrifying. The scale of it is a leap of faith, but it also reflects the belief I’ve always had in what we’re building. Balancing creativity, leadership, and risk hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me that growth often lives right on the edge of fear. Every hurdle has reinforced my belief that design is as much about resilience and problem-solving as it is about beauty and inspiration.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Heuer Design Collective, we create spaces that are as soulful as they are sophisticated—homes that feel collected, authentic, and deeply personal. Our work blends timeless design with modern functionality, with a focus on layering natural textures, curated materials, and meaningful details that reflect each client’s story. We specialize in full-service residential design and new construction, as well as virtual design experiences that bring our process to clients across the country.
What I’m most proud of is the way we’ve grown while staying true to our values. We’ve built a team that leads with integrity, curiosity, and heart. Our new 4,000-square-foot showroom and studio, The Design House, is a physical extension of that ethos—a place where design feels approachable, inspiring, and rooted in connection. It’s a space where clients can touch, feel, and experience design in an intentional way, surrounded by curated pieces from artists, makers, and women-owned businesses.
What sets us apart is our ability to blend accessibility with artistry. We take the intimidation out of high-end design by focusing on how people live, not just how their homes look. Every project is grounded in empathy and storytelling—we listen deeply, design thoughtfully, and craft spaces that feel effortlessly livable. Our goal is always to create beauty that lasts, anchored in authenticity and built to evolve with the people who call it home.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that design is never really about us—it’s about the people who live in the spaces we create. As designers, we have the privilege of shaping the backdrop of someone’s life: where they gather, rest, celebrate, and make memories. When you approach design with that mindset, every decision becomes more meaningful. It’s not about creating a perfect photo or following a trend; it’s about crafting a home that feels honest, lived-in, and deeply personal to the family who will fill it with life.
I’ve also learned that there is no substitute for hard work. Building something lasting takes grit, patience, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when things get hard. The long nights, problem-solving, and perseverance behind the scenes are what make the finished work feel effortless. Success in design doesn’t come from luck or talent alone—it comes from showing up every day, caring deeply, and doing the work with integrity and heart.

Pricing:

• 350/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heuerdesigncollective.com
• Instagram: @dawnmarieheuer
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedesignhousehdc

Image Credits
Ali Harper

Elizabeth Granger

Becca Pierson