Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Marie Heuer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dawn Marie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Dawn Heuer (pronounced Hoy-er). I started my design career in TV production. I have worked on over three dozen renovations – most recently, I worked as a design producer for HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Since returning from filming Extreme, I have decided to start my own companies, my design firm, The Heuer Design Collective.
At the early age of 19, I moved to DC to start a career in politics – which I quickly realized was not for me. With the help and encouragement of my then-boyfriend (now husband), I decided to pursue the career I always wanted – interior design. I went back to school while also working full-time to gain as much experience as I could. After a chance meeting with Trading Spaces’ Genevieve Gorder, I was offered a job as a design assistant on the show Netflix’s #Stayhere which kickstarted my journey into the world of TV design. Some of my credits include TLC’s Trading Spaces, Bravo’s Backyard Envy, and TLC’s While You Were Out.
My husband and I moved to Atlanta about a year and a half ago, and we could not be more in love. Atlanta has brought us so much joy, including the love of our life, Remy, our golden chow mix that we rescued through the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta. We are so happy to call ATL home and build our lives here.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No road worth going down is ever that smooth. There have been so many challenges, and there will continue to be throughout my career. Through the years, I’ve been able to design a life I love and one that I’m very proud of. Everything about my job is rewarding. From designing a set to creating the perfect family room – creating a space for homeowners to be happy and live their best lives is truly rewarding. Beyond the craft, getting to work on TV sets all over the country with some of the most talented and beautiful people I’ve ever met is also incredibly rewarding. I would say the most challenging part of the television world is the intense amount of traveling and being away from home and family – it can be very taxing. But the good outweighs the bad; I’m beyond lucky to do what I do every day.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
After my last round of Extreme Makeover in fall 2019, I knew it was the right time to take the plunge and start taking on private clients. So I started The Heuer Design Collective. The world has become so much more design-conscious in almost everything, from electronics to retail. Interior design was once the preserve for the wealthy. Its democratization inspired me – great affordable design can and should be available to everyone. The plan doesn’t just make homes prettier, but when done well, it improves lives.
What were you like growing up?
I was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona. To know me is to understand how much I love my hometown and my family. I’m very proud to come from such an amazing little town full of heart and community. I’m a quadruplet, all girls, so I’ve always valued being around strong women. We were raised with the mentality that we could do anything we set our minds too. My dad is a landscape contractor and has owned his company for over 30 years; my grandpa was a general contractor and built so many important buildings in my hometown, including the hospital! You could say design is in my blood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heuerdesigncollective.com/
- Email: dawn@heuerdesigncollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnmarieheuer/
Image Credit:
Sarah Vitel, Morgan Sandlin
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