At Heritage School of Interior Design, we love celebrating the journeys of our alumni who have turned their passion for design into thriving careers. Today we’re highlighting Lisa Swift, a graduate of our Denver program and co-founder of Tandem Design Group in Colorado. From a background in real estate and marketing to building a business rooted in creativity and collaboration, Lisa shares her story of following her passion, overcoming challenges, and creating beautiful, functional spaces for her clients.
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to interior design?
I’m originally from Marietta, Georgia, and now live in Louisville, Colorado with my husband and two children. Art and design have always been a central part of my life. From a young age, I was constantly creating: sewing, crafting, painting murals on my bedroom walls, and experimenting with photography. Photography became a real passion during my time at the University of Georgia, where I served as a photographer for the Pandora yearbook.
While at UGA, I earned a degree in Marketing, which gave me a chance to combine both creative and analytical skills. A real estate class sparked my interest in the housing industry, and after graduation I obtained my real estate license. Over the next several years I worked in real estate, mortgage, and title, gaining a broad understanding of how homes are bought, financed, and sold.
Through that experience I saw firsthand how thoughtful design could transform a home, not only visually but in terms of livability and value. On a personal level, I watched how improving our own homes helped us build equity, move into larger spaces, and create places that truly reflected us. Interior design didn’t just add beauty; it created opportunity and meaning. After completing my Interior Design Master’s Certification at Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver, I launched my own design business, bringing together my creative instincts and industry experience to help others create spaces they truly love.
What made you decide to pursue interior design as a career?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt most like myself when I’m creating. Whether it was sewing, painting, or rearranging furniture, I’ve always loved the process of making a space more beautiful and more functional. Even during my career in real estate and mortgage, what energized me most was helping clients see the potential in a space.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t just want to guide people through the home-buying process. I wanted to help them fall in love with where they live. Interior design offered the perfect combination of creativity, purpose, and connection. Going back to school was both exciting and intimidating, but I knew it was the right step. I wanted to take something that had always come naturally to me and turn it into a professional, sustainable career. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What challenges did you face while building your career?
One of the biggest challenges was confidence, especially when transitioning into a new field. Even though I had years of experience working around homes, stepping into the professional design world required me to trust my instincts in a new way. Like many creatives, I sometimes struggled with self-doubt and comparison.
Another challenge was learning technical skills. Interior design isn’t just about having good taste, it requires knowledge of space planning, scale, construction, materials, and communication. HSID gave me that strong foundation, but even after graduating, I kept learning project by project.
Collaboration has been one of the most important factors in my growth. I co-founded Tandem Design Group with my business partner, Kim Bierman, whose background in construction and real estate brings incredible depth to our work. Our skills complement each other, and together we’ve built a practice rooted in trust, creativity, and shared values.
How did your experience at HSID prepare you for a career in design?
My time at Heritage School of Interior Design was exactly what I needed to step into the industry with confidence. I already had a creative foundation, but HSID gave me the technical training and professional structure to transform that passion into a career.
The program was fast-paced and thoughtfully designed. We covered everything from AutoCAD and Photoshop to space planning and portfolio development, all of which had immediate real-world application. I still refer back to the resources and presentations I saved.
What really stood out was the supportive, invested teaching staff. They pushed us to think like designers, helped us refine our voices, and prepared us to enter the industry with confidence and direction.
Tell us about your design business, Tandem Design Group.
I co-founded Tandem Design Group with my partner, Kim Bierman, and together we specialize in residential design across Colorado. We work on everything from remodels to new builds, and we especially love being brought in early to collaborate with architects and builders.
Our approach is rooted in creativity and collaboration. Kim and I bring different strengths to the table, her background in construction and real estate complements my marketing and design experience, allowing us to create homes that are both beautiful and functional. We also believe great design should be approachable and accessible, whether someone is redesigning a single room or building their dream home.
What has been one of your favorite recent projects?
One highlight this year was a home we completed in Basalt. From the beginning, we collaborated closely with the architect and builder, which allowed us to integrate design ideas seamlessly into the structure of the home. Being involved from the very start meant we could influence space planning, finishes, and custom details in a way that felt intentional and cohesive.
It was an incredibly rewarding project that reminded me why I love this work: creative collaboration, strong partnerships, and helping clients bring their dream homes to life.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Two pieces of advice stand out. The first is,
“Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
It might sound cliché, but it’s been true for me. Interior design doesn’t feel like work, it excites and energizes me every day.
The second is, “Don’t think, just do.” As someone who can get caught up in overthinking, this has pushed me to take action even when I don’t feel fully ready. So much of building a career is about trusting your gut, taking the leap, and figuring things out as you go.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being asked to share my story as a Heritage alumni success story has been an incredible honor, and it feels like such a full-circle moment.
I’m also proud that Tandem Design Group received the 2023 Best of Houzz Service award. Client experience is something we deeply value, so being recognized for that was very meaningful.
Beyond awards, the moments that stick with me most are personal ones: seeing a kitchen come together beautifully, watching a client light up over a detail we designed, or knowing we helped someone feel more at home in their space. Those moments are what make this work so fulfilling.
What are your goals for the future?
Right now, my focus is on growing Tandem Design Group, expanding our reach, refining our client experience, and continuing to collaborate with great partners. Looking ahead, I’d love to work on more ground-up projects, be involved from the earliest stages, and build a team that shares our values.
Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing in a way that feels aligned, inspired, and creatively fulfilling.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
I’m so grateful to be doing work I love and to have had the support of HSID, my business partner, and my community along the way. Interior design is such a powerful way to shape how people live, and I feel lucky to be part of that process.
Follow along Lisa’s Journey on her website www.tandemdesigngroup.com and instagram @tandemdesigngroup.