Dan Flores, a current Master’s program student at HSID Denver, took a unique path to find his way to Interior Design. After earning his undergraduate degree from The College of New Jersey in Science in Criminology, he worked for a Prosecutor’s Office. After deciding that was not for him, he moved to Philadelphia and joined the Air Force. Dan’s role in the Air Force is Emergency Manager, managing whatever emergency may arise, ranging from an attack to a natural disaster. His specialty is in CBRN, biological, radiological, and nuclear.
When Dan returned from deployment, he had ample free time to decide what he wanted to do next with his life. He was applying to most office jobs and knew his pursuit would not provide him with career happiness. He reflected on his success in designing two restaurants he opened and owned while living in Texas, which inspired him to pursue design. “Customers would come in and ask who designed the place. When I would tell them it was me, they would ask me to come design their homes. That’s when I realized I had missed my calling.”
He started looking up schools for interior design. Aware that he did not want to go back to school for another four years, he was excited when he found Heritage. He was already interested in moving to Denver since he had met some great friends on deployment who lived in Denver, so the opportunity to move out here, pursue interior design, and see them was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Dan describes his time at Heritage busy but 100% worth it. He describes the instructors as understanding, flexible and supportive. He appreciates that the course has opened his eyes to what interior design encompasses. His time in the program has helped him determine what he likes and does not like regarding possible career paths within the industry. And he has made some fantastic friends in the course too!
After completing the program, Dan would love to work on luxury residential or commercial projects with high-end budgets. He loves the idea of working on commercial projects that leave a mark on a city and that he can experience for himself after the project’s completion. Dan also hopes to use this career to travel to new places because design is everywhere, and he is no stranger to moving around. He is excited to see where this career will take him. So are we and Dan, thank you for your service!!!