Featured in the Fall/Christmas issue of Heritage Design Magazine!
Born and raised on a farm in the heart of Illinois, Kate King’s journey to interior design has been one of creativity, courage, and reinvention. After a decade-long career in merchandising and buying, and a bold move across states, Kate found her true calling in transforming spaces. Today, she’s thriving as Design Director at a design-build firm in Boulder, Colorado, while also building her own business, Kate King Designs. We’re thrilled to feature her inspiring story and beautiful work in the Fall/Christmas issue of Heritage Design Magazine, as well as our blog!
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Colorado?
I was born and raised on a farm in the middle of Illinois and went to college in Michigan, where I met my husband. After a few years of marriage, we decided to move to Colorado, and it’s been home for the last 11 years.
Before attending HSID, I spent 10 years in the merchandising and buying world.
What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design?
My husband and I “accidentally” flipped a few houses early in our marriage, and by the time we were on our third home, I realized how much I loved interior design.
During COVID, I was co-founder and operating manager of a small shop, and that time was incredibly difficult. I hit a point where I realized I was in the wrong field and decided to pivot and go back to school for interior design.
What challenges did you face while making that career transition?
I had to overcome a lot of internal doubt, fear, and negative self-talk about whether I could make this dream a reality. Accepting that the shop I had created wasn’t going to work, and realizing that it was okay to fail and reinvent myself, was a huge step forward for me.
How did your experience at HSID help prepare you for a design career?
HSID was a game changer. Being in my mid-30s, I didn’t want to go back to school for 2–4 years or pay that kind of tuition, so Heritage School of Interior Design made the most sense.
I’m a self-starter, and Heritage gave me the tools I needed to jump into this world. Learning key software programs like AutoCAD and SketchUp, understanding the design process, developing my portfolio, and honing my natural design instincts were all invaluable experiences that set me up for success.
Tell us about your current work and what you’re most passionate about.
I currently work for a design-build firm, Tectonic Builds, as the Design Director. I’ve had the immense honor of growing with this company for over three and a half years and helping to develop their design process and standards.
I’m also in the process of building my own interior design business, Kate King Designs (KKD).
What is the vision behind Kate King Designs?
As an entrepreneur at heart, I’ve dreamt of starting my own business for years, and I’m finally dipping my toes in! At KKD, my focus is on transforming the foundational elements of a home.
Some designers love the furniture and soft goods aspect of the business, but I’ve always been drawn to the hard finishes—tile, cabinetry, lighting, countertops, and more. My passion is kitchens and baths because they’re such pivotal and impactful spaces in any home.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Edit to amplify.
My mentor and former boss shared that phrase with me years ago, and I’ve carried it with me ever since.
In design, I believe restraint and editing are key—whether it’s your process, concept generation, or material selections. More isn’t always more.
Can you share a proud career moment or accomplishment?
For my first full home remodel, I had the opportunity to renovate a unique octagon house in Nederland originally built by prominent modernist architect Hobart Wagener. It was incredibly rewarding to bring my own design perspective to the space while honoring Wagener’s original architecture and meeting our clients’ needs.
Seeing the home in its final state and hearing our clients’ heartfelt feedback brought tears to my eyes—it was such a proud and affirming moment.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to continue growing and developing my skills—it’s a lifelong journey.
I hope to see Kate King Designs flourish, design some of the dream homes on my bucket list, and eventually build or renovate our future retirement home.
See Kate’s feature in the Fall/Christmas issue of Heritage Design Magazine.
Learn more about Heritage School of Interior Design Denver here!
