For years, Madeline built a successful career in tech while quietly wondering what life might look like if she pursued her true passion: interior design. After reaching a major career milestone and realizing she wanted something more aligned with her values, she made the courageous decision to start over. With the support of HSID, she transformed a lifelong dream into a thriving new career in design.
What was your career path prior to HSID?
Prior to Heritage School of Interior Design, I was a Chief of Staff at a tech startup, which is essentially a role focused on business operations and project management. I spent 10 years in the tech industry and worked at companies of all sizes, from large organizations to small startups.
Why did you decide to pursue interior design as your career?
This decision was years in the making. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming an interior designer. When I started college, Interior Design was actually my original major before I switched to Communication and Human Development.
As I entered the workforce and continued building my career in tech, I found myself constantly daydreaming about interior design. Over the last 10 years, there were several times when I looked into attending HSID and making the career pivot, but I was always scared. It felt like starting over. Once I finally made the decision to follow my dream, though, I never looked back.
What challenges did you have to overcome to get where you are today?
When I became a Chief of Staff in 2024, it was a major career milestone. However, it quickly became clear that the role required me to make myself and my ideas small, to shrink who I was in order to fit into a culture that didn’t align with me. I had to trust my gut that something wasn’t right.
I realized that in a complex situation, the best thing I could do was take my fate into my own hands because it was the only thing I could control. I knew my experience in business operations and managing multiple projects simultaneously would translate well into a career in interior design, so I put my head down and mapped out a year-long exit plan.
Balancing school with a full-time job wasn’t easy, but I held on to how good I felt when I was in class and how excited I was about this new path. Designing gave me energy and confidence during a time when I felt stripped of both. That feeling carried me through a really challenging chapter of my life.
Tell us a little about your experience at HSID and how it prepared you for a design career.
Attending HSID was the best decision I made. The flexible learning environment, coupled with the hands-on curriculum, created such an immersive and empowering experience. My classes and professors were amazing and cultivated an environment that made learning so much fun. Everyone was cheering for your success, from the instructors to your classmates.
Everything we learned was designed to mimic real-world experiences as closely as possible, and HSID absolutely nailed it. Truly everything in class prepared me to step into the interior design world and hit the ground running on day one of my job.
I never felt scared of getting something wrong. There were no “wrong answers,” only different perspectives and opportunities to learn. Every lesson helped further refine my designer’s tool belt. On top of that, the school is incredibly connected within the Seattle design community and Seattle Design Center, which made meeting trade vendors feel approachable and accessible.
What is your current or upcoming design-related job?
As a Jr. Designer at Mckith Interiors, I work on a combination of residential and commercial projects, which keeps things exciting. For example, I’m currently working with a builder to create design schemes for a development project, selecting all of the hard surfaces, lighting, and finishes. At the same time, I’m working with residential clients on furniture plans and renovation projects.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
For a while, I struggled with analysis paralysis. I wasn’t sure how to pivot my career, and I questioned whether I could manage going back to school while working full-time.
During that time, a mentor asked me to write down my top three to five core values and honestly evaluate whether I was living them at work. When I looked at the list, I realized I wasn’t. In fact, it became clear that succeeding in that environment would require me to compromise almost all of them.
That exercise showed me that staying true to myself would always guide me in the right direction. The real risk wasn’t taking the leap. The real risk was staying in a career that didn’t align with who I am and what I value.
Today, I show up in my career and my life as the same person: 100% authentic, guided by my values, and able to be the best version of myself for every client.
Any accomplishments or proud moments you’d like to share?
Taking on my first client completely solo less than two months into my new job.
What are your future career goals as an interior designer?
I’d love to have my own firm one day. The dream is to build a multi-faceted business that combines interior design, real estate investments, and a small curated shop and studio featuring antiques.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re considering making a career pivot and enrolling at HSID, go for it. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring a career change, pursuing a lifelong passion, or taking the next step in your creative journey, HSID provides the education, support, and industry connections to help you succeed.