Meet Ulrika, a former finance professional turned interior designer, whose global upbringing, bold career shift, and dedication to creativity brought her from spreadsheets to space planning.

We sat down with Ulrika to talk about how she transitioned into interior design, the challenges she overcame, and how her time at the Heritage School of Interior Design helped her launch a new, fulfilling career.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to interior design?

I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden and have lived all over the world—including Madrid, Mexico City, Charlottesville, San Francisco, and now Portland. Living in such diverse places has deeply inspired my design work and given me a broad, global perspective.

Professionally, I hold a master’s degree in finance and spent years in investment banking and investments, advising high-profile executives on strategic decisions. People often see analytical and creative mindsets as opposites, but I believe they complement each other. I’m just as passionate about a good financial model as I am about a beautifully designed room!

In 2020, I moved to the U.S. and decided it was time to pursue my lifelong passion for interior design.

What inspired you to make interior design your career?

Interior design has always been part of my life. As a child, I would rearrange my room, pick out furniture and fabrics, and even create my own artwork to match my décor. Making that passion my profession just felt right.

Also, with two young kids and my family overseas in Sweden, I needed more flexibility than my finance career allowed. Interior design not only gives me creative satisfaction but also a better work-life balance.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?

Leaving a successful finance career that I had worked so hard to build was not an easy decision. There were definitely moments of doubt. But I truly love interior design, and every time I’m deep in a project, I know I made the right choice.

Starting over in a new country while also raising a family brought its own set of challenges. During my time at HSID, I gave birth to my second child, who refused to be apart from me! I often worked on my computer with one arm while holding her in the other. Thankfully, she’s much more independent now!

How did your time at HSID prepare you for a design career?

My time at Heritage has transformed me both professionally and personally. The practical knowledge I gained through hands-on projects and learning all the technical skills has given me the confidence to take on client work with assurance. Beyond the technical aspects, navigating Portland’s diverse showrooms (and learning to drive along the way), connecting with the design community, and receiving guidance from my instructors will all be invaluable throughout my career. My instructor in commercial design even helped me connect with an architect for potential design projects, which I’m very grateful for!

What kinds of projects are you working on now?

Right now, I’m juggling several exciting projects: a large affordable housing development in New Mexico, a high-end residential remodel in Portland, and an apartment clubhouse in Kansas City.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve received is: “Not everything needs to be perfect.”

As a perfectionist, I still struggle with that, but am continuing to work on it!

Are there any accomplishments you’re especially proud of?

I’m really proud of completing a full interior design set, including all the specifications and technical drawings, for a large new development. That’s something I couldn’t have done without the education and support I received at HSID.

What are your future goals as a designer?

I started my own firm while I was still at HSID, thanks to some early client projects. Looking ahead, I’d love to join a great design firm and collaborate with a team on exciting, creative projects. Ultimately, my dream is to work with inspiring clients on fun and meaningful designs.

To follow Ulrika’s work journey, visit her website www.ulrikainteriors.com or Instagram @ulrikainteriors