At Heritage School of Interior Design, our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences, passions, and perspectives to the classroom. In this Student Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce Veronica Lang, whose journey from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the streets of Rome has shaped a deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and thoughtful design. Read on to learn more about her path to interior design and how she’s weaving her love of travel, language, and bold spaces into her future career.
1. Can you tell us about where you’re from and your background before coming to HSID?
I was born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I studied English Literature and Italian in college, and during that time, I fell in love with the Italian language and European culture. I was determined to become fluent in a second language, so after graduating, I moved abroad and ended up in Rome. While there, I worked as an academic event planner and administrative assistant. I’ve also dabbled in copyediting, proofreading, and branding.
2. What sparked your interest in interior design?
While working in administrative roles, I often found myself wanting to explore my creative side more deeply. Living in Rome, I was constantly surrounded by beautiful spaces, and I became fascinated by how design influences the way people feel and interact. When I started looking for a new career path, I explored several creative industries and ultimately discovered interior design, which felt like the perfect fit.
3. What made you choose Heritage for your design education?
I looked into a range of educational options, and HSID immediately stood out as a strong choice for launching a career in design. I wasn’t interested in pursuing another four-year degree, and since I didn’t have prior experience in the field, many other post-secondary programs weren’t a good fit. What drew me to HSID was its focused, accelerated format and the fact that no previous experience was required. The more I learned, the more confident I felt that it was the right place for me and my experience so far has absolutely confirmed that.
4. What are your goals for your future in interior design?
I’d love to find a way to incorporate my passion for Italy into my future work, whether that’s sourcing materials, collaborating with Italian-based companies, or something I haven’t even discovered yet. I’m also really drawn to restaurant and boutique design, which I think offers space for bold, playful, and creative concepts.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me. I love seeing how different cultures express their unique design styles – there’s always something new to learn by stepping outside your own perspective. I’m also drawn to color and nature, especially naturally occurring bright tones like the orange of a flower or the clear blue of the sea.
6. Is there a design detail or idea that especially excites you?
I love the idea that windows and doors can act as frames, drawing your eye to a beautiful view or another element of the space. It’s such a simple, elegant way to highlight the beauty that already exists.