Heidi
Principal Designer, Owner of HSID, sports lover and the reason why we are all here.
My love of beautiful spaces didn’t start in design school. It started at fifteen, when I took a job at a tile studio in Southern California and discovered something that would shape the rest of my life: the quiet, almost magical power of a well-designed room.
That early spark led me to study graphic design, an education that took me through art history, hand drafting to scale, watercolor, weaving, and the foundational language of design. After graduating from college in 1989, I began working at one of the best interior design studios in Portland as a design assistant. For eight years I immersed myself in the craft alongside some of the best in the business, developing the eye, the instincts, and the deep trade relationships that I carry with me to this day. In 1997, I opened my own studio. And I’ve never looked back.
Nearly thirty years later, a few things about this work still light me up every single day. I love the puzzle of each space: the unique challenges, the creative problem-solving, and yes, the deeply satisfying moment when everything clicks into place. There’s a lot of psychology involved in truly understanding what a client wants and needs from their home, and I find that process endlessly fascinating. Every project is different. Every family is different. And that keeps this work feeling fresh and exciting no matter how many years I’ve been doing it.
What I believe, at the core of everything, is that your home should hold your life beautifully. It should feel nurturing and cozy, warm and inviting, clean, organized, and so thoughtfully designed that every room just works. Not just visually, but emotionally. The details matter to me deeply: the placement of a single piece of art, the pattern of a floor tile, the seam in a mirror. Those aren't afterthoughts. They’re what separate a room that’s finished from a room that’s truly alive.
I’m also, proudly, a total organization nerd, which means my clients get not just beautiful design, but a process that’s clear, communicative, and actually enjoyable. No surprises. No stress. Just the steady, exciting progress of watching your dream home come to life.
And that moment, when a client sees their finished space for the first time? That never gets old.
Gretchen
Bookkeeper, foodie and former floral arrangement specialist
“I have had the good fortune to work in creative environments all of my working life. I enjoy Interior Design for many reasons: color, texture, and detail-driven outcomes. I especially LOVE how many times a day my co-workers say – “oh, that is so pretty” – often in unison. They see beauty in so many things. It is inspiring to watch the process unfold, each project with a unique inspiration.”
Julia
Interior Designer
“I feel so thankful that life led me to the interior design industry! I’ve always been drawn to two things: bright colors and people’s homes. I would beg my parents from way too young of an age to stop at every open house we passed. I loved taking a deeper look into how people live in and style their personal spaces and really began to realize how much a physical space affects one’s mental space. Interior design to me is a form of self expression; it is less about rules and more about how it personally resonates with a client while also making them want to scream because it is so gorgeous!”
Shirlee
Interior Designer
“Interior design has always called to me. It started with the chronic rearranging of my childhood bedroom. I then studied Interior Design at Oregon State University. My time at OSU brought me friendships, challenges, and exposure to an extremely creative community. I am passionate about design history, vintage shopping, and handmade goods. Forming relationships with clients and making their dreams a reality is deeply rewarding and so, so fun!”
Jordan
Social Media & Marketing
“Jordan is the creative force behind A Creative Approach, a multidisciplinary studio where design, storytelling, and strategy meet. With a background spanning interior styling, branding, and social media management, Jordan brings an intuitive eye for detail and a genuine love for all things creative.
Through A Creative Approach, she helps brands like Heidi Semler Interior Design shine online. Curating visuals, writing captions that connect, and building communities around beautiful design. Her approach blends creativity with intention to tell stories that feel personal, grounded, and real.
When she’s not creating content, you’ll probably find her styling a space, hunting for thrifted treasures, or watching the latest thriller in theaters.”