Design, Defined by Experience: An Interior Design Philosophy

A perspective on interior design with Heidi L. Tarzian

Interior design has always been part of Heidi L. Tarzian’s life, long before it became part of her professional work. When conversations turn to her perspective on design, it becomes clear that her path was never defined by a traditional trajectory. Instead, it has been shaped by instinct, experience, and a deep understanding of how people live and work within the spaces around them.

What stands out most when speaking with Heidi is not how she learned design, but how naturally it became part of everything she was already doing. Her background in law, her role as a co-founder, and her life as a mother all influenced the way she approaches spaces today, with intention, precision, and care.

You don’t have a formal background in interior design. How did you begin?

Interior design has been my passion since I was a little girl. What started as a personal interest naturally evolved through hands-on experience, renovating homes, leading full interior projects, and designing spaces for real people and real life. I began my career as a Paralegal, where precision and attention to detail were essential, and while raising a family and co-founding DeLauter, Inc., I was able to channel that same focus into creating thoughtful, functional, and beautiful spaces.

Her answer reflects the foundation of her approach today. Precision, attention to detail, and balance were present long before design became part of her professional world. Rather than separating her past experiences from her design work, Heidi views them as integral to how she creates spaces with intention and care.

How did you develop your design expertise?

By doing. Every project teaches me something new, from space planning and to material selection to understanding how a space should function day to day. I love a challenge and that real-world experience has been my greatest teacher. Each project strengthened my eye for detail and understanding of how people truly live in their spaces.

Experience, not theory, has been her greatest educator. Each project refined her instincts and reinforced her belief that design should be informed by how a space is actually used, not just how it appears on paper.

What is your approach to design?

I focus on creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, and livable. Design should feel intentional, comfortable, and reflect the people who live or work there, not just look appealing. Whether the project is large or small, the greatest reward to me is seeing my clients happy with the result.

This philosophy is consistent throughout her work. Heidi’s designs are grounded in usability and comfort, ensuring that beauty never comes at the expense of how a space functions day to day.

How would you describe your design style?

My design style is intentional and polished, elegant yet relaxed, creating spaces that feel beautiful, functional, and easy to work and live in.

Her aesthetic is defined by balance. Spaces feel refined without being rigid, elevated without losing warmth, and thoughtfully designed for real life.

What sets you apart as a designer?

My perspective is very detailed oriented and my intuition. I love a challenge. Because my path wasn’t traditional, I approach design with creativity, flexibility, and practicality. I listen closely to my client’s vision, and sometimes their difficulty explaining what they want, challenges me to bring ideas to them to help them decide on what they are envisioning.

Listening is central to her process. Heidi thrives in moments where ideas are still forming, using intuition and attention to detail to help clients clarify and confidently move forward with their vision.

What do you want clients to experience in your spaces?

I strive to create spaces, whether for DeLauter projects or residential clients, that feel effortless, functional, and personal. My goal is for every space to inspire comfort, reflect how people truly work and live, and provide a natural, welcoming flow that’s both beautiful and practical.

Her goal is never to overwhelm, but to support. Each space is designed to feel intuitive, welcoming, and aligned with how people actually live and work within it.

Simple question – what do you love about interior design?

Every. Single. Aspect. An Interior Design project is not just ‘another project’ or ‘my job’ to do. This is my passion, and I love every minute of it.

That passion is unmistakable. For Heidi L. Tarzian, interior design is not defined by credentials or convention, but by lived experience, intuition, and a genuine love for the craft. It is a perspective shaped over time and reflected in every space she creates.