As an interior designer, one of the things I love most about my work is that no two projects are ever quite the same. Every space brings its own opportunities, challenges, and stories waiting to be told.
While much of my work at Gold & Oak Design Co. centers around residential interiors, designing commercial spaces like Project Heaven Hill has allowed me to approach the design process from a different perspective.
At first glance, designing a family home and a professional healthcare environment might seem like two completely different worlds. And in many ways, they are. But the more I work across both, the more I'm reminded that the principles behind thoughtful design remain remarkably similar.
It's about understanding the people, honoring the purpose of the space, and creating something that feels as beautiful as it is functional.
Understanding Who the Space Is For
In residential design, my process begins with getting to know the people who will call the space home.
I want to understand how they live, how they gather, what they value, and how they envision their home evolving over time. Every family has its own routines, traditions, and preferences, and those details play an important role in shaping the design. Commercial design requires that same level of understanding, but the perspective becomes broader.
With Project Heaven Hill, I wasn't designing for one individual or family. I was considering the needs of a business, the team working within it, and the patients experiencing the space throughout the day.
The questions naturally shifted. How should someone feel when they first walk through the doors? How can the design support the team's daily workflow? What elements can help create a sense of comfort and confidence in an environment where patients may already feel uneasy?
While the answers may look different from those of a residential project, the starting point remains the same: understanding the people who will use the space and designing with their experience in mind.
Different Priorities, Thoughtful Solutions
One of the biggest differences between residential and commercial design is how functionality influences the decisions being made.
In a home, functionality is often centered around the way a family lives. A kitchen might need to accommodate both everyday meals and holiday gatherings. A living room may need to feel elegant enough for entertaining while remaining comfortable for quiet evenings at home. These decisions are deeply personal, shaped by the lifestyles and preferences of the people who live there.
In commercial design, functionality introduces another layer of considerations. The movement of people throughout the space, the demands of daily operations, the durability of materials, and the relationship between public and private areas all become essential parts of the planning process.
For Project Heaven Hill, this meant thinking carefully about the journey patients would take through the office, while also considering the practical needs of the professionals working there. It's a balance that requires creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail.
And although the priorities may differ, I approach both types of projects with the same belief: beautiful design should never come at the expense of how a space functions.
Creating a Feeling, Not Just a Beautiful Space
Whether I'm designing a residence or a commercial interior, I always come back to one question: How do I want people to feel when they enter this space? In a home, that feeling might be warmth, familiarity, or a sense of belonging. I want a space to feel collected and personal, with layers of character that reflect the people who live there.
For a commercial project like Heaven Hill, the desired feeling was different, but equally important.
The goal was to create an atmosphere that felt luxurious, calming, and welcoming. A space where patients could feel comfortable and where the design reflected the professionalism and care behind the practice. That emotional connection is something I believe every well-designed space should offer.
Materials, lighting, architectural details, and the overall flow of a room all contribute to how we experience our surroundings. They can create a sense of ease, establish a mood, and leave a lasting impression. It's one of the reasons I believe interior design is about so much more than selecting beautiful finishes. It's about creating an experience.
The Importance of Collaboration
Another aspect of design that carries across both residential and commercial projects is the importance of collaboration.
Every successful project is the result of people bringing their knowledge, experience, and creativity together. In residential design, that often means working closely with homeowners, builders, architects, and skilled trades to bring a family's vision to life. Commercial projects require that same collaborative spirit, with additional consideration given to the operational and technical requirements of the business.
Throughout Project Heaven Hill, working alongside the client and talented teams at Denco and AZWoodworks helped bring the design vision into reality. From the initial planning to the execution of custom details, each part of the process required communication and thoughtful coordination.
I have always believed that the people behind a project are just as important as the finished result. The craftsmanship, care, and shared commitment to doing things well are what make truly special spaces possible.
One Philosophy, Many Possibilities
Working across residential and commercial design has only strengthened my appreciation for the relationship between beauty and purpose.
A family home and a healthcare office may serve entirely different needs, but both deserve to be thoughtfully designed. Both should reflect the people behind them. Both should function effortlessly while offering something meaningful to those who experience them. And in both, I believe the smallest details can make the greatest difference.
Project Heaven Hill has been a wonderful opportunity to apply the design principles I value in a new setting, while continuing to explore the possibilities that come with creating spaces beyond the home.
Because whether I'm designing a place to live, work, or welcome others, my philosophy remains the same.
Create with intention. Design with purpose. And make every space feel like it truly belongs to the people it was created for.
Gold & Oak Design Co. specializes in timeless residential and commercial interiors, thoughtfully designed to bring beauty, function, and lasting character to every space.