Meet Grace Simmering

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Simmering.

Grace, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Looking back, it’s clear that interior design has always been my calling. My parents allowed me to decorate (and redecorate) my room many times over as a child, and I may have been the only freshman at my university who coordinated a fully designed dorm room with their roommate! However, it took years for me to pursue interior design as a career. I wasn’t even aware that there were professionals designing the spaces I adored – I think I just assumed the occupants were as particular about design as I was.

After graduating with a Mass Communications degree, I spent seven years working in the advertising industry. Although I was able to flex my creative muscles, I still felt an itch for something else and spent all of my free time obsessing over interior design. I diligently worked on my own home and helped friends and family with theirs. My husband finally persuaded me to go all-in on my passion. I went back to school to learn the technical side of the industry and I’m so happy to have that foundation now.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge for me was landing my first interior design job after I graduated. I had my two children while I was in school. I pushed myself and made sacrifices to graduate on-time, but I wasn’t able to swing an internship. That left me without connections in the design world to get the ball rolling after graduation. So I had to get creative. I fine-tuned my brand, my website, and my portfolio.

I researched interior designers and architecture firms and made a list of my top 5 dream places to work. Then I got in my car drove to each one and made a pitch for a job. I got a call back from all but one. I landed at Chalet, one of the top high-end residential architecture firms in Denver. I could not have asked for a better opportunity. They fine tuned my skills and taught me more about construction and architectural details than I ever thought I’d need to know. It’s that knowledge and attention to detail that sets me apart now.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Grace Simmering Interior Design is a full-service residential interior design firm. My professional experience is heavily weighted in the bones of the home or “hard finishes”. From tile plans, cabinetry and carpentry drawings, to plumbing and lighting schedules, I provide contractors with everything they need to execute the design for my clients.

But I also have a passion in furniture and fabrics. It’s those elements along with art curation and tasteful accessorizing that turn a beautiful house into a home. I strongly believe that architecture and interior design cannot be successful without the other. Having the experience with both elements allows me to develop a comprehensive design for my clients all in one place.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Absolutely not! I truly believe all of our experiences are essential for building well-rounded character and success. Sure, if I had recognized my passion early and put it towards my first degree I may have saved some time in this journey. But having a second chance to get it right makes me so much more grateful and determined not to squander my opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 303.968.1242
• Email: grace@gracesimmeringinteriors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracesimmeringinteriors/

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