Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Zumwalt.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Design, in all forms, has long been a personal fascination of mine. Earlier in my career, I held creative leadership roles in the tech industry, where my work centered on brand strategy and storytelling. I also led creative direction on productions, overseeing all elements—including set design—to build visual environments that brought the stories of our characters to life. Over time, I became increasingly interested in how those same ideas translate into physical space.
I’ve also spent a great deal of time traveling, and those experiences deeply shaped how I think about space. Some places stay with you because of how they make you feel. The architecture, the streets, the rhythm of daily life—together they create a sense of belonging. I became fascinated by environments that evoke that feeling, from beautifully designed hotels to restaurants whose atmosphere lingers in your memory. I began translating those observations into my own home, experimenting with how a space could create that same sense of atmosphere and connection. Before long, people around me began asking for help with their spaces as well.
This immediately sparked the entrepreneurial spirit I’ve always had. When I was twelve, I started a small fashion magazine in my neighborhood—recruiting friends as editors, photographers, and contributors. I paid them in quarters, and took the whole operation very seriously. Looking back, it was certainly an early expression of my love for storytelling and beauty. That instinct eventually led me to launch Opal & Brass Atelier, my interior design studio focused on creating thoughtful, wellness-centered environments across residential and commercial spaces. Today, I’ve channeled my creative pursuits to focus on how an our environment directly supports our ability to thrive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly hasn’t been a perfectly smooth path. Early on, one of my biggest challenges was simply supporting myself while pursuing the things I cared about. I worked my way through college while earning a poetry degree, which was a deeply meaningful pursuit but not the most conventional path toward financial stability. Without much of a safety net, I felt a strong responsibility to build that stability for myself, which ultimately led me to commit fully to my corporate career.
That chapter gave me valuable experience and security, but over time I realized I wasn’t thriving in an environment that left little room for the creativity and individuality that have always driven me. Choosing to step away from that path and pursue something more aligned with who I am required a great deal of courage. Even when you feel almost ready, there’s always a leap of faith involved.
I also moved to Colorado during the pandemic, so building a professional network here has taken time—but it’s also been incredibly rewarding to grow roots in a new community while building my design studio.
Looking back, those experiences shaped the way I approach both my work and my life. Supporting myself from a young age taught me resilience and independence, while my background in poetry continues to influence how I think about storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional resonance in design. It also reinforced something I believe deeply today—that the most meaningful spaces, much like meaningful careers, are the ones that reflect who we truly are.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Opal & Brass Atelier, I focus on designing spaces that exude a sense of permanence and joy. I’m deeply interested in how the spaces we inhabit shape our daily experiences in subtle but powerful ways. A well-designed environment can influence how we feel, how we connect with others, and how grounded we feel in our lives.
My approach begins with storytelling. Every project starts with understanding the people who will inhabit the space—their rhythms, their values, and the atmosphere they want to create around them. Designing someone’s environment is inherently intimate, so I spend a great deal of time getting to know my clients. Understanding how someone lives, what inspires them, and how they want a space to feel becomes the foundation for the design.
Over time, I’ve become known for the depth of that collaboration. I see design as a deeply human process—one rooted in curiosity, listening, and trust. The goal is always to create spaces that feel authentic to the people who inhabit them.
I often describe my design philosophy as unapologetic. The most compelling spaces embrace both the architecture they inhabit and the individuality of the people who use them. Too often design drifts toward a kind of sterility—spaces that feel interchangeable or cautious. I’m far more interested in interiors that feel layered, expressive, and full of character.
I also believe strongly in the power and necessity of beauty. Beauty is sometimes dismissed as superficial, but thoughtfully designed environments remind us that it plays an essential role in our wellbeing. At a fundamental level, people want to feel seen, and the spaces we inhabit are one of the most powerful ways we express who we are. I’m also drawn to the unexpected. I love introducing moments of play into spaces—elements that surprise or delight, but are held with care and sophistication. The environments that stay with us are often the ones that allow for a sense of wonder.
The spaces we design also hold the most meaningful moments of people’s lives. Homes are where families gather, where people experience joy, heartbreak, setbacks, and sanctuary. Even commercial spaces—while less intimate—still shape how we thrive in our daily lives and the way we move through the world. What I’m most proud of is helping people discover that connection to their spaces, and ultimately themselves.
What’s next?
The future of Opal & Brass Atelier feels wide open. I’m excited to continue growing the studio and taking on projects that allow for deeper creativity and collaboration.
In many ways, this still feels like just the beginning. Since starting my studio, my creativity has felt incredibly expansive, and I’m excited to keep channeling that energy into my work. Each project presents a new opportunity to explore ideas, collaborate with clients, and create spaces that feel personal, thoughtful, and full of character. I’m also excited to continue developing my voice as a designer and contributing a perspective to the industry that feels distinctly my own.
One of the most rewarding parts of the journey so far has been the people I’ve met along the way. Building relationships with clients, partners, and vendors in Colorado has felt like an ongoing process of community-building, and it’s something I genuinely love about this work.
I’m always looking forward to the next project and the next collaboration, especially opportunities that align with my philosophy and allow for meaningful, expressive design. The goal is to keep building a studio that creates spaces people feel deeply connected to and inspired by every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Opalbrassatelier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opal.brass.atelier/
Image Credits
Profile photo by Lizzy Rollins
Office photo by Rae Scott Photo
