Inspiring Conversations with Jamie Herring of Herring Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Herring.

Jamie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started one day in my first year in Veterinary Medicine School. I was prepping a German Shepard for surgery and thought, “do I really want to do this for the rest of my life”? Confused and unknown about my future, I visited a friend of mine at her Interior Design Studio. The first moment I walked in, I said “YES”! This is what I want to do. I was born to do this. I found my passion. The next day I went to my counselor and dropped out of the Veterinary Medicine program. Three years, my first publication in the Journal of Interior Design as an undergrad, a Bachelor & Master’s Degree later, I was an Interior Designer. And little did I know what an amazing path this career would lead me on!!

A year after I graduated, I transferred within the Seattle Firm I was working at to a position in their Boston Office. Two hockey bags and a one-way ticket, I said bye to everything I had known in Washington and landed in Boston. I had never been before in my life. No family. No friends. Just my curiosity for the unknown and my “I am going to change the world” attitude. Four months later, I was offered a position at my dream firm, Gensler, and life never seemed rosier. I learned so much from my team and colleagues at the Big “G” and even met the founder, Art who always had time to say hello and teach you a thing or two. Such an amazing time and it was my first real big grown-up job. I stayed in Boston for four years but knew it was time to move on and head back home. I had plans to join the Seattle office of Gensler, but when I returned to Washington, the economy tanked. Everyone was getting laid off. No Interior Design jobs were to be found. The bright side? Well, at least I could live at home. So I did.

To make ends meet, I took two jobs, a Barista for Starbucks and a front-end cashier at Lowes. I would wake up at 3:30 every morning to be at Starbucks for the opening shift, work until 12:30, go home, shower and be at Lowe’s for my 2-10 pm shift. I did that for three months when finally, my new adventure called. An interior design position with JPC Architects. So, I hung up my aprons and re-entered my dearly beloved profession. I was with JPC for five years & the experience and knowledge I gained is indescribable. I credit JPC for all that I now know. My projects were beautiful, my colleagues became my closest friends, and my skillset and knowledge soared.

But one thing I didn’t know was how to play by the rules. I broke a lot of them. Sometimes it was good and sometimes it was bad. My thirst and spark were fading. I was no longer happy in the corporate world – and so I broke away. I gave my two weeks’ notice and ventured out, again, to seek what would fulfill my thirst for Design. And so, my own Interior Design business, HERRING DESIGN, began. It was hard at first, but then it grew. And grew some more. And continued to grow. Strangers became clients – who became friends and my soul was on fire. I was reignited. And now, six years later. Another move landing me in Tempe. A new city and all new experiences await. And I can’t wait to get started!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today resembles a road that sees the changing seasons of every year. Sometimes it was smooth and flat with the sun shining on the horizon. Other times, it’s was a twisty winding, pot-holed filled, gravel riddled rainy thundering mess. (Laughing). I faced some great months financially and other months of financial uncertainty. It’s the constant wondering where is my next client waiting and how do I get to them. I think I struggle the most with always wanting to be the best at what I do. And so, I have sacrificed some personal ambitions because my business was more important. I need to remember that while I love what I do, I only have one life. So, as much as I want to fulfill every need of my business, I will need to fulfill myself too!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about HERRING DESIGN?
HERRING DESIGN is a boutique design studio based in Tempe, Arizona and offers commercial & luxury home remodels & residential improvements throughout the surrounding areas of Phoenix.

As the owner and principal Interior Designer, I’ve changed the rules of interior design. My motto is simple; I create interiors for your lifestyle – not mine, nor what you see on TV or social media. I always say let a particular style influence you as a guide & then let’s “design your style outside of the norm”. Your space should be unique and reflective of your own personality & style. It’s your style that makes your home a home, and well, it just defines you. I don’t follow trends nor cookie-cutter repeats. I want to know your passion, what defines you, what excites you and bring to you a balance of those needs with a timeless aesthetic.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Life is short. Love what you do and do what you love. Take a gamble. Take chances. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be because I took risks and broke a lot of rules and I never settled. I tell that to anyone who asks. Never be afraid of the unknown. If it “scares” you in some little way, then I think it’s what your meant to do. I wouldn’t change a single thing about my path and forever thankful for taking a leap of faith.

Contact Info:

• Email: jamie@herring-design.com
• Website: https://www.herring-design.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herring_design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamie.herringdesign
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/herring-design-tempe?osq=herring+design
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jamie_herringdesign