Her Story
About DeLisa
She is a creative and detail-oriented interior design professional with over a decade of experience transforming residential spaces through thoughtful design, space planning, and project management. Currently serving as Principal Designer at Hill Haven Homes & Renovations, she leads design projects from concept to completion, overseeing architectural coordination, FF&E selections, contractor scheduling, and budget management. Prior to this role, she owned Haute Haven Home Design, where she specialized in new construction and remodeling projects including kitchen and bath designs, decorating, and space planning. Her career also includes over seven years as an Interior Designer at Design Consultant, where she worked closely with clients to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe environments while managing vendor relationships, ordering, and project timelines. She gained additional experience as an Interior Design Intern at Jauregui Architect Builder Interiors and as a Realtor at Coldwell Banker United. She holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Interior Design from Lone Star College, where she was recognized on the President's Honor List and inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and holds a Realtor License from Champion School of Real Estate. She is recognized as a creative, client-focused professional who combines strong technical skills in AutoCAD and Chief Architect with a passion for bringing design visions to life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with DeLisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong passion for art, design, and continuous learning. From an early age, I was drawn to the way thoughtful design can influence how people live and experience a space. That passion has only grown stronger throughout my career.
Traveling has also had a profound impact on my work. Experiencing different cultures, architectural styles, and historic landmarks has broadened my perspective and inspired me to incorporate timeless design principles with fresh, innovative ideas. I have a deep appreciation for history, and I believe understanding the past allows me to create spaces that are both meaningful and enduring.
Equally important is my commitment to listening to my clients. Every project is unique, and I enjoy collaborating with homeowners to understand their vision, lifestyle, and goals. Combining creativity with attention to detail and thoughtful planning allows me to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and personalized.
Ultimately, I believe my success comes from genuine passion, a strong work ethic, and a desire to continually grow as a designer while creating homes that positively impact the lives of the families who live in them.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I can offer is to never give up on your dreams or your passion. Success doesn't happen overnight, but the dedication, perseverance, and hard work you invest will be rewarded. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this profession is building meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues and watching a vision evolve into a beautiful reality. Stay committed to your craft, continue learning, and trust that your passion and persistence will lead to lasting success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to a young woman entering the design industry is to believe in your abilities, stay curious, and never stop learning. Design is constantly evolving, so be willing to embrace new ideas, technologies, and experiences while continuing to build on the fundamentals.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek out mentors, and learn from those with more experience. Every project, challenge, and client interaction is an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Most importantly, stay true to your own design perspective. While it's important to understand trends, the most successful designers create spaces that are timeless, functional, and authentic to their clients rather than simply following what's popular.
Success in this industry comes from passion, perseverance, and integrity. Work hard, communicate well, build strong relationships, and always deliver your best. Your reputation will become one of your greatest assets, and over time, your dedication and commitment to excellence will open doors you never imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the interior design industry today is balancing client expectations with rising construction costs, material availability, and project timelines. Clients have access to endless inspiration through social media and design platforms, which has elevated expectations, but it can also create unrealistic assumptions about budgets and schedules. A significant part of my role is helping clients understand the design process, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions that align with both their vision and their investment.
Another challenge is staying current in an industry that is constantly evolving. New materials, technologies, sustainability practices, and design trends emerge every year, so it's important to continually learn and adapt while maintaining a timeless design approach that won't quickly become outdated.
Despite these challenges, I believe they also create opportunities. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, and stronger collaboration with clients, architects, builders, and trade professionals. At the end of the day, the most rewarding part of my work is taking those challenges and transforming them into spaces that are beautiful, functional, and uniquely tailored to the people who call them home.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, creativity, faith, relationships, and excellence.
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. I believe in being honest, transparent, and treating every client, colleague, and trade partner with respect. Building trust is just as important as creating a beautiful space.
Creativity is what inspires me every day. I've always had a passion for art, architecture, and history, and I enjoy transforming ideas into timeless designs that are both beautiful and functional.
Relationships are equally important to me. Some of the most rewarding parts of my career have been getting to know my clients, understanding how they live, and creating homes that truly reflect their lifestyles. The lasting relationships built along the way are often just as meaningful as the finished project.
I also value excellence and lifelong learning. The design industry is constantly evolving, and I believe it's important to continue growing, embracing new ideas and technology, while never losing sight of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Above all, my faith and my family keep me grounded and remind me why I do what I do. They have shaped my work ethic, my perspective, and my desire to serve others with humility, compassion, and purpose. Whether at work or in my personal life, I strive to make a positive impact, lead with integrity, and leave every person and every project better than I found it.
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