Her Story
About Heidi
Heidi Bolyard is a residential architect, entrepreneur, and speaker with 25 years of experience in architectural design, custom homes, renovations, and residential real estate. She owns her own firm, where she creates personalized home designs. Previously, she worked at a residential architecture firm on similar projects with a small team. She recently published the book Getting Back Home: Small Shifts for Big Joy, focused on architecture, homes, and happiness, and is leaning more into writing and speaking to help more people. She holds four degrees including a professional degree of architecture and a bachelor's in environmental design from Ball State University, along with degrees in construction management and an Associate's in art. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, holds NCARB certification, and has LEED certification. In addition to her professional work, she has contributed design work for a duplex for women coming out of human trafficking in the Columbus area.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heidi
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents and my grandparents were very driven. I grew up on a little mini hobby farm where there was always things that had to be done. I come from Polish descent and my great-grandfather came here and owned coal mines and a corner store. It's just always doing more and pushing. I've always had a lot of things going on even as a high schooler having a job plus cheerleading and track.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Surround yourself with people that are doing different things even within the architecture field to explore different opportunities. Get involved with organizations like the American Institute of Architects right away, join the student organization before graduating and the professional one immediately after. Find mentors and be involved in activities to meet amazing people with experience who are willing to provide information.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The business is really busy all of a sudden which is fantastic, and with the book coming out it's finding the right people to help accomplish what you're looking to do. Keeping the business small helps ride through the ups and flows of the economy.
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