EP #17 | Dani Haas: An Unconventional Journey to Launching an Interior Design Business

In this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Dani Haas of Dani Haas Designs all about her unconventional path to launching her interior design business.   Dani Haas is the founder of Dani Haas Design, a Denver-based interior design firm focused on creating layered, sophisticated, and comfortable spaces. While carefully balancing function and aesthetics, Dani's interiors are known for being warm, textured, and inviting.   Before founding Dani Haas Design, she spent a decade in NYC working with prominent firms like Pappas Miron Design and the renowned AD100 and Elle Decor A-List firm Cullman & Kravis Associates.    During her 8 years at C&K, she had the privilege of designing notable residences in NYC, the Hamptons, Connecticut, New Jersey, Miami, and beyond. Her projects have been featured in prominent shelter magazines such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, New York Cottages & Gardens, and Luxe magazine.    Today, Dani shares her remarkable journey of rising through the ranks at C&K from an Administrative Assistant to Lead Designer and then deciding to move back to Denver and launch her eponymous Company Dani Haas Design.    Her story is a testament to the importance of being willing to do and try anything, even when you don’t know the outcome. Alongside resourcefulness and creativity when it comes to getting to where you want to be in life and business.      Dani graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Interior Design.    Her passion for travel, food, and art influence her work, from the color palette to composition to unexpected textures and forms. In her free time, you can find her testing out new recipes and hosting friends and family or shopping for vintage ceramics and furniture.    Dani resides in the West Highlands neighborhood of Denver, CO, with her husband, Patrick and their beloved goldendoodle, Jones and soon-to-be baby girl, coming in early October. Here’s a glance at this episode… [05:17] We jump into the interview talking about who Dani was as a little kid! What she was like as an artistic child and how that developed into her current passions. [08:22] Dani shares about her experience with Cullman & Kravis in NY and how she rose through the ranks. She shares about the rocky moments and the growth she experienced.  [22:20] Dani shares how working on the project management side of the interior design helped to create the confidence needed to start her own design business. [29:00] Dani and I chat about her transition moving back to Denver and starting her business. [48:00] Dani shares with me how she’s preparing for maternity leave while running her business and how she is preparing the business.  [59:50] I ask Dani to share how she finds inspiration and what her go to way to tap into her creativity is. Resources mentioned in this episode:  Dani’sWebsite: www.danihaasdesign.com Social: @danihaasdesign on Instagram   Guest Info: Bio: Dani Haas is the founder of Dani Haas Design, a Denver-based interior design firm focused on creating layered, sophisticated, and comfortable spaces. While carefully balancing function and aesthetics, Dani's interiors are known for being warm, textured, and inviting.   Before founding Dani Haas Design, she spent a decade in NYC working with prominent firms like Pappas Miron Design and the renowned AD100 and Elle Decor A-List firm Cullman & Kravis Associates.    During her 8 years at C&K, she had the privilege of designing notable residences in NYC, the Hamptons, Connecticut, New Jersey, Miami, and beyond. Her projects have been featured in AD, Elle Decor, Veranda, NYC&G, and Luxe. Her unique works reflect the client's personality while exhibiting incredible craftsmanship, attention to detail, and elegant practicality.    DHD prides itself on realizing our client's vision and needs while adhering to any budget. Grounded in traditional principles, DHD strives to create unique and inspiring spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful.    Dani graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Interior Design. Her passion for travel, food, and art influence her work, from the color palette to composition to unexpected textures and forms. In her free time, you can find her testing out new recipes and hosting friends and family or shopping for vintage ceramics and furniture. Dani resides in the West Highlands neighborhood of Denver, CO, with her husband, Patrick and their beloved goldendoodle, Jones and soon-to-be baby girl, coming in early October.   Website: www.danihaasdesign.com Social: @danihaasdesign (instagram)