Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Wallander.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In Montana, my family designed and built every home we lived in. It wasn’t a business venture; it was resourcefulness. Under my father’s direction, I learned that construction is equal parts creativity and coordination — vision backed by execution. That early exposure shaped not just my skillset, but my standards.
After earning my degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Colorado and continuing specialized studies in Kitchen and Bath Design, I quickly moved into professional practice — first in boutique residential design, then leading commercial building projects for a startup engineering firm.
But in 2014, I made the leap.
I founded Phases of Design with a clear conviction: design should be both technically rigorous and deeply personal. Within a year, I passed the NCIDQ exams and became a Registered Interior Designer — reinforcing that creativity and credibility can, and should, coexist.
Career moves took my family to Houston, where I worked on large-scale commercial developments and high-end custom residences. Then in 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, we relocated to Midland. During that uncertain season, I designed more than 500 residential remodel designs for a national company — sharpening my systems, efficiency, and client communication at scale.
When that company closed, I turned my full attention back to Phases of Design.
What began as an entrepreneurial leap has become a thriving practice built almost entirely on word-of-mouth referrals. Today, Phases of Design is known for its technical precision, elevated aesthetic, and relentless commitment to execution.
For me, entrepreneurship was never about independence alone — it was about building something that reflects how I believe design should be done.
And we’re still building.
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?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road — and I’m grateful for that.
Starting and growing a firm required more than creativity; it required resilience. There were seasons of uncertainty — including relocating to a new city at the onset of a global pandemic and later rebuilding momentum when a national company I was designing for unexpectedly closed. Those moments tested my confidence and forced me to rely on discipline over emotion.
In the early years, I had to grow just as much as the business did. I learned how to lead with confidence before I always felt it. I learned how to set boundaries, trust my expertise, and stay steady when things didn’t go according to plan.
What carried me through wasn’t perfection — it was perseverance. The decision to keep showing up, refining the vision, and believing in what I was building even when the path wasn’t clear.
Looking back, the challenges weren’t setbacks. They were shaping moments. They strengthened my leadership, clarified my values, and deepened my commitment to building a firm rooted in excellence and integrity.
Entrepreneurship stretches you. It refines you. But only if you keep showing up.
As you know, we’re big fans of Phases of Design, llc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Phases of Design is a full-service interior design firm built on the belief that great design should be both beautiful and intelligently constructed. With more than 16 years of experience, I specialize in kitchen and bath design, new construction, renovations, and commercial projects — delivering detailed, permit-ready plans alongside fully customized interiors.
What truly sets us apart is that we design from the inside out.
Every project begins with understanding how our clients live and function. We don’t start with finishes — we start with flow, structure, and purpose. From there, we layer in materials, lighting, and architectural details that elevate the space while supporting how it’s actually used.
As a Registered Interior Designer with extensive commercial and residential experience, I approach design with both creativity and technical discipline. We consider building codes, safety, spatial planning, and long-term durability just as carefully as aesthetics. The result is a space that not only looks beautiful, but works beautifully.
Our services guide clients from concept through construction, protecting the design vision every step of the way. That continuity eliminates guesswork, reduces stress, and ensures the final result feels cohesive and intentional.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that Phases of Design has grown almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals. That tells me our clients don’t just love the finished product — they value the experience.
At the end of the day, we don’t just design rooms. We help people build spaces that reflect who they are and how they want to live.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve learned that mentorship and networking don’t always look like formal events or scheduled coffee meetings — sometimes they grow organically through the work itself.
In larger cities, there are structured industry associations and networking groups. In a smaller market, relationships are built more organically. Some of my strongest professional connections have come from collaborating daily with builders, contractors, and suppliers. When you consistently show up prepared, reliable, and respectful of everyone’s expertise, trust builds naturally.
My advice is simple: don’t chase influence — build credibility.
Show up consistently. Do excellent work. Follow through. Be someone others can rely on. Over time, those steady interactions evolve into mentorship, referrals, and long-term partnerships.
Networking isn’t about handing out business cards at one event. It’s about contributing value, earning trust, and staying present in your community. The right relationships grow from consistency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://phasesofdesign.com
- Instagram: phasesofdesign_
- Facebook: phasesofdesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-wallander
