IDS Member Spotlight: Kim Bailey

It's National Women's History Month and this year's theme is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations." This theme honors the incredible women who have shaped the world through education, mentorship, and leadership. That being said, allow us to introduce this month's Member Spotlight, Kim Bailey, CEO and Executive Director of Heritage School of Interior Design Dallas. After dedicating years to raising her family, she took a leap of faith and turned her passion for design into a thriving career—winning multiple Designer of the Year awards and launching her own firm. Now, she’s using her success to empower the next generation of designers as the founder of the Heritage School of Interior Design Dallas!

Q: How did you get started in the world of interior design?

A: After dedicating years to raising my children, I reached a point where I felt a powerful urge to reignite my own passions. Embracing my love for interior design as a second career became my way of forging a new path, one that not only fulfilled me creatively but also allowed me to inspire and enhance the lives of others through design. As a natural creative, I discovered that my passion for interior design could be transformed into a rewarding career. In 2004, I founded my own firm, Design Lifestyles, and since then, I've been honored with the Interior Design Society's prestigious national Designer of the Year (DOTY) awards nine times. My work spans the North Texas region, and I pride myself on offering innovative solutions that enhance clients' lives, reflect their personalities, and maximize the value of their homes.

Q: What inspired you to become involved with Heritage School of Interior Design, and what drew you to open the Dallas location?

A: I first heard about Heritage School of Interior Design through a friend in the industry. They mentioned that the CEO, Stephanie Plymale, was looking for someone to bring HSID to Texas. This opportunity captivated my interest, and after speaking with Stephanie, it was clear that my vision and experience algined perfectly with the school's mission. At a certain point in life, you feel the urge to give back to your community, and launching HSID Dallas allows me to do just that. I knew I had to be part of something bigger that aims to cultivate the minds of our younger generations passionate about design.

Q: What are some of the unique aspects of the curriculum at the Dallas location that will prepare students for success in the design industry?

A: Our programs are fast-paced, preparing students to thrive in the dynamic field of interior design. Our Fundamentals of Interior Design Program immerses our students in the industry through weekly visits to local showrooms and top vendors in the Dallas metroplex. By the time students graduate, they have developed a comprehensive portfolio and made significant industry connections that set them up for success. Our curriculum also provides extensive, practical skills that designers will need to enter the industry. I feel like these skills were missing from new designers that I was hiring for my design firm, and they had just graduated from a traditional 2 or 4 year design school.

Q: What do you hope students take away from their experience at Heritage School of Interior Design, both personally and professionally?

A: I want our students to leave with a strong sense of confidence, knowing that if they can dream it, they can achieve it. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, proving that it's never too late to change your path and follow your dreams. Success lies just outside your comfort zone, and I hope their experience at HSID Dallas inspires them to take more leaps of faith towards their personal and professional goals.

Q: What are your future plans for the school? Any specific goals or visions for its growth in the next few years?

A: I envision HSID Dallas cultivating a world-class alumni network that transforms the design landscape in Dallas. The achievements of our students will be a testament to the quality of our programs. Our goal is to continue growing and adapting to meet the evolving needs of our students and the interior design industry. We plan to expand our course offerings, host industry events and speaking engagements, and strengthen our community partnerships. We will enroll students who are new to interior design as well as students who are practicing designers desiring to elevate their skillset with our Master's program courses. Also, we are currently seeking Community Connector partners to help build our HSID Dallas Scholarship program. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance by talented students, allowing them to pursue their passion for interior design. By partnering with Community Connectors can significantly impact the lives of aspiring designers and contribute to the growth and diversity of the interior design indsutry. Together, we can create opportunities for the next generation of design professionals.