Meet Dana Esser | Interior Designer & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Esser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, how does your business help the community?
My business directly impacts the daily lives of those who occupy the spaces we create. Some of our most meaningful work has been designing offices for therapists and psychiatrists. Our responsibility was to ensure that every patient who entered these spaces felt welcome, calm, comfortable, and, most importantly, safe. That was a responsibility we did not take lightly.

Designing these therapeutic spaces involved extensive research and development to make informed decisions about layout, audio and visual privacy, color and texture choices, and furniture selections. Knowing that our designs contribute to environments where individuals can heal and find solace fills my heart with immense pride.

We now utilize this research and knowledge to bring these elements to every project. As a result, we continue creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but also profoundly enhance the well-being of their occupants, truly changing lives every single day.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Dana Michele Design apart is our unwavering commitment to our clients. While I am an interior designer by trade, I consider myself first and foremost a ‘client advocate.’ Human experience is at the core of every design decision we make. After 8 years on the corporate side of interior design, many of which I was behind the scenes, I am now involved with every project and interfacing directly with every client. My goal is to ensuring that each client receives the dedicated attention and expertise they deserve. It’s about creating a positive and fulfilling client experience throughout the entire design process and achieving a beautiful end result.

We pride ourselves on blending spatial intelligence with creative intuition. Design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about solving complex puzzles, understanding human needs, and creating spaces that resonate on a profound level. Our process starts with deep client engagement, where we delve into their lives, aspirations, and challenges. Every design decision is made with empathy and purpose, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful but also supportive of our clients’ present and future needs.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned along this journey is the importance of saying no. In the corporate world, projects were assigned with little room for personal alignment. As a female entrepreneur in the male-dominated fields of real estate, development, and construction, I have made it a rule to only accept projects where my team and I are respected and valued. No project or financial gain is worth compromising our dignity and well-being.

Looking ahead, I envision launching a non-profit arm of Dana Michele Design. This initiative would allow us to give back to the community by partnering with organizations that provide housing and support to vulnerable communities. Our goal is to create nurturing environments that empower individuals to start anew and thrive.

Ultimately, the success of Dana Michele Design is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative impact of thoughtful design. Our commitment to our clients and community drives everything we do, and I am excited about the future possibilities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d enjoy a week filled with a mix of nature and entertainment, capturing the essence of Los Angeles’s diverse offerings.

We’d kick off our mornings with coffee from Primo on Montana Street or indulge in brunch at Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica. A leisurely stroll down and along the boardwalk to take in the vibes, relax on the beach, and perhaps catch a few rounds of beach volleyball. We’d venture to Los Leones trail in Pacific Palisades, for a dose of nature and the stunning panoramic views overlooking the ocean. We’d immerse ourselves in some contemporary art by exploring either the Broad or Hammer museum exhibits. Evenings would be filled with live entertainment, either heading to a show at the Hollywood Bowl, attending a smaller performance at Aviator Nation’s Dreamland in Malibu, or finding a comedy show. As for dining experiences, we’d either stay local with Fia in Santa Monica for great food and a cozy ambiance or head to Osteria Mozza before a night out in West Hollywood or Hollywood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have guided me along the way, but a few stand out, and it only makes sense to mention them in the chronological order of their impact on my life.

First and foremost, my family. They have always provided the physical and financial security that was crucial in setting me up for success. Their unwavering love has been the foundation of my journey.

Next, I want to shout out my high school art teacher. He channeled my creativity and introduced me to the world of interior design. At 16 years old, I fell in love with it and knew instantly that it was the career I wanted to pursue. Many people struggle to find their passion, and I owe my discovery to him.

Lastly, and most profoundly in my day-to-day life now, is the constant support of my closest friends, or as I like to consider them, my chosen family. I would not be able to do what I do without their continuous inspiration, encouragement, and love. They often remind me that no dream is too big, especially on the days I struggle with imposter syndrome. They are my backbone and my biggest cheerleaders.

Website: https://www.danamicheledesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danamichele_design

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-esser