Susan Semmelmann is an award winning, nationally recognized interior designer and the founder and visionary behind Semmelmann Interiors, a full-service interior design firm based in Dallas-Fort Worth. Highly respected within the industry, she is known for creating homes that feel deeply personal, intentional, and purpose driven, guided by an innovative approach rooted in intuition, precision, and a deep understanding of how people truly live inside their spaces. Susan Semmelmann recently sat down with Brandon Kosters to discuss her background in the industry, and what lies ahead for her design firm.
Your firm, Semmelmann Interiors, handles interior design, couture product design, and architectural detailing. What was your point of entry into all of this?
My point of entry began long before the brand existed. Marc and I spent years flipping homes which taught me to see design from the inside out. I learned construction detailing by doing the work with my own hands which shaped the way I create and problem solve. After Marc’s cancer journey I felt called to build something rooted in purpose. In 2019 I founded Semmelmann Interiors with a mission anchored in servanthood, gratitude, and radical creativity. As we grew, interior design naturally expanded into architectural detailing and couture product development because each layer allowed us to serve clients with greater excellence. Everything we do reflects our belief that beauty should be built with intention and grounded in relationships. That remains the heart of our brand today.
You have received awards recognizing the quality of your workplace and employee experience. How many staffers do you have on site, and what sort of design or fabrication specialists do you work with?
We now have more than twenty team members, each one a vital part of our culture. Our brand pillars guide how we lead and work. Gratitude shapes our daily interactions. Relationships guide how we collaborate. “Fingers in the dirt” defines how we take ownership of every detail. Our team includes designers, construction detail specialists, and in-house artists and seamstresses who create couture quality bedding, drapery, upholstery, pillows, and floral installations. We collaborate with fabricators, artisans, and trusted makers who share our commitment to craftsmanship. Being named one of the Best Companies to Work For two years in a row is a reflection of our belief that excellence starts from within.
I am wondering what insights you can offer into your process as an interior designer. What sort of questions do you ask clients in the early stages of design, and how do you tailor your services to the unique needs of different clients?
Our process begins with relationships and a posture of servanthood. We ask clients about their lifestyle, their rhythms, the way they gather, and the feeling they want their home to create. We explore what grounds them, what inspires them, and what brings them peace. That is how we design homes that support well being. From there our team steps into radical creativity, building concepts that reflect the client’s story with couture level detail. Some clients need a show-stopping environment for hosting. Others need quiet sanctuaries or hobby focused spacesthat nurture creativity or connection. No two clients are alike which means no two designs are alike. Every project becomes a fully tailored experience supported by experts in our field who understand both construction and craftsmanship. The result is a turn key process that feels effortless and personal from start to finish.
I am always interested in local flavors. Are there any design trends that you can identify as being unique to the Dallas Fort Worth area?
Dallas Fort Worth gravitates toward bold expression and high touch luxury. Homeowners here love statement lighting, sculptural art, layered neutrals, organic materials, and custom architectural details that feel both modern and inviting. Entertaining is a central part of the culture which drives demand for large gathering spaces, double islands, specialty rooms, and elevated outdoor living. What feels unique to DFW is the blend of couture sophistication and warm hospitality. Clients want homes that make an impression while remaining welcoming to family and friends. They appreciate craftsmanship and value intentional design that reflects their lifestyle rather than fleeting trends. It is a region that embraces creativity and rewards innovation which aligns beautifully with our brand.
What is the most rewarding part of your business?
The most rewarding part will always be the people. I love watching a client walk into their finished home and feel cared for and seen. I love watching our team use their gifts to create something extraordinary together. I love our philanthropic work through the Susan Semmelmann Foundation where we furnish homes for families in need and serve those walking through their hardest seasons. It is a reminder that design can be a force for good. Our brand pillar, the spirit of living is in the giving, comes alive in those moments. Beauty matters, but purpose is what keeps me grounded. Serving others through design is the privilege of my life.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Five years from now I see our firm expanding in influence, impact, and innovation. Our couture product collections will be broader. Our builder partnerships across Texas will be stronger. Our design studio will continue to grow as a resource for creatives. Most importantly, our foundation will serve even more families. My hope is that our team continues to lead with radical creativity, servanthood, and gratitude while setting the standard for couture interior design in our region and beyond. I want us to create beauty that inspires, build relationships that matter, and carry our mission into every space we touch. Wherever God leads next I hope we stay faithful, excellent, and purpose driven in all we do.
Thank you to Susan Semmelmann for sharing her workplace experience, design industry insights, and hope for the future. Find more of her work on her website and Instagram.
