Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Henderson
Hi Deanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, I’m Deanna Henderson—a single mom, cancer survivor, and a determined designer navigating life’s twists and turns. My passion for design may have started at age 7, crafting wall coverings for my dollhouse using drawer liners in the dollhouse my dad built, or perhaps it began when I landed an unpaid internship at the age of 20 after relentless persistence. Either way, the journey has been a rollercoaster, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
My career started in high-end residential design in the heart of Newport Beach and grew to encompass hotel and hospitality projects. I’ve worked on everything from vibrant Las Vegas casinos and tranquil wellness spas in Arizona to multimillion-dollar homes across Orange County and San Diego. My mission is to create spaces that are sophisticated, stylish, and functional. Whether it’s a unique home, a dreamy vacation retreat, or a hospitality project, my goal is always to design environments that tell a story and create lasting memories.
As an Interior Designer, I bring a deep understanding of the industry, honed through years of hands-on experience with CAD, renderings, specification, and seamless client collaboration. By blending traditional and digital board design techniques, I craft spaces that are not only practical but also rich with personality and charm.
My greatest passion lies in transforming hotel interiors and exteriors, ensuring that each space reflects its unique architecture and surroundings. For me, design isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to excellence, where every detail matters, and every project leaves a lasting impression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The ups and downs of the interior design industry have been a wild ride. When HGTV took off in the early 2000s, the residential industry faced a wave of challenges. Clients started getting input from friends, neighbors, and colleagues on every aspect of a project, often questioning why it wasn’t as cheap or fast as what they saw on shows like Design on a Dime. What these TV shows didn’t show was the behind-the-scenes reality—the hidden costs, the professional expertise required, and the timelines that are often condensed for entertainment purposes. Interior designers suddenly found themselves not only managing projects but also educating clients about the real-world complexities of design. Despite these hurdles, the industry has adapted, finding ways to balance client expectations while delivering beautiful, functional spaces that reflect real budgets and timelines.
Then there was the economy crash of 2008, a time of widespread financial turmoil. Hotels were closing their doors, companies were forced to downsize, and countless families faced the heartbreak of foreclosure. Unfortunately, I was among them, losing my gorgeous property in Las Vegas, a home I had worked so hard for and cherished deeply. It was a difficult and humbling experience. Yet, despite the challenges, that chapter ultimately brought me back home to California, where I found a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose.
2020 was an unforgettable year, especially in my career as a residential designer. While many industries came to a halt, my hotel clients pushed forward with their projects, and homeowners—spending more time than ever at home—decided it was time to renovate. This surge in demand collided with unprecedented challenges. Lumber prices skyrocketed, and essential items like plumbing fixtures from Kohler and appliances across manufacturers became scarce, with long lead times for orders. It was one of the most challenging periods I’ve ever faced professionally, but I found solace in knowing I wasn’t alone. To this day, I joke that if you managed to navigate interior design between 2020 and 2022, you can handle just about anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a deep passion for modern design, drawing inspiration from icons like Frank Lloyd Wright and the timeless charm of the mid-century modern era. This distinctive aesthetic truly defines my interior design style and sets me apart from others in the field. Recently, I had the pleasure of helping a wonderful couple in Point Loma bring their vision to life by creating a 1960s-inspired conversation pit. Collaborating with the stylish and creative Johnna and Eli Green, owners of Frame Staging House, a renowned San Diego staging company, made this project both exciting and rewarding.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the interior design industry becoming increasingly technology-driven, with advancements in AI, automation, and 3D visualization tools transforming how spaces are designed. Sustainability will take center stage as designers prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices to meet growing consumer demand for transparency. Remote work and digital tools will continue to reshape client interactions and project management, while personalized, client-centric designs will drive innovation, creating spaces tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orbitinteriordesign.com
- Instagram: @DeannatheDesigner
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-henderson-iida-08a777a/
Image Credits
Nola Fontanez Photography
Agenda by Natalie Mitchell
