212: Stephanie Thornton Plymale | Heritage School of Interior Design

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to highlight brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today we're speaking with Stephanie Thornton Plymale, CEO of Heritage School of Interior Design. In this episode, we discuss the backstory of the brand and how Stephanie went from a student at Heritage to the owner of the design school. We also discuss the various levels of certifications available to students, campus culture, and the brand's commitment to efficiency, accessibility, and affordability. If you're considering a formal education in interior design or continued education for yourself or your team members and are looking for a direct path to achievement, this episode is for you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Stephanie shares her journey from foster care and a lifelong love of home to becoming CEO of Heritage School of Interior Design. Learn how Heritage evolved from a closed, outdated school into one of the fastest-growing interior design schools in the country. Rick and Stephanie discuss Heritage's accelerated model and why its focused, career-driven curriculum appeals to second- and third-career students. Stephanie breaks down the school's educational pathways, including the Fundamentals of Design program, residential and commercial master's tracks, and preparation for the RIDQC exam. The conversation highlights Heritage's commitment to affordability, accessibility, and live instruction, both in person and virtually. Stephanie explains how weekly field visits, showroom tours, and guest speakers help students build confidence, community, and industry connections. Rick and Stephanie talk about Heritage's expanding campus footprint, including Portland, Denver, Seattle, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and its growing virtual program. Stephanie also shares how Heritage Design Magazine showcases the work of students and alumni while extending the school's influence across the design community. NOTABLE QUOTES "This school is open to everybody who wants this career and that's going to stay the brand." "I always say that time is money and we need to be very mindful of that for our students that they're spending their time and money here and we need to make it as successful for them." "I really feel that it needs to happen in-person." "The sky's the limit in this industry and as a designer." SPONSOR LINKS Heritage School of Interior Design Website: https://www.heritageschoolofinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritageschoolofinteriordesign/