Our custom interiors are some of the best in the business, but have you ever wondered who it is behind all the designs you love so much?

Meet Rochelle Talwar: DC’s resident Interior Architect! Responsible for designing some of our favorite projects, like this high desert modern home in Bend, Oregon, she brings an eye for luxurious design that few have as naturally as she does. (She recently celebrated four years at DC, so don’t forget to wish her well!)

We’re so grateful to work with someone as talented, funny, and detail-oriented as her, and we know many clients feel the same way we do! Learn more about Rochelle, her story, and the inspiration behind her designs by reading more below.

What is your role at DC, and how long have you been with the company?

I’ve been with the company for four years now! I was hired to create an Interior Design department for DC Builders and then DC Structures. DC is unique in that a greater number of employees work remotely rather than on-site, and each project is customized—not a production-planned structure. I work in tandem with the architectural, structural, and project management teams to specify and model interior and exterior selections and create build support documents for our clients.

How did you get started in the field of interior design?

I come from a family of architects. Growing up, my father always involved me in DIY and local build projects, both great and small. I started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in high school, which further fueled my passion for design/build. I studied and obtained my bachelor’s degrees in interior design and architecture from Cal State University, Fresno in 2005, and I’ve been blessed to work in this industry my entire career.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?

During my 25 years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working on large and small scale commercial, residential, dental, remodel, addition, production, and new build projects. By far, my favorite type of project is residential custom new build. The people are a big part of why I love it so much. I have the opportunity to really get to know my clients, their needs, lifestyle, family plans, hobbies, etc. and help them design a custom home that’s unique and perfectly planned for them.

How would you describe your design style, and how has it evolved over time?

My personal design style is a bit of an enigma. I’ve spent decades dedicated to product knowledge, learning best practices for installation methods, keeping up with the latest design trends, and endless styles to suit different clients—all that to say, my personal style is rarely a factor. That said, I usually gravitate towards the Mediterranean/Spanish/Santa Barbara-style residential home. Modern Farmhouse, Earthy Modern, and Mid-Century Modern all have their moments in the spotlight, but I tend to lean toward timeless comfort that complements the landscape architecture as much as the interior.

What’s the first thing you look for when starting an interior design for a new structure?

I ask my clients open-ended questions about their kids/grandkids, lifestyle, hobbies, favorite foods, organization level, etc. Questions that allow them to visualize themselves in their new space. While listening, I’m quietly making product selections that will perfectly reproduce the scene they are describing while keeping it within budget.

How do you balance aesthetics with functionality, especially in smaller or multi-use spaces?

Good design is form following function, and that can’t be truer for smaller spaces. Utilizing, or what I refer to as “hacking,” every possible inch of space is crucial. Designing cabinetry with organizational rollouts, pullouts, and integrated electrical, and customizing its layout to fit how a client would or would like to operate in their kitchen, pantry, laundry, hobby rooms, and bathrooms is always top of mind. I also enjoy finding ways to hide smaller appliances that guests don’t want to see, like a folding station over washers and dryers with a drying rack above or integrated charging docks for robot vacuums hidden in the cabinet’s toe kick. 

What’s one interior design detail you think makes the biggest impact but often gets overlooked?

Focusing on the client and not the latest design trend/fad. Timeless design is favored over designing a kitchen that will be dated in a few years.  

What inspires you most outside of work (travel, architecture, art, nature, etc.)?

I’m blessed to have a career in a field I am completely passionate about. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still be logging in at 8 am the next day. Having said that, I would love the opportunity to travel more. Learning about different cultures and people promotes tolerance, understanding, and respect for all people. In the end, I think we all learn that we’re much more alike than different, and those differences we do have only add to the richness of life. 

Interested in joining our team or being a part of our growing organization? Be sure to check out our LinkedIn page for all open positions through DC Structures!