Episode 5

She Makes A Hard Hat Look Good: Meet DC Designer All-Star Erica Burns

Published on: 29th January, 2024

This week we continue in our series that I affectionately call The DC Designers All-Star Tour. Where you get to meet the most in-demand talent and hear their untold stories from behind the scenes with some of the best designers I know in our nation’s capital. 

Today we welcome interior designer, Erica Burns. 

Erica is uniquely positioned as a designer who rose from the ranks in commercial and residential construction. 

Originally from the Southeast, Erica graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction & Planning. She began her career in the construction industry, eventually finding her niche in residential design. Drawing on her strong understanding of the construction process, Erica is well-equipped to guide clients in selecting every detail, from plumbing fixtures and door hardware to furniture and window treatments. Her involvement throughout design and construction brings efficiency to the process and ensures that the interior elements are seamlessly integrated with the home's architecture.

We chatted about her personal career path that led to the founding of her eponymous design firm, Erica Burns Interiors. 

With over a decade of experience turning visions into reality, Erica Burns Interiors has quickly become one of Washington, DC’s leading residential design firms.

Through attention to detail and thoughtful editing, Erica and her team create homes that are timeless and classic, with a touch of the unexpected.

Today we dive into how her early experience in renovation and construction allowed for mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities with DC’s top architectural firms. A dynamic relationship that exponentially benefits both the design team and the homeowner. 

We dish on lingering client projects, the beauty of learning by doing and how she built her 7 person (and growing!) design team.

I’m excited for you to meet Erica, and get inspired as we talk about launching and growing her firm and what she sees for business 5 years ahead.

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About the Podcast

Behind the Drapery
Business Advice for Aspiring Designers and Design Enthusiasts
Ever thought about starting your own business as an interior designer? Join Liz Levin (nationally published, design entrepreneur of 20 years) as she interviews experts, colleagues and creatives to pull back the curtain on the design industry.
Whether you're passionate about design, eager to start your design business, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, we're here to open the doors for you.

About your host

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Liz Levin

Based in Washington, D.C., Liz Levin launched her eponymous design studio in 2004 with a focus on creating uniquely modern and livable homes. Just three years after launching her first design business, Liz was named a “Face of the Future” by The Washington Post. She was featured by The Post, again, in 2011, for her work in the DC Design House.
Emphasizing a fresh approach to every project, she is inspired by the unique elements of each home she designs. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Washingtonian, DC Modern Luxury, Home & Design and LUXE.
She also coaches aspiring interior designers on growing their own successful design businesses via her online education The Design Business Accelerator at DesignBizToolkit.com She currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband, two daughters and two doodles.