It makes things easier when you know at the age of six what you want to do for your profession.

I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and started working with a Herman Miller dealer soon after. There I refined my knowledge of furniture specification, space planning, interior finish selections, and ADA codes and guidelines. Above all, I understood the importance of collaboration within teams of people with diverse needs and backgrounds. Although the majority of my work consisted of commercial projects, ranging from higher education to corporate healthcare, my scope occasionally included residential spaces as well.

It was such a learning experience to have worked on hundreds of projects in my 14 years. However, change is inevitable and Gouda Design was my evolutionary move. It was created with the mindset of using a holistic approach to designing interiors. Interiors that not only make sense, but actually inspire your senses;

A sense of just feeling “Gouda“.

Why “Gouda”?

The nickname Gouda was given to me at a camp I worked for during my college summers. It was an easy discovery to find my love for cheese and Gouda specifically fit my personality. I not only owe Camp Thunderbird my namesake but for advancing my love of hiking, adventure, travel and above all nature. Because I’ve taken every opportunity to experience different people, places, and cultures, I believe this has created in me a more adventurous designer and broad-minded individual. Even though peaks have been reached, it’s allowed me to see higher ones in the distance. Just like in design, there’s always something creative to explore or a different way of reaching a sustainable solution. I look forward to creating yours.

Courtney Zachary

NCIDQ 25580