In the News: Helix Principal Alissa Wehmueller Highlights Ways to Create a Successful Career in Interior Design

Helix Principal and Director of Interior Design Alissa Wehmueller leads a range of commercial design projects, including workplace, higher education, and hospitality spaces. In a recent interview with Authority Magazine, Alissa shares her insight on what it takes to build a highly successful career in commercial design. She discusses her perspectives on the design process, leadership, and community involvement and highlights the things that have made her a successful business leader.

Alissa emphasizes the importance of listening and curiosity when creating a successful career in commercial interior design. She believes that a deep understanding of community needs is necessary to create meaningful spaces. She notes, “Design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about solving problems in the most beautiful and efficient ways. I want us to create experiential spaces that have an enduring impact on communities. Whether we’re designing an office, apartment building, or library, we consider micro and macro aspects, from how an individual is going to feel in the space to how the building interacts with its context.”

“Recently we were able to carefully use the ‘skeleton’ and infrastructure of hundreds of workstations with new surfaces and storage to serve a new way of working.”

Throughout the article, Alissa recognizes the need for sustainability in design. Advocating for the reuse of materials and furniture she notes ,“I strive to create timeless designs in a profession that can be overly embracing of trends and disposable. In all of our projects, we are intentional in the materials we select with careful research on where they’re made and what they’re composed of. Sustainable materials are a big issue in the design industry. The thirst for “newness” doesn’t help, as perfectly good, serviceable — and even beautiful — things get replaced. ” Her insight offers perspective on how design can be innovative and timeless, encouraging designers to reflect on the impact of their work.