Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Ortiz.
Hi Erika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in New Jersey, and over the years I followed both my curiosity and career across the country- from New York to San Francisco for education and inspiration, then to Los Angeles to gain experience in event spaces, and eventually to Chicago where I immersed myself in firm life, working on residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors.
My formal path began in interior design, where I quickly moved into senior roles, leading projects and client presentations at design firms. But my interests started expanding beyond just physical space, I found myself drawn to branding, storytelling, and the emotional connection people have to environments, whether it’s their home, their brand, or their business.
While in Chicago, I started taking on side projects for friends in the beauty and marketing industries; creating logos, mood boards, brand kits, and even full interiors for their studios and salons. That’s really how Juxtapose House Studio transformed. A love of helping creative entrepreneurs design both their physical spaces and their visual identities in ways that felt soulful and intentional was enough to offer this alongside traditional interior design.
Since then, I’ve worked with national brands, independent founders, and families looking to make their homes and businesses truly reflect who they are. My studio now blends interior design, creative direction, and brand storytelling into one vision. It’s not always been linear. I’ve balanced motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth along the way, but design has remained my anchor through it all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think creativity ever comes from a smooth road. There have been challenges at every stage, both personal and professional. As a woman of color navigating the design world, I’ve had to prove myself in rooms where I wasn’t always respected or represented. Sometimes being referred to as the intern when I led the presentation. Early in my career, I often played multiple roles: designer, project manager, client liaison, without always getting the title or recognition. That taught me how to lead under pressure, but also made me want to create something of my own.
I also became a mother while building my business. Juggling site visits, branding projects, and late-night design edits while raising four kids hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply motivating. My children are a big part of why I push forward. I want them to see what it looks like to pursue your purpose, even when it doesn’t look perfect.
Leaving firm life to go independent was another leap. There’s no blueprint when you’re building your own lane, and I had to figure out pricing, boundaries, and how do it while staying creative. But every challenge gave me more clarity about what kind of work I want to do and who I want to do it for.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a multidisciplinary designer, which means I work at the intersection of interior design, branding, and visual storytelling. Through my studio, Juxtapose House, I help clients shape both their physical spaces and their digital presence, from designing homes and boutique spaces to developing brand kits, websites, and marketing visuals that tell a cohesive story.
What sets my work apart is that it’s never just about aesthetics. I approach every project by asking: what does this space or brand need to communicate? How does this design support who you are becoming? Whether it’s a kitchen remodel or a new business launch, I’m always thinking about emotion, identity, and how to layer texture, color, and story in a way that feels personal and alive.
I specialize in working with creatives, entrepreneurs, and families who want something meaningful, not just trendy. I’ve worked with marketing agencies, beauty professionals, wellness brands, nonprofit leaders, and homeowners looking to make their spaces and visuals feel intentional. I also have a background in sustainable materials and repurposed design, which comes through in the way I mix high and low, new and vintage, digital and physical.
I’m most proud of building a studio that reflects who I really am; as a mother, as a Latina woman, and as someone who believes design is a tool for healing, connection, and self-expression. Every project I take on is a collaboration, and I love watching people light up when they see themselves fully reflected in their space or brand for the first time.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes! trust that your voice matters, even if it doesn’t sound like anyone else’s yet. When I was starting out, I spent a lot of time trying to fit into the mold of what I thought a “real” designer or graphic vs interior creative professional was supposed to look like. I wish I had known sooner that my unique perspective, as a woman, as a mother, as a multidisciplinary thinker, was my biggest asset.
Start where you are, with what you have. The projects I’m proudest of didn’t start with big budgets or perfect conditions. They started with people who trusted me to help bring their vision to life, and I learned by doing. You don’t need to wait for permission or a fancy title. Start designing, creating, showing your process, and putting your work out there. It’s the only way you’ll figure out what your voice actually sounds like. We are already artists.
Also, learn the business side early. Understand your value, set boundaries, and don’t be afraid to charge for your time. Creativity is powerful, but it becomes sustainable when you build systems to protect your energy and growth.
And lastly, find your people, (mentors, peers, collaborators) who see your magic even when you’re still figuring it out yourself. That support makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://juxtaposehouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juxtahouse
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-justadesigner/
Image Credits
Silvia Feliz Morales
