Meet Emily Adams | Founder + Design Director, Neoera Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I define success in a few ways. At its core, it starts with creating work I’m genuinely proud of; work that reflects a client’s vision and makes them feel seen and heard throughout the design process. It’s also about bringing that vision to life in a way that is thoughtful and responsible, while staying on schedule, respecting budget, and building strong relationships along the way.

But beyond those measures, success is really about how people experience the spaces we create. Some of the most meaningful moments have come from projects for higher education clients, where we transformed unused corridor space into seating niches for students. Seeing those spaces constantly occupied — students studying, gathering, or even racing to claim a favorite spot, is incredibly fulfilling because it shows the design is truly improving how people use and enjoy the environment.

I’ve seen that same impact come through in retail projects at Denver International Airport, where design really shapes how travelers experience a space. At Bodega DEN, when the store first opened, people would often stop just to take it in, commenting on the penny flooring and overall atmosphere with a real sense of curiosity and awe. At Highland Mercantile, the renovation completely shifted the energy of the space, and since reopening, there has been a noticeable increase in engagement and business from travelers.

Whether it’s airport retail spaces where people pause to experience the environment, or workplace projects where design helps attract employees, strengthen culture, or support business growth, the impact is clear. For me, success ultimately comes down to creating spaces that people connect with, spaces that quietly improve their experience and leave a lasting, positive impression.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets our business apart is how we approach design long before we begin drawing. We don’t see architecture or interiors as purely aesthetic solutions, but as deeply personal responses to the people, organizations, and communities they serve.

When a client comes to us, we start by asking questions beyond the surface-level problem. We want to understand how an organization functions, how a family lives, or how an individual experiences the world. We spend time uncovering their values, identity, vision, and aspirations. Often, the challenge they initially bring to us is only part of a much larger story. Our role is to help define what truly needs to be solved, then create spaces that authentically reflect who they are. That process becomes the foundation for everything we design, each project a tailored response rather than a signature style.

Like many architects and creatives, I was trained to design, not necessarily to run a business. Building a company has been one of the biggest challenges along the way. What’s helped most is being willing to ask for help and learn from others, working with consultants, PR professionals, and fellow business owners has taught me a great deal. Perseverance has also been essential. When there’s challenges, I try to reconnect with why I started: a genuine desire to create environments that have a real impact on people’s lives.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of stepping away to stay inspired. I try to step outside my everyday environment each year—through travel, nature, art, or meaningful conversations with new people. Those experiences always reconnect me to inspiration.

At its core, Neoera is about creating spaces that tell authentic stories, spaces that reflect the individuality, values, and vision of each client in a way that feels timeless, personal, and human. I want people to understand that our work is rooted in care and passion, not just business objectives. We believe spaces shape how people feel, connect, heal, and gather.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d try to mix the iconic “only-here” experiences with good food, mountain time, and a few local pockets where you get the local experience.

One of the non-negotiables would be a night at Red Rocks Concert Experience. I’d make it a full experience: arrive early, tailgate in the parking lot, and let a little spontaneous community form before the show. I’d bring something simple but great, like a charcuterie spread from So Damn Gouda. The whole amphitheater turns into this unreal natural cathedral of red stone and sound. It’s one of those places that genuinely feel unreal.

Midweek, I’d balance things with neighborhoods, food, and time in the city. Dinner at Hop Alley is a must—lively, creative, and perfect for ordering a bit of everything. A daytime stop at Leven Deli Co. works well for a great sandwich and an easy reset between exploring. Downtown Denver is less about a checklist and more about wandering, moving through museums, drifting into different pockets, and watching the city shift as day turns into night.

One day would be dedicated to Boulder: walking Pearl Street Mall, catching street performers, and hiking at Chautauqua Park for those big, immediate mountain views that feel almost too close to the city.

Later in the week, I’d spend time in the more textured edges of Denver, East Colfax in particular, where things feel less polished but more revealing. It’s a stretch of overlap: old venues, new ideas, great food, and spaces that haven’t been overly defined, which is where the city’s character shows itself most clearly.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people and things in my life I want to give a shoutout to that have inspired me to see value in myself, in my work, and in the global community:

My partner, Dan, who reminds me that I’m a badass and good at what I do. My mom, Claudia, who believes I can do anything. My kids, Annabel, Noelle, Maya, and Joey, who continually keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters in this world. My fellow co-workers, Kelsey and Paul, who continually inspire me to do better work, and who also inspired my foray into sourdough bread baking. My business/financial consultant, Ryan Sullivan with Off the Beaten Path Financial, who challenges my business prowess and pushes me to be more business-minded and creative.

And last but not least, I want to give a massive shoutout to my architecture school mates. To this day, I have never met a more creative, honest, and talented crew of people who want to do good for the world. We have pushed each other to do great work for over 20 years, and we’re all still in the industry. THAT is truly an accomplishment!

Website: https://www.neoerainc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neoera_design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neoera-inc/about/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Neoera-Architecture-and-Design/100063788182356/#

Image Credits
Justin Martin (Image 1)
Cody Mann (Image 2)
Neoera (Image 3-4)
Mickkail Cain (Image 5-6)