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

Hi Katie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Honestly, I’ve had moments where I’ve doubted myself, especially when I start comparing my work to designers who’ve been in the industry way longer. It’s easy to get caught up in that spiral. But when I pause and really think about why I started, I remember the impact design can have. I get to help people create spaces that feel like home or bring new energy to their business. That reminder pulls me out of the doubt. I’ve learned that those moments of doubt usually mean I’m growing, not failing. And I just try to remind myself: don’t underestimate what you bring to the table.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path to interior design started with a love for hospitality. The day I got my driver’s license, I drove straight to a restaurant to apply for a job. I ended up working in the industry throughout school, where I saw firsthand how much design influences the way people feel in a space and how important the small details are to the overall experience.

After graduating from CU Boulder, I looked for ways to combine my interest in marketing with my passion for interiors. I started doing digital marketing for interior designers and later joined an engineering firm, where I focused on advertising, logistics, and admin work. In 2019, I moved to Amsterdam and continued working remotely. During COVID, I realized I wanted to be more hands-on with the creative side of design. When I moved back to the U.S., I returned to school and recently completed my second degree in Interior Design.

While in school, I worked as the purchasing and FF&E install manager for a real estate developer and helped lead the installation of their latest luxury resort in Mexico. That experience confirmed how much I love bringing spaces to life through furnishings, layout, and thoughtful problem-solving.

Now I run my own firm, Ziggy Interiors. I work with both residential and commercial clients to create spaces that feel welcoming, function beautifully, and reflect the people who use them. My background in hospitality, logistics, and advertising helps me design with both people and purpose in mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for the week, I’d plan a mix of my favorite local spots, some outdoor hangs, and a few things that make Denver feel like home. We’d start with coffee at Table Public House, my go-to neighborhood spot with a great vibe and the friendliest staff. Then take my dog, Danny, for a walk around Wash Park and have lunch in my garden.

Over the weekend, we’d swing by the South Pearl Street Farmers Market to grab some local goodies. One night would definitely be reserved for a Red Rocks show. There’s just nothing like live music under the stars out there.

We’d squeeze in a game of sand volleyball with friends, and I’d take them up to Boulder for espresso martinis at the St. Julien and a little walk down memory lane at my old school. Sko Buffs! We’d wrap up the trip with one of Denver’s best dinner spots, Sushi Den. Basically, the perfect mix of good food, good people, and all the Colorado things I love most.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a big shoutout to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Colorado Chapter and the Interior Design Society (IDS) Denver Chapter. As someone still early in my career, their events have been such a fun and welcoming way to meet other designers and industry professionals. It’s made a huge difference having those opportunities to connect, learn, and feel part of a supportive community. I’ve met so many inspiring people through both organizations, and I’m really grateful for the encouragement and connections they’ve provided.

Website: https://www.ziggyinteriors.com

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

Image Credits
Peter Loyd-Vuolo Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.