Meet Laura Hodgson | Interior Designer and Principal of Haven

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

Hi Laura, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In my early 20s, I had the opportunity to work with several talented designers—and I learned so much from each of them. I also began to recognize what didn’t align with my own values and creative instincts. I knew I wanted to do things differently—more authentically. Starting my own business was about creating space to work more flexibly with clients and to offer a more tailored, personal approach. That vision became Haven. It gave me the freedom to meet clients where they are, offering different levels of design based on their needs and how involved they want to be. At the heart of it all is my passion for creating spaces that reflect their lives and stories—not my personal style or fleeting trends, but something meaningful, lasting, and truly theirs.

What should our readers know about your business?
There are so many incredibly creative people in the world—but in design, talent alone isn’t always enough. I’ve seen many gifted designers struggle because they lacked the business acumen needed to bring their visions to life. Design isn’t just about creativity; it’s about managing thousands of details, staying organized, and following through. Without that, even the most beautiful ideas can fall apart.

For me, the magic is in both the vision and the execution. I love designing spaces that reflect my clients’ personalities and lifestyles. There’s a creative high I get after a presentation, when everything clicks into place and I can see the final space clearly in my mind. That creative process is what energizes me every single day. But the real work—and the real reward—comes in bringing that vision to life.

Execution is where I shine. My clients often tell me they feel confident knowing that every detail will be handled and that the final result will reflect exactly what we envisioned. And for me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing them finally step into a space that’s been thoughtfully designed just for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re anything like me, the best trips are a mix of unforgettable experiences, delicious food, and a few hidden gems along the way. Here’s how I’d plan the perfect Denver adventure:

Turn up the weird—in the best way.
Spend an afternoon getting wonderfully lost in Meow Wolf. This immersive, mind-bending art installation-meets-mystery-adventure is a total sensory treat. It’s like walking into someone’s dream—with puzzles.

Add in a little serenity…
Every good trip needs a pause, and there’s no better place for that than the Denver Botanic Gardens. It’s the perfect blend of beauty and calm—an oasis in the city where you can slow down, breathe deep, and soak in nature.

Laugh until your sides hurt.
Head to Lob, where bocce ball meets mini-golf in the most unexpected and hilarious way. It’s quirky, competitive, and guaranteed to spark joy (and maybe a little trash talk among friends).

Dinner time? You’ve got options.
If you’re craving sushi, Sushi Den is a must—the fish is flown in fresh, and every bite is perfection. Or grab a table outdoors on Larimer Square, where you can enjoy people-watching and a rotating cast of restaurants offering everything from farm-to-table fare to international fusion.

As night falls, the real adventure begins…
Denver’s speakeasy scene is legendary, and it’s hard to pick just one. The DeLorean is always a hit—especially if you’re a child of the ’80s like me. Think retro vibes, creative cocktails (and mocktails!), and neon nostalgia.

Want something with a little edge? 12 Spirits Tavern brings the haunted house energy—with cocktails. It’s part bar, part ghost story, and totally fun for sparking conversation.

And don’t skip Charlie Brown’s Bar and Grill—a classic piano bar where the food is solid, the vibe is welcoming, and you’ll probably end up singing with strangers by the end of the night.

Cap it off with a view.
Get out of the city for a quick day hike to Devil’s Head Lookout Trail. It’s close to Denver but delivers sweeping views that make you feel like you’re a world away. And if you’re up for more mountain magic, well… don’t even get me started on all the incredible hikes waiting in Colorado’s high country.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Linda Houghton was my first boss in the design world—and an unforgettable one. She was a strong, confident woman and an incredible mentor. Linda took me under her wing and taught me the skills that don’t always show up in design school: how to negotiate contracts, collaborate with contractors and subcontractors to achieve the best results, and how to truly listen to clients—even when they aren’t sure what they want themselves. She believed in me and my abilities, long before I fully did. I’ll never forget when she told me, “You’re going to have your own firm one day.” She was right—and I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://www.haveninteriors.com