Meet Nina Silver | Drafter & Designer

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

Hi Nina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
This business was founded out of personal necessity and has grown into something so much more. As a new mom with an infant hooked to an oxygen tank at the start of COVID, childcare simply wasn’t an option. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful employer at the time who not only gave me the flexibility to work from home and part-time but even sent the very first client my way when I decided I didn’t have the bandwidth to be both a full-time mom and a dependable employee.

Little did I know that managing about five hours a week of drafting for a model home designer would be just the beginning. As my baby (now a thriving five-year-old) got healthy and we arranged for in-home childcare, I was able to take on more and more work. For the first few years, word of mouth and answering questions on Facebook were my only forms of marketing.

When business grew and another baby was on the way, I had to make a decision: close up shop for three months and risk losing everything or hire someone to help. Since then, it’s been a runaway train—more clients, more employees, and more services.

To really answer the question, my thought process has mostly been playing catch-up to the demand—whether personal or professional—and leaning into my innate drive to make things work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One thing about me—and many designers I’ve met along the way—is that I knew from a very young age that this is what I wanted to do. While most of my peers were still figuring things out well into college, I was diving headfirst into the design world. I landed my first design internship at Ware Malcomb when I was 15, took design classes through a local college at 16, started a design degree at CSULB at 17, and by 19, I was drafting for a kitchen designer in Long Beach for course credit. Each of these steps required research, dedication, and a clear vision of what I wanted, but I was also blessed with opportunities that came at just the right time.

Throughout my journey, I’ve found myself, more than once, in a position where I could choose personal joy over employment. When I worked for employers whose values didn’t align with mine, I was fortunate to walk away and find something that fit better. This dedication to prioritizing a healthy workplace has been the foundation for creating one for my own team.

Yes, I run a business—we have client requests, tight deadlines, and we make money—but my real mission is deeper than that. Ask anyone on my team, and they’ll tell you that what truly drives me is creating employment that enables them to lead fulfilling personal lives while supporting the growth of our clients’ firms. That’s what sets us apart, and it’s what I’m most proud of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I wish I had a more glamorous answer to this question! I’ve been in Denver for the better part of the last eight years, but I don’t get out as much as I’d like. That said, I can tell you Postino is my absolute favorite restaurant—especially the one at Colorado and 9th. The interiors are so much fun! Olive & Finch in Cherry Creek also has a stellar iced latte.

Now, if you’re bringing your little one along, I’m your go-to guide. Most of my time is spent enjoying the free days at the Denver Zoo, the Nature and Science Museum, the Children’s Museum, or anywhere a kid can run wild without bothering anyone.

But if it’s an adults-only trip, I do have one standout suggestion: head to Adrift on Broadway. On a snowy day, it’s the perfect mini tropical escape—complete with tiki vibes and flower topped drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Angela Otten from Inspire Kitchen Design Studio in Denver deserves so much credit. She taught me so much about the industry, the ins and outs of owning a business, and, of course, high-end custom cabinetry! Angela was the one who sent that first client my way, and she’s supported me every step of the way.

My husband also deserves a huge shoutout. He not only supports my business but constantly pushes me to grow and pursue new opportunities. He’s taken on the lion’s share of household management, making space for late nights, out-of-town trips for site visits or networking, and even allowing a full living room makeover so I can confidently host clients in a space that reflects who I am and the industry I love.

And, of course, my amazing team. From my very first employee to our newest addition, I’ve been fortunate to work with a group of dedicated individuals who work hard, inspire big ideas, and ensure no detail ever slips through the cracks. They’ve been instrumental in shaping what this business is today.

Website: https://www.ninasilverdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drafted.by.design/#

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drafted-by-design

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninasilverdesign/

Image Credits
Devin Marie Sims images 1 & 8
Hanna Jerde image 6