We Are Via: Meet Becky Miedema
Come and meet Becky Miedema, an interior designer at VIA Design, who is passionate about transforming spaces into dream homes. Celebrating her 20th anniversary with VIA Design, Becky's journey is a story of growth, creativity, and dedication.
Becky is an energetic mom who juggles her love for family with her passion for interior design. A child of the 80s and 90s, her taste in music is eclectic, ranging from Snoop Dogg to Shania Twain. She also enjoys listening to the IMomSoHard podcast. Jen and Kristen are her spirit animals, and if you’re a mom, you should listen to it.
When she's not busy creating beautiful spaces, she's hitting the pickleball or tennis court with her family or cheering on her kids from the sidelines as their soccer coach. Despite not having played organized sports, she throws herself into coaching with the same enthusiasm she brings to everything else in life. Through it all, she maintains a positive and flexible attitude, reminding herself that it's important to let go and move on even when things don't go according to plan.
Becky's interest in design started early. Pursuing a Fine Arts degree at St. Mary's in South Bend, she always had a deep-rooted passion for interior design and art. A chance conversation between her father and Joe Schmieder led to her introduction to Val Schmieder of VIA Design, and the rest is history.
Starting in the resource library under the guidance of Lorna Sikkema (Val’s mom), who became her significant mentor, Becky learned crucial aspects of client relations and design. Becky credits Lorna for teaching her to focus on clients' visions rather than personal preferences. A helipad project for a high-profile client under Val's mentorship was a defining moment, teaching her valuable lessons in client interaction and project management.
Becky understands the importance of making a house a home, and her passion for turning a client's vision into a dream space is infectious. She enjoys the before-and-after magic of renovations, showcasing the potential hidden in every space. Her approach begins with listening to clients, understanding their needs, and starting the design process with the right questions.
Becky emphasizes the importance of balance in design, incorporating various materials, textures, and colors. Her creative process is client-centric, often sparked by a unique item or a specific element that becomes the focal point of her designs.
Becky highlights an often-overlooked skill in design — navigating client relationships with empathy and care akin to marriage counseling. She stresses the importance of remaining neutral and finding solutions that cater to differing tastes and preferences in a family.
Becky cherishes the people and the projects at VIA Design. She values the company's care for its staff and emphasizes a healthy work-life balance. Becky is currently teaching an interiors class at a local college, which keeps her updated and allows her to bring industry insights into her teaching.
As Becky continues her journey at VIA Design, she blends artistic expertise and deep empathy to create aesthetically pleasing designs that resonate with clients' desires and lifestyles.
Explore the world of interior design with Becky at VIA Design. Whether envisioning a complete makeover or seeking to breathe new life into your space, Becky's expertise and unique approach make her the perfect guide in your design journey.