We Are Via: Tiffany Walters
Meet Tiffany Walters,
a Senior Interior Designer, at Via Design in Grand Rapids, MI
Tiffany Walters exemplifies the creativity, adaptability, and dedication that define Via Design, balancing her passion for design with the joys of family life. Her journey began with a unique blend of influences—her father’s work as a kitchen designer and builder, her mother’s entrepreneurial embroidery business, and her own childhood fascination with organizing and accessorizing spaces.
From Medicine to Design: Finding Her True Calling
Tiffany’s initial career aspiration was far from the world of interiors; she dreamed of becoming a doctor. But growing up surrounded by design elements planted seeds of creativity that eventually grew into her true calling. “As a girl, I would make collages from magazine cutouts of furniture and accessories,” Tiffany recalls. “I loved playing around, moving things, and visualizing how it all came together.”
She originally enrolled to study science at Grand Valley State University, she realized her heart was elsewhere. Just two weeks before the school year started, she made a bold decision to switch schools and enrolled in the interior design program at Kendall College of Art and Design. The decision, though unconventional, marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for creating spaces that inspire.
A Home at Via Design
During her senior year at Kendall, Tiffany landed an internship at Via Design, where her design career took root. One of her first assignments involved delivering holiday gifts to clients and contractors using a map and highlighter—a reminder of how much has changed since the days before GPS.
“I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else,” she says. “The projects are rewarding, and the work environment feels like home.”
Working at Via has reinforced her belief that great design is a collaboration—balancing aesthetics with interior architecture, space planning, and functionality.
Design Philosophy and Style
Tiffany’s design approach is as versatile as her clients’ unique needs. While her personal style leans transitional with eclectic touches, her projects span a wide spectrum, always tailored to fit the client’s vision. “At Via, we design for the client’s needs. The joy comes from getting to know them and seeing something that feels perfect for their space,” she shares. Whether it’s a modern minimalistic aesthetic or a classic design, Tiffany thrives on creating spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.
One of her favorite moments in the design process? That spark of connection when selecting items for her clients. “When you are looking for samples or design elements and can say, ‘This is so them,’ it makes the process so much fun,” she explains.
But for Tiffany, the true magic often happens on install days—when every carefully chosen piece finds its place. While it can be bittersweet to finish a project and see less of her clients, install days are where all the planning, creativity, and hard work come together in a tangible way. From ironing sheets and dusting light fixtures to loading the Via van with art and accessories, Tiffany’s hands-on dedication ensures every detail is just right.
Family and Balance
Tiffany’s life outside work is as dynamic as her career. She and her husband, Joe, raise four active children: Willow (15), Isla (14), Livy (12), and Nash (10). The family calendar is a whirlwind of activity, with each child fully immersed in their passions. Willow recently wrapped up color guard and is gearing up for competitive cheer this winter. Isla is hitting her stride in basketball, Livy just spiked her way through volleyball season, and Nash is dribbling his way into basketball season, too.
Creativity runs in the family—Isla has taken up sewing and is collaborating with Tiffany’s mom to make embroidered makeup bags. It’s clear that Isla has inherited her mom’s creative spark. Tiffany also got to share a unique connection with Willow this past summer when her daughter joined Via as a summer intern. Reflecting on her own early days at Via 23 years ago, Tiffany cherished the chance to share her professional world with Willow—and to enjoy a matching schedule for a season.
When it’s time to unwind, the family loves camping in their travel trailer, paddleboarding at the nearby lake, or hitting the slopes at Cannonsburg in the winter. Summer, however, is a favorite—packed with trips to Michigan’s stunning lakeshore destinations like Pentwater and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Through it all, Joe’s remote work provides a crucial anchor for their family’s busy routine. “Having Joe work from home since COVID has been a game-changer,” Tiffany shares. “It allows me to focus more on my work while knowing the kids are covered.”
Creative Flow
At home, Tiffany’s world is as lively as her work, with creativity woven into her daily life. When the rare quiet moment comes along, she paints abstract art, blending texture and color into pieces that now bring personality to her home.
“Slowing down isn’t really in my nature,” she admits with a smile. For Tiffany, staying busy isn’t just a habit—it’s where she thrives, balancing her creative energy between home and work with an ease that’s uniquely her own.
Creativity and Future Aspirations
As for her career aspirations, Tiffany remains driven by the possibilities of design. Her dream? To see her work featured in Architectural Digest. “It would be incredible,” she says.
When asked if she had any advice to share with aspiring designers, her advice is simple but profound: “Get an internship. School is great, but hands-on experience shows you the real career path.”
From the Via Archives December 7th, 2007
More Than Meets the Eye
Interior design is often misunderstood, and Tiffany enjoys shedding light on its full scope. “It’s so much more than decorating. We’re involved in everything—from interior architecture to space planning,” she explains. Many people are surprised to learn just how multifaceted the role of an interior designer can be.
Whether she’s designing a client’s dream space or painting abstract art in her own home, Tiffany’s creativity and dedication shine through. Her journey from medical science to design, her ability to balance family and career, and her talent for crafting personal and unique spaces make her an inspiring figure at Via Design.
A Passion for Design, A Life Well Lived
Tiffany’s career reflects passion, adaptability, and the art of balancing a successful design career with her role as a wife and mother of four. Each of her designs tells a story – just like Tiffany’s own journey. Ready to create a space that feels uniquely yours? Let’s start the conversation.
“Tiffany is gifted in many ways as a designer. She easily adapts to whatever style the client chooses and is very professional and skilled in the way she works to achieve the look and feel the client wants. Often she will take clients in a direction they were not expecting but they end up liking much better than what they were originally thinking.”
-Scott Christopher, Scott Christopher Homes