Heather Thorley

Heather Thorley is the lead designer at Inspiration+Co. After 25 years in the interior design business, she is still passionate about the world of colour and design, and the challenge and variety of work she gets involved in. She enjoys meeting clients again and again as they buy, build and renovate homes and work spaces.

Heather has a friendly, open style, and the unusual combination of being creative yet practical. Heather believes it’s essential to keep up with global and local trends and product knowledge so travels to key design shows in New Zealand and internationally each year. She and her staff also attend local design seminars and product launches, and have a close relationship with suppliers.

Design and colour are not just work for Heather – they form the basis of her many interests including collecting contemporary New Zealand art. In 1998, with her husband, she designed their family home on a small, steep site in Raumati where they literally had to cut into a hillside to accommodate the house. This innovative design featured in magazines and is still looking great today.

In her previous working life, Heather was a tutor, social worker and marriage guidance counsellor. She finds the skills gained in these roles very useful when working with clients making decisions and also as a public speaker.