Heather Long

Spiezle Architectural Group
Director of Interiors

27 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

I am very creative and have been since I was a child. I find joy in art and have a strong desire to express myself. These traits, along with an introduction to technical drawing and furniture making in high school, led me to search for a career path encompassing all my passions, which I found in interior design.

What inspires you to design?

Just about everything inspires me—texture, color, and patterns can all delight your senses. What I find most important is the feeling and energy I get when I enter a space and the mood it evokes.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

I have had many role models and mentors throughout my career, from architects to designers and peers. They have all impacted my journey in different ways, such as developing my technical skills, helping me to see things from a different perspective, and providing encouragement. The best mentors are those who challenge me to push myself out of my comfort zone and be bold.

How do you think architecture can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

Architecture and design help to improve existing spaces and create new environments that can be used by all people, which promotes social equity and inclusiveness. Women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces by investing in other women and fostering an environment of support.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

Realizing my value and the impact I’m making on people’s lives by creating environments for well-being, comfort, and safety is the most fulfilling part of my career and fuels my professional journey.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

All of my projects mean a lot to me as I’ve been fortunate to work in service industry markets for my entire career, with acute healthcare being my prominent industry focus. Knowing that the spaces that I have helped to shape are the ones that promote healing and well-being is very rewarding. One in particular that I recently worked on was the Center for LGBTQ+ Health for Cooper University Health Care to create a safe and inclusive physician practice environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

Find a great mentor, be a problem solver, stand up for yourself, and know your worth.