When life changes course, it takes resilience to navigate the unknown. Sandra Swieder understands how true that is, shifting from a successful commercial photography career to launching her closet staging and interior design business. Now, she helps clients transform their spaces while bringing a client-focused design philosophy to life. 

Swieder started her career behind the camera, working in commercial photography for major brands like Martha Stewart and Bloomingdale’s. “I worked on interior magazines, doing set design and prop styling,” she said. “Basically, we were doing what interior designers do, but with just two or three walls instead of a whole house.” For 15 years, she thrived in the industry, but as digitalization changed the landscape, she found herself at a crossroads. 

Faced with changes in the industry and personal challenges, Swieder decided to pivot. “I didn’t want to go back to commercial photography — it’s long hours, freelance work. I needed something more stable, especially with a child,” she recalled. So, she leaned into her interior background and began exploring opportunities in design.

She took on various roles, but it was her work at California Closets that became a turning point. “I got into California Closets after Hurricane Sandy destroyed my home,” Swieder shared. “I realized I could change people’s lives by helping them get organized. That’s when I knew I’d found my new path.”

In 2017, Swieder launched Sandra Swieder Interiors. While this company was near to her heart she decided to also join The Closet Builder, a boutique firm in New Jersey.

At The Closet Builder, she continued to refine her skills in designing highly functional, personalized storage spaces. “What I love about this work is that it’s all about solving problems for people. When you design a closet that works perfectly for someone’s needs, it can really change how they live.”

Her goal is simple: Create spaces that make life easier for her clients. “It’s not just about making things look good on paper,” she said, “I design for my clients’ needs.”

She emphasized the importance of understanding her clients’ lifestyles and tailoring designs to fit them. “I had one client who was very nervous and had a bad experience with a previous remodel. We had to handle her differently — make sure she felt comfortable and that everything was done exactly as promised,” Swieder explained. “Trust is a big part of what I do.”

Swieder often draws on her background in photography to bring a unique perspective to her designs. “Photography is very mathematical, and so are closets,” she said. “There’s a lot of psychology involved too. When you walk into an organized, open space, it immediately calms you.”

Recently, she decided to revisit Sandra Swieder Interiors, focusing on closet staging and interior design.

Design philosophy and inspiration

Swieder’s design philosophy is rooted in listening to her clients and addressing their specific needs. “I once designed a whole closet around a Marc Jacobs handbag,” she recalled. “It’s about letting the client’s lifestyle and preferences guide the design.” 

Rather than following trends, Swieder creates spaces that work for the individual. “I had a client who was 4 foot 11 inches and her contractor installed cabinets at a height that worked for him, not her. We had to redo everything,” she said. “I’m always asking the right questions to make sure the design fits the person.”

Cultural influences and trends

As more people embrace minimalism and open-concept living, Swieder sees a growing need for well-designed, functional storage solutions. “People want an open concept, but they don’t want to see anything. Builders need to start making closets bigger to accommodate that,” she said.

Looking ahead, customization will continue to be a key trend in the industry. “Making closets more personalized and incorporating technology where it makes sense is where the industry is heading,” she predicted. Products like LG’s sneaker cleaner, which is gaining popularity, are just one example of how tech can integrate into home design.

Swieder’s journey from photography to interior design is about reinvention and determination. Her ability to combine practicality with style, all while keeping her clients’ needs at the forefront, is an important part of her success. As she continues to grow her business, Swieder remains focused on making sure her designs change lives for the better. 

For more information on the two companies, visit theclosetbuilder.com and sandraswiederinteriors.com.

The 9/11 project

In addition to her interior design work, Swieder has been involved in meaningful projects that impact her world. One such project is her involvement in a 9/11 memorial initiative with photos and a documentary featuring survivors. This project highlights her dedication to using design to contribute to significant causes. 

To learn more, visit thejerseysideproject.com.