Dalia Gottlieb Silver shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Dalia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about interior design is that it’s “just picking things that look nice together.” In reality, our work goes far beyond aesthetics. Every decision we make — from layout and lighting to materials, color palettes, and textures — is guided by an understanding of space, flow, and functionality. Interior designers consider how a room feels, how it works for the people living in it, and how every element interacts to create a cohesive, livable environment.
Clients sometimes assume that a contractor or architect can handle everything, but interior design brings a unique perspective to the table. We translate a client’s vision into a tangible space while balancing style, comfort, and budget — often anticipating challenges before they arise. Each designer has their own lens, their own approach, and that perspective is what makes a space truly personal and well-crafted.
At the end of the day, what people might not see immediately is that design is as much about problem-solving, strategy, and intentionality as it is about beauty. And it’s this thoughtful, tailored approach that turns a dwelling into a home.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At Gottlieb Silver Studio I partner with clients to transform their houses into homes that not only look beautiful, but feel deeply personal. With each project—whether a full ground up build, a kitchen renovation, or a single room refresh—I focus on making the process smooth, joyful, and tailored to the individual. My goal is to deliver spaces that are original, curated, and uniquely grounded in who the client is.
What sets my work apart is the blend of aesthetic vision and practical strategy. Before I entered the world of interior design, I spent nearly a decade as a tax accountant in the financial services industry. While it might seem like a far jump, that background has been invaluable: it taught me organization, problem-solving, and how to manage budgets thoughtfully, all of which are critical in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
I believe great design isn’t just about picking pretty things—it’s about understanding space, flow, materials, light, and how people live. It’s about asking the right questions up front so that by the time selections are made everything is aligned. My clients often tell me I seem to know what they’ll love—even before they can quite put their vision into words—and I think that comes from listening closely to their needs, understanding their lifestyles, and bringing a deliberate design sensibility to the work.
As a small business owner I’m always trying to expand the ways I support clients, from remote design services to more full scale custom builds. I’m also exploring ways to make design more accessible—bringing the same thoughtful approach that I apply to high end homes to conscious budgets and to clients who maybe haven’t considered working with a designer before.
Thank you for inviting me to share a bit of my story. It’s truly a joy to do this work, and I feel privileged to help clients bring their visions to life.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Poor communication and lack of sympathy are what break the bonds between people. When we let our egos or our biases get in the way of truly seeing and hearing one another, connection disappears. Relationships—whether personal or professional—crumble when we stop trying to understand the other person’s perspective.
What restores those bonds is kindness, respect, and compassion. When we slow down enough to listen, to communicate honestly, and to see each other’s humanity, the walls start to come down. It’s about creating space for understanding and trust, even when opinions differ and the small kindnesses that let another person feel seen.
In many ways, these same principles are at the heart of good design. Creating a thoughtful, well-designed home starts with empathy—understanding how someone lives, what brings them comfort, and how they want to feel in their space. The best designs are built on connection, on listening closely, and on caring deeply about the people who will inhabit them. Whether in relationships or in design, everything meaningful starts with understanding and respect.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust that every experience has a purpose—even the ones that don’t seem connected at the time. Life rarely moves in a straight line, and that’s okay.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Integrity. It’s really the foundation for everything I do—at home, at work, and in everyday life. It shapes how I show up for my spouse, my kids, my clients, vendors, and even the cashier who undercharges for an item at the grocery store.
For me, integrity means doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. It’s about being honest, following through, and letting your actions align with your values. It’s what builds trust in relationships and gives meaning to the work I do.
Design, at its best, is deeply personal. People invite me into their homes, their lives, and their stories. Upholding integrity in every interaction ensures that what we create together isn’t just beautiful—it’s honest, functional, and built on mutual respect. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the one that keeps me grounded and proud of how I move through the world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss having a partner who sees the potential in their homes before they can. I’ve always believed that design isn’t just about making a space look beautiful — it’s about creating a home that feels like them. My clients often come to me overwhelmed by decisions or unsure how to translate their taste into something tangible, and I think what they value most is that I can see the full picture early on, even when it’s still just an idea in their heads.
They trust me to hold the vision — to make every choice with intention, to keep the process organized, to guide them through it all without stress. Whether it’s a full ground-up build or a single room refresh, I make it my job to understand their lifestyle, their budget, and their individual rhythms, so the finished space feels effortless, personal, and enduring.
I think they’d also miss how customized the process is with me. My clients often tell me that I somehow “predict” their taste — that I can read what they’re drawn to even before they can articulate it. That’s because design, for me, has always been about listening deeply — to the person, not just the space.
At the end of the day, my work is about turning homes into sanctuaries. If I retired tomorrow, I hope my clients would miss that feeling — the calm, joy, and sense of belonging that comes when a home finally reflects who they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gottliebsilverstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottliebsilverstudio/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daliagottliebsilver/
Image Credits
Personal Photo taken by Ben Anik
All other photos taken by Dalia Gottlieb Silver
