About our founder
Meet our founder and principal designer, Andrea Hecht
Terracotta Interiors reflects Andrea’s lifelong connection to craftsmanship and materiality, along with her love of heirloom-quality design. Those early influences came from generations of family-owned businesses in pottery and furniture making, where design was experienced as both art and livelihood. After studying interior design in Arizona, Andrea began her career in New York City, where more than a decade as a luxury residential interior designer with Melanie Foster Interiors deepened her understanding of classic design principles, custom craftsmanship, and the leadership required to execute complex projects at the highest level. That experience provided an invaluable foundation and continues to shape the perspective and rigor she brings to her work today.
Now based in the western suburbs of Chicago, Andrea carries that experience into her own studio, pairing a highly personal client experience with senior-level project leadership and creative direction. She has a particular affinity for historic homes and architectural design, preserving the craftsmanship and details that cannot be replicated while introducing just enough contemporary influence to allow each home to live beautifully in the present.
On a personal note, Andrea enjoys family adventures with her husband and two sons, exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, hiking nearby nature preserves, practicing Pilates, and cooking. For Andrea, those everyday moments are a constant reminder that home is the foundation of our lives. She is proud to design throughout Chicago and Milwaukee, bringing that perspective to each project with an appreciation for the individuality of every family and every home.
About our studio
Terracotta is a state of mind
At Terracotta Interiors, luxury is felt not only in the finished home but in the experience of creating it. Expertly led with a focus on project management, the studio’s authentic full-service approach extends from the earliest planning and architectural development through sourcing, procurement, construction coordination, and final installation. Every decision and moving part is carried within one continuous vision, allowing clients to remain immersed in the creative experience while the complexity of their project is managed entirely on their behalf.
From the outset, each client works directly with Andrea, establishing a relationship that becomes central to the design process. The work is intentionally unhurried, allowing for the time and attention needed to understand how the home is lived in, what feels worth preserving, and where there is room to move beyond the expected. Clients remain closely connected to the creative process, where the experience is equal parts inspiring and calm, personal without becoming unstructured, and highly organized without ever losing its sense of direction.
A Philosophy of Design
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Each client works directly with Andrea, pairing senior-level project leadership and creative direction with the close involvement and exceptional level of individual care made possible by a boutique studio.
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Rather than rushing decisions or designing for immediate gratification, each home is approached as an heirloom in the making, guided by longevity and enduring beauty over temporary impact.
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Within a process that remains clear and expertly guided, clients are gently pushed beyond the familiar and encouraged to consider ideas they may not have reached on their own. The result is a home with greater individuality and creative depth than they ever thought to ask for .
Client Testimonial
“Andrea of Terracotta Interiors helped make our house a home. From the moment we met for a consultation, I knew she was the right choice. She is incredibly professional, approachable, and easy to work with. Her consultation process is thorough, making sure she understands design goals and lifestyle needs. After a year of struggling with ideas to make our modern home feel warm and inviting, Andrea did just that in the blink of an eye. She manages all contractors hired for the project, and every person who worked on our home treated us and our space with respect. Her attention to detail was impressive, and I am happy to say I finally feel ‘HOME.’ Highly recommend Andrea!”
— Francine M.
