I aim to bring spaces to life, bringing joy to the people that inhabit them.

With concepts grounded in evidence-based design and an understanding of user behaviour, I aim to infuse each design with functionality, sustainability, and creativity that resonates with its users. Building on this foundation, I craft a compelling story that not only animates the space but also enriches the lives of those who inhabit it, making it a source of joy.

Hello, my name is Tara, and I’m a recovering marketing strategist.

After a successful 22-plus-year marketing career, I returned to school to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (I just finished - April 2025). Now, I’m diving headfirst into my second career with much excitement and energy.

However, this may raise a few questions, which I answer below.

Q1. How successful could your marketing career have been if you decided to quit?

Fair question. A few highlights:

I wrote one of the first books on how social media transformed business (published in seven languages), spoke at over 200 conferences worldwide and was featured in publications like Fast Company and Harvard Business Review.

I led an award-winning boutique agency with major clients like Nokia, Bell Labs, and the Canadian Real Estate Association.

I also built a strong online presence—with an influential YouTube channel, a large social following, and over 200,000 LinkedIn followers—earning awards and even being named one of Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology.

Q2. Why did you leave a successful career to start all over again?

There are a few layers to this answer.

First, the spark had faded. Social media, once a source of connection and creativity, had become more stressful than inspiring. AI was beginning to disrupt the content space in a big way, and I found myself craving work that was more hands-on, tangible, and grounded in craft.

Second, becoming an interior designer—or architect—has been a dream of mine since I was young. So, when I started seriously thinking about what my career pivot could look like, it was the first idea that came to mind. I’d already spent years designing and decorating my own personal and professional spaces, and I realized how much joy that creative process brought me.

Finally, I had the opportunity. In 2021, as the world turned upside down, I took a step back and re-evaluated everything. I had saved enough to return to school and had a solid team to transition the business. So, I went for it.

Q3. Are any of the skills from your previous career applicable to interior design?

Yes-so many!

First, I developed strong proficiency in design software during my marketing career, much of which overlaps with interior design tools. With over 30 years of digital experience, I had a solid foundation to quickly learn new architectural software. I completely fell in love with Revit early on and now even tutor others in using it.

I’m also bringing behavioural research skills, strategic thinking, storytelling, and systems thinking into my interior design work—skills that help me approach each project with both creativity and purpose.

And finally, my background as an entrepreneur and team leader continues to serve me well. Skills like client management, presenting, budgeting, business development, collaboration, and project coordination are all directly transferable and incredibly valuable in this next chapter of my career.

Q4. With all of that lofty experience, do you also have lofty expectations?

I bring more experience and seniority than the average recent graduate, but I also understand that I’m starting fresh. I know I have a lot to learn, and I’m ready to do the work—starting wherever I need to and earning my way up, just like I did in my first career.

I wouldn’t have committed four years to returning to school if I believed in shortcuts. I’m a hard worker and deeply motivated to grow in this field. I also plan to take the NCIDQ (IDFX) exam as soon as I’m eligible.

That said, my previous experience is an asset—not a liability. I bring maturity, leadership, and a strategic mindset that I believe will serve both my teams and clients well, even as I continue learning the ropes.

Skills

Interior Design

  • 3D modeling + rendering

  • BIM (Building Information Modeling)

  • Specifications + documentation

  • Building Codes + Regulations

  • Custom furniture + millwork design

  • Documentation + construction drawings

  • Environmental psychology

  • Programming + planning

  • Presentations and graphic design

  • Universal design / accessible design

  • Commercial design

  • Sustainable design

General

  • Writing, copywriting, and editing

  • Video & audio editing

  • Business development

  • Public speaking

  • Market research

  • Content strategy

  • Web design

  • Digital strategy

  • User experience design

  • Teamwork & leadership

  • Analytics & reporting

  • The Whuffie Factor

    Published by Crown Publishing in 2009, TWF was a pioneering business book on the social web’s impact, translated into seven languages.

  • Public Speaking

    I spoke professionally at over 200 conferences worldwide, from Sydney to Delhi to Austin to Paris and beyond. I’m very comfortable in front of an audience and have extensive training.

  • Professional Memberships

    Association professionelle des designers d’intérieur du Québec (APDIQ)

    Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)

  • Languages

    English - Native / Fluent

    French - High B1 Level *

    * Currently studying (ongoing)

Awards & Recognitions

  • Content Strategy Finalist - August 2018

  • Woman to Watch - January 2013

  • Prix Cartier - November 2011

  • Most Influential Women in Technology - February 2009

  • Best Gaming Website

    Best Interactive Website

    - September 2003

  • Best Poster

    Best Poster Series

    - July 2003

Endorsements

  • "Tara is always ahead of the curve - watching her over the past decade has been a delight. She is a true leader in her space and knows how to build strategic audiences in a way I've never seen before. Smart and fast, I love watching Tara build!"

    Shaherose Charania

  • "Tara is one of the best connectors on the planet. She connects people, industries, and ideas. She's a strong leader and a huge supporter of other people. I aspire to have Tara's ability to think strategically while busting her butt doing what it takes to make things happen. She's one in eight billion."

    Liza Kindred

  • "Tara Hunt is a dynamo in human form. Whatever you want to achieve with her, she'll make it happen. And whatever she's doing, you want to be a part of."

    Cindy Gallop

  • "Tara is highly driven, whip-smart, super-creative, a genuinely nice person and Canadian. She's awesome."

    Richard Moross