Our Story
Since its founding in 2007, Design Theory 19, formerly known as Inner Piece Interiors, evolved from a retail design store in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin to a multidisciplinary interior design firm. This evolution has resulted in engaging in a variety of Residential, Commercial, Senior Living, Dental, Healthcare and Hospitality projects.
The principle behind Design Theory focuses on the fundamentals of architecture and interior design. With over a decade of experience in small to large scale projects, we craft unique spaces focusing on how clients see and perceive visual information. We separate ideas and style, taste and trend from universal principles of aesthetics that are common to every person.
19 represents 2019, the year Mindy Hoppe purchased the design firm. More importantly, it is derived from the early 1900's when the history of interior design was curated and the profession of Interior Design was born.
Check out this link for more interior design history.
Mindy is the Principal Designer and Owner of Design Theory 19, formerly known as Inner Piece Interiors which was established in 2007. For years, Mindy has approached each project as an opportunity to create a unique and thoughtful relationship with the owners as well as creating spaces that lead to unexpected moments in one’s home or business.
With a degree in Interior Architecture, Mindy is able to comprehend the construction of spaces as well as having the ability to offer solutions for better flow and aesthetics throughout one’s home. Also creating concepts for work environments which involves processes for employee retainment, branding, universal design or biophilic design.
In 2013, Mindy started with Inner Piece Interiors working on residential projects. Over time, she introduced new opportunities with Commercial, Healthcare, Senior Living, Worship and Dental projects to name a few. After purchasing the company in 2019, Mindy is excited for her next chapter. Rebranding the company to express her personal passion in creating spaces inspired by our clients and how they live their lives as well as how they are growing their business in our community. Being a part of their story is an opportunity she does not take for granted.
Andrew Kluck is an Interior Designer for Design Theory 19. Andrew Graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture.
Andrew started as an intern and was hired as a Design Assistant before joining the company full time as an Interior Designer in 2021 after completing his degree. Design isn’t just about the look of the end product. It is about the feel, functionality, and durability. Creating a design that enhances the end users use of the space and life, is a goal he strives to achieve every day.
To further enhance his career and skills, Andrew spent a semester abroad in London working for a hospitality firm. He aided senior designers in CAD drawings, material selections, 3D renderings, and presentation items. Working in a different country made him adapt to new codes and requirements for designing as well as assess what different cultures deem important in their lives.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys designing and building furniture. Thus far he has built a dresser, nightstand, desk, side table, and two bar cabinets.
Maris Elliott joined the team June 2023 and brought with her a degree in Interior Design and years of design and visual merchandising experience working with architectural professionals in Michigan, California, and Texas.
Having lived on both coasts, in the South, and in the Midwest, Maris has seen it all and has a wealth of knowledge and techniques to transform an ordinary space into the home of your dreams. She loves space planning, especially the challenge of rearranging spaces within the constraints of the existing structure to add life, efficiency, and a personal design that is absolutely ‘you’.
Maris loves adventures, baking, and anything coffee. She is also very passionate about music and loves checking out the local record store when traveling.
“I aspire to establish and maintain a trusted partnership with homeowners, business owners and our industry partners by upholding the highest of standards, creating the best design I can for them, as well as having fun throughout the process.”
— Mindy Hoppe