We are Via
Suzanne Makarewicz
Meet Suzanne Makarewicz
At Via Design, interior design extends beyond furnishings and finishes. Material selection, sourcing, product knowledge, and long-term functionality all play a role in shaping spaces that feel cohesive, durable, and deeply considered. Suzanne’s dual role as Interior Designer and Resource Librarian gives her a unique perspective within the studio, connecting creative vision with the extensive materials and vendor relationships that support each project.
 
Suzanne reflected on her design journey, early creative influences, and the connections that continue to fuel her work. As always, she offered insight, a sense of humor, and a few unexpected stories.
Early Creative Influences That Shaped Her Interior Design Perspective
Suzanne grew up in the Grand Rapids area, the oldest of four siblings. Creativity ran through their childhood, often in imaginative, makeshift ways.
 
“I always enjoyed art class, even if I wasn’t the best at it. As a child, my sisters and I would build houses for our Barbies. The real fun was building houses for them, stacking boxes for different floors, and stacking smaller ones to create different levels. I’d cut bits of plants and put them in old mouthwash caps as planters. We even wove yarn into little rugs. It was so much fun.”
 
Her early instinct to observe and enhance her surroundings surfaced even after a family road trip.
 
“I remember cleaning out our family motorhome, a 1970s Travco, after returning from Cedar Point. It had shag carpeting and gold-and-orange floral upholstery. I thought it looked like a ’70s country singer’s tour bus. Even then, I would imagine redesigning it in my mind for camping, with denim upholstery and artwork featuring black bears in the woods.”
 
That creative spirit stayed with her beyond childhood. Her sister Christine is now a fine artist and art therapist whose realistic and abstract works, mostly inspired by landscapes and water scenes, hang throughout Suzanne’s home.

How Travel, Art, and Architecture Inspired Her Interior Design Career

Those early sparks of creativity eventually found a professional outlet, but not right away.

Suzanne’s early academic path didn’t initially point to design. She studied Business and French at Aquinas College, including time abroad in France. It was there, and in subsequent travels, that her eye for thoughtful, well-crafted spaces began to sharpen.
 
“I love seeing well-designed hotels, where the details are intentional – serene, formal, or moody.” Throughout her life, she has sought out notable hotels and properties, falling in love with their classical and historical details, hallmarks of refined design.
 
Her career path shifted after an unexpected introduction to interior design through a project at her parents’ home.
 
“After I graduated, my mom hired an interior designer named Barb. She was so easygoing and creative. I asked to sit in on the meetings, and she kept saying, ‘You should think about becoming a designer.’”

It was the first time she realized a career could be both fulfilling and enjoyable.
 
Soon after, Suzanne enrolled at Kendall College. Her first professional project was a custom home in Holland, MI, with a French influence, designed around antiques the clients had bought in from France. It was an early opportunity to blend her love of French culture and design in a meaningful way, and the home was ultimately published.
Life at Via Design
Outside of work, Scott is an avid cyclist and sailor, drawn to the strategy, problem-solving, and sense of adventure both pursuits require. Those same qualities carry into his approach to business.
Scott and his wife enjoy an active family life in West Michigan with their two children. Much of his time outside of work is spent with family, whether at home, on the trail, or on the water.

Life at Via Design

A friend told Suzanne about an opening at Via Design, and nearly two decades later, she’s still working at Via Design.
 
“It’s a collaborative place. Everyone’s invested in making the design as good as it can be, no matter the scale of the project. Ideas are shared freely. That’s something I really value.”
 
As a designer, Suzanne is especially energized by projects that go beyond the expected.
Managing Via Design’s Interior Materials and Resource Library
In addition to her project work, Suzanne also manages Via’s material sample library, curating and organizing everything from textiles to flooring, tile, and paint. It’s a role that keeps her closely connected to product reps and innovations in the field.

Behind every interior project is a thoughtful process of material research, sourcing, and coordination. Suzanne’s role as both Interior Designer and Resource Librarian keeps her closely connected to evolving products, finishes, and vendor relationships, helping support the design team as projects move from concept through implementation.

“I love working with the reps. Many of them were designers themselves, so they bring deep product knowledge. They help us stay ahead, offering ideas and materials we might not have seen otherwise. And they’re often the ones who help us troubleshoot when we need something extra durable or unique for a space.”

What Does a Resource Librarian Do?

At Via Design, the resource library supports both residential and commercial projects through curated materials, vendor partnerships, finish sourcing, and ongoing product research. This process helps the design team identify materials that align with each project’s aesthetic, performance needs, and long-term durability.
Why Material Knowledge and Industry Relationships Matter in Interior Design
When asked what advice she’d give to someone starting out in design, Suzanne’s response was straightforward:
 
“Be kind to your coworkers and clients. That’s obvious, but also, build strong relationships with contractors and reps. Contractors have valuable insight on how things get built, and have a strong pride in their craftsmanship, and will help to make the process a success. Reps can help you solve material and sourcing issues. They’re not just salespeople, they’re experts. Those relationships make your work stronger.”
Outside the Design Studio
Outside of work, Suzanne is an avid foodie. She loves getting together with friends for dinner parties, trying new restaurants, cooking, and reading new recipes.

And for those who haven’t heard one of her best stories: she was once a Phone-a-Friend on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

“It was my friend’s husband on the show. The question was, ‘What is Capellini? Pesto, pastry, pasta, or poultry?’ I told him it was pasta, but then second-guessed myself. I spelled it to him, just to be sure. I got it right!”

Her answer helped him win $1,000, a moment she remembers fondly.

“He was just out of law school, and the show allowed them a trip to NYC and a much needed computer. It was a fun experience.”
Watch the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" Clip
Supporting Thoughtful, Material-Driven Interior Design
Suzanne’s impact at Via Design is reflected in both the clarity of her design work and the care she takes in supporting the creative process. With a strong eye for materiality, composition, and product selection, she brings focus and refinement to each project she helps shape. Her contributions reflect the studio’s collaborative, detail-driven approach, where thoughtful materials and well-considered design decisions help shape spaces that feel both functional and enduring.
Learn More about Suzanne