Interior design always fascinated Susan Semmelmann ’90, whose parents would take her on tours of elegant and historic homes when she was young. 

“I would see refinement and finer things in life,” she said. “It really trained my eye to know different styles.” 

The fascination turned into a passion, which she cultivated at TCU and in 2019 turned into her own brand, Susan Semmelmann Interiors in Fort Worth.  

Three years later she was given the opportunity to help a refugee from Ukraine revitalize her career as a designer after fleeing war. Keeping expectations tempered because of some cultural barriers, Semmelmann has been wowed by the contributions made by Olha Khytrenko. 

“She is incredible,” Semmelmann said. “She was able to take my company to the next level.” 

One thing that hasn’t changed for Semmelmann is her and her family’s love for TCU. 

Watch Designing a New Life: An Interview with Susan Semmelmann by clicking the YouTube embed below.