About Us

We have an eye for the exceptional and a soft spot for the elusive.

Who We Are

Circa was established in 1979 by Charlotte's own Cindy Smith, a seasoned tastemaker, Interior Designer, and Antiquarian. Circa has earned national acclaim for its enduring interiors, skillfully marrying timeless classics with the avant-garde. As Circa embarked on its fourth decade, the mantle transitioned to Cindy’s son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Heather Smith. With 25 years of design experience, Heather brings a wealth of insight and innovation to every project. As the lead designer, buyer, and brand creative director for the past 10 years she has masterfully woven together elegant and extraordinary elements from the past and present to transform spaces into works of art.  Chad is a seasoned entrepreneur within the home furnishings industry and shares a dedication to evolving the Circa brand, curating products, and delivering designs that elevate homes to unparalleled beauty.

Circa

Lead Designer

Heather Smith – Owner, Lead designer, and brand creative director

Heather Smith

Owner and Lead Designer

Heather creates interiors that are creative and layered with details with an emphasis on unique forms, earthy colors, and enduring materials. Her work reflects the need for both stylish living and functionality for today's busy families. An antiques lover, Heather combines a traditional aesthetic with collected accessories to keep interiors grounded but young and edgy in spirit. Her travels influence her personal style as well as her design work that encompasses traditional residences, urban apartments, and private retreats. Heather works on a few select jobs a year, oversees projects with junior designers, and is the creative director for the website.

Inspiring design photographs
Circa designers in action
Testimonials

I’ve worked with Heather since 2004. We’re on our third house and I’ll never let anyone else touch my house. Everything I own is from Circa; I still have things from my first house 20 years ago and they’ve held up and go with everything else I’ve bought as we’ve moved and my style has changed.  Heather is the GOAT.
Natalie Homesley
I have trusted Circa for 20 years for their comprehensive collection of modern lines, timeless antiques, and endless details and extraordinary finds. Through the years, Heather has curated an evolving look in my home that is comfortable, welcoming, and multidimensional in story and style. Charlotte is lucky to have Heather, delivering exceptional talent that combines bold and beautiful style into everyday living.
Lynn Carlson
We cannot recommend Circa highly enough! We are currently on our third project with them and Heather has once again transformed our home into a dreamy, gorgeous space. The Circa team is incredibly talented, professional and we love how they think outside of the box and bring that element of surprise. The WOW factor! I’m always in awe of the vision and blown away when I see it come to life! I will definitely continue to use them on any future projects because they are simply the best and a true joy to work with.
Jerri Webb

“Our sense of wonder keeps us hunting for rare, unusual, and exquisite finds.”