My Design Philosophy: Spaces that Empower and Elevate

To me, interior design is an evolving state of being. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing process—not just about the final product, but about the journey, growth, and transformation that come with it. Design adapts, transforms, and continually influences our lives.

But how is this possible? Isn’t design about inanimate objects and static images? Yes and no.

For years, interior design has been misunderstood—dismissed as unimportant or a luxury. Designers were often caricatured as "pillow fluffers" or eccentric and snobbish individuals obsessed with appearances. I struggled with these stereotypes when I first started. None of them resonated with me, and for a long time, I couldn’t find my place as a designer.

I didn’t want design to be about “stuff.” I didn’t have a single defined “style.” And truthfully, I have a hard time fitting into tidy boxes or social constructs. I love all types of styles—from mid-century modern to baroque and everything in between, before, and after. If you had to pin me down, I suppose my style would be eclectic, though even that term comes with misconceptions. I didn’t want to churn out cookie-cutter designs or chase fleeting trends. If that’s your goal, I’m probably not the designer for you.

But design is so much more than arranging objects in a way that looks beautiful. The depth I’ve discovered in design is profound, and I believe the value designers bring has been grossly underestimated—to the detriment of us all.

The Dynamic Nature of Design

Design isn’t static. It engages our senses, subconscious and conscious minds, and the physical world around us. These elements aren’t fixed—they’re dynamic, just like us. Once you recognize the other "players" in the design process—the user of the space, their emotions, and their interactions—you begin to understand its true depth.

Research in neuroscience has illuminated how profoundly our environments impact our wellbeing. Neuroaesthetics, the study of how our brains respond to aesthetic experiences, shows that design isn’t just about visual appeal—it’s about creating spaces that evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and enhance focus and creativity.

Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like plants, sunlight, and organic materials, has further demonstrated the power of design to connect us with nature. These connections improve our mental and physical health, helping us feel more balanced and grounded in our daily lives.

Today, we have more tools and knowledge than ever to craft spaces that go beyond functionality. We can design environments that nurture the human spirit and support wellbeing. Technology and AI are also transforming the design process, making it more efficient and giving us more time to focus on what matters most: creating thoughtful, meaningful spaces for the people who use them.

My Philosophy and Approach

I thrive on depth, learning, and problem-solving. Working with me means spending more time upfront—researching, asking questions, and getting to know you—so that your design is not only beautiful but also meaningful and impactful. My goal is to create spaces that promote wellbeing, community, and collaboration, while also enhancing productivity and creativity.

Instead of cookie-cutter options, I curate designs with intention. Every detail, from faucets to flooring, colors to artwork, works together to achieve a common design objective.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, my approach starts with understanding who you are. What do you want your space to represent? What are your hopes and dreams for those who use it? What are your likes, dislikes, and needs? These aren’t surface-level questions; they’re about discovering the essence of who you are or what your company stands for.

Design With Purpose

Interior design isn’t about following trends or creating spaces that only look good. It’s about crafting environments that reflect who are, that draw people in to work toward a better future.

A well-designed space should nourish you, not drain you. It should support your goals, reflect your values, and leave you ready to take on the next chapter of your life or work with energy and purpose.

For me, design is about creating spaces that empower and elevate—transforming environments into meaningful, supportive extensions of the people who use them. By incorporating neuroaesthetics and biophilic principles, I aim to design spaces that resonate deeply with the people who use them, fostering connection, wellbeing, and growth.

If this perspective on design resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you see your spaces shaping your life? Let’s continue the conversation.