Finding meaning in design
We’ve been in this profession long enough to have weathered more than a few existential crises. The housing market collapse of 2008. A global pandemic that now feels like a hazy dystopian fever dream. Climate disasters. International conflict. Food insecurity. Sometimes, this world feels like a harsh and inhospitable place to call home.
And yet, when we’re overwhelmed by grief or the weight of the world, where do we turn for comfort? Home.
This truth grounds us. It reminds us why we do what we do. As interior designers, we don’t just make things pretty or functional—we’re here to create safe havens. Soft landings. Spaces that hold memory, offer refuge, and foster meaning.
So, how do we make a meaningful impact through design? Here are a few big ideas we’ve been sitting with:
I. Consider the breadth of your impact.
The homes we design aren’t just backdrops for our clients’ lives—they’re containers for connection, community, and memory. Friends gather around kitchen islands. Kids sprawl out on living room rugs. Quiet morning coffee turns into tradition.
Confucius once said, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” While he may have been speaking about family values, the sentiment applies to the spaces themselves. Thoughtfully designed homes shape the way we live, relate, and belong. They tell the stories of our lives—and we are honored to be part of that storytelling.
Home is for our furry friends too! A custom window seat was designed for this living room with this friendly pup in mind.
II. Sourcing is an act of conservation.
Humans have been furnishing homes since the Neolithic period, and trends have changed throughout the ages informed by culture, technology, and material availability. In our current world economy, we are regularly faced with a choice between “fast fashion” and “ethical fashion” – do I want it quick and cheap, or will I invest in something more sustainable, lasting, and fair?
As interior designers, we don’t buy t-shirts—we source furniture, finishes, & fixtures. But the ethical dilemmas are the same. What was it made from? Who made it? How long will it last?
According to the EPA, 80% of discarded furniture ends up in landfills. That’s staggering. This is why we talk with our clients about the value of well-made, domestically sourced goods. Why we’re thoughtful about the workrooms, artisans, and vendors we partner with. Why we consider not just aesthetics, but lifecycle and supply chain.
Good design isn’t just about taste—it’s about stewardship.
A carefully curated bedroom suite creates a cozy sense of calmness.
III. Scale and materiality matter.
We’re often asked: What do interior designers bring to the table that builders or architects don’t? In short: a different lens.
Builders are masters of execution—they manage time, budget, and construction logistics. Architects design systems and structures with an eye for the big picture. Interior designers? We operate at the human scale.
We obsess over materials, proportions, textures, light, and color—because these details deeply affect how a space feels and functions, lives, and supports well-being.
We stay current on materials and furnishings because we know how much they matter. Not just to style, but to experience. It’s about more than aesthetics—it’s about how a home works and how it makes you feel.
Of course, there are aspects of our work that might seem a little excessive, even indulgent. But if we’ve helped a family create a space that’s personal, thoughtful, and welcoming—a place where they can breathe a little easier—we know we’ve done meaningful work.