1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

My journey into interior design began almost by accident, and with a lot of hesitation. I was well into a career in finance and accounting when I decided to redesign my own home. What started as research for a personal project quickly sparked a deep curiosity and love for design.

That curiosity turned into action: I opened my company, enrolled at the New York School of Interior Design at night and on weekends, and eventually made the leap away from corporate life. What began as a side exploration became a calling, and the foundation for the career I’ve built today.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

One defining career moment for me was receiving the Rising Star Award in 2025 from the New York School of Interior Design. Being recognized by my alma mater was especially meaningful—it affirmed the work I’ve built, the risks I took in changing careers, and the path I’ve carved within the industry. It felt less like a milestone and more like a moment of reflection and validation, reinforcing that I was building something with lasting impact.

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

I think the key to successful interior design is balance. A project has to meet both functional and aesthetic goals while creating an interior environment that truly reflects how the client lives or works. When the space not only looks beautiful but also functions seamlessly, and meets or exceeds the client’s expectations, that’s when design is successful.

In business more broadly, success is measured the same way. Clear communication, thoughtful planning, and trust lead to outcomes where clients feel supported, understood, and ultimately happy with the process and the result.

Every project begins with programming, which is essentially research. We take time to understand the home, the client, and the objectives—how the space needs to function, who it’s serving, and what success looks like.

From there, we develop a design concept that outlines both the functional goals and the overall aesthetic direction of the project. That concept acts as a mission statement. As the design evolves, it keeps us grounded and ensures that every decision, from layout to materials to details, stays aligned with what the space is meant to be.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

I would define my signature style as eclectic maximalism. My work is bold and layered, but always intentional. I focus on marrying visual interest with livability and creating spaces that feel rich, collected, and expressive, yet still deeply functional.

If there’s a mantra behind my work, it’s about balance: luxurious finishes paired with thoughtful curation of art, pattern, and color, all grounded in how people actually live. Every space should feel elevated, personal, and dynamic.

6. What are your favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

7.  Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

One of my favorite projects was a recent renovation for a longtime friend who later became a client. We originally met in my corporate life back in 2002 and worked together at various companies over the years, so there was already a deep level of trust and understanding.

When she purchased a new home, I was brought on to renovate the first floor—including the kitchen, powder room, living room, dining room, and transitional spaces like the hallways and stairwell—as well as the primary bedroom. The project required extensive space planning and thoughtful coordination, from specifying finishes and furnishings to designing custom built-ins that supported both function and flow.

What made this project especially special was the creative freedom. Because she trusted us, she wasn’t afraid of bold decisions—particularly in how we layered pattern and color. The primary bedroom is a prime example, featuring abstract wallpaper applied to the ceiling and fully color-drenched walls.

Ultimately, the project was meaningful because it translated a long-standing personal relationship into a highly tailored home that truly reflects how she lives today. It was a true collaboration and a great example of how layered planning and detailed design come together to create a cohesive, lived-in result.

8. If you could pick one interior design tip that is important to you, what would it be? 

My most important design tip is to remember that your home should be your oasis away from the rest of the world. It’s the one place that should restore you, support you, and reflect who you are.

Because of that, design decisions should be made thoughtfully and with intention. When you treat your home with care and importance instead of an afterthought, the space becomes more than beautiful. It becomes meaningful.

9. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

The best advice I’ve received is to continuously learn. Design, business, and life are always evolving, and staying curious keeps you relevant, adaptable, and inspired. Committing to ongoing learning, whether through education, experience, or simply staying open, has shaped both my work and my growth as a business owner.

10. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

My advice to beginner interior designers is to invest in your foundation. Learn how to think through space, function, and problem-solving—not just how to make things look good. Be patient with the process, ask questions, and don’t rush the early stages of your career.

Just as important, learn the business side early. Understand contracts, communication, and boundaries, and value your time and expertise from the start. Talent grows with experience, but longevity comes from strong systems, continuous learning, and trusting your point of view.

11. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

That saying yes to everything, or overextending to keep clients happy, isn’t sustainable. The most meaningful growth came when I learned to trust my expertise, set expectations early, and protect both the creative vision and the business behind it. That shift not only improved my work but also led to better client relationships and stronger outcomes overall.

12. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

• Iconic Home by June Reese — A celebration of timeless interiors and the stories behind them as designed by Black interior designers.
• Crafted Kinship by Malene Barnett — A beautifully curated exploration of craft, community, and cultural legacy in design.
• The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt — Practical, thoughtful guidance on making intentional design decisions for those interested in interior design.

13. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

My work will be featured in a new book called IN THE HOUSE, Celebrating America’s Leading Black Interior Designers by Alton LaDay. It features the work of 33 amazing designers and includes interviews exploring the Black experience in interior design. It’s currently available for pre-sale via Phaidon and will be released this June.

Thank you so much Beth, for this lovely interview!