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

I started my career at the University of Iowa, where I majored in Radiation Sciences. After a year or so, I realized it was not what I wanted to do. That’s when my dad, a homebuilder, put the “bug in my ear” to transition to something more creative. I then transferred to Kirkwood Community College to pursue interior design. I received my associate’s degree in interior design while working as an intern at a local interior design studio. Since working as an intern 11 years ago, I have worked at 3 other local interior design studios (4 total). I went from intern, to associate interior designer, to interior designer, to principal interior designer, to owning my own interior design business and studio. I fell in love with the process of interior design and soon realized the very many ways to build an interior design business and what that looked like at each studio. My ultimate goal was to build a flexible lifestyle while doing what I love.

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

I think expecting our second child, Maddox, made me really think about what I wanted out of my life — not missing school pick-ups, not being locked into a 9–5, taking days off work whenever I wanted, the list goes on. It made me really think about starting to pivot into building my own brand and business. I had built up enough clientele, referrals, and inquiries through my social media following that it made more sense, both lifestyle-wise and financially, to start building my own business and brand.

Quincy Project — Klosterman Construction © Dan Rolling Photography

Quincy Project — Klosterman Construction © Dan Rolling Photography

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

It’s definitely been a lot of “learning how to say no” and being selective about who I work with, no matter the pushback. With no employees, one designer can only do so much. I only take on clients and projects I truly enjoy and find inspiring. It is a constant practice of setting boundaries for myself and sticking to them. I do this so I can stay true to my number one priority — spending time with my family.

I almost always start by building the floor plan in 3D so I can see it spatially. I always work backwards from the dimensions I have to work with and the demands of the space, including how the clients will be using it. After I build it up in 3D, I start selecting materials and design details such as lighting, tile, plumbing, etc.

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

I’d describe Brooke MT Interiors signature style as “luxurious approachable homes” – it really focuses on the quality of projects we take on, while always designing with intentionality of approachability and livability for families.

6. What are your 3 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 has been our Quincy Project. It is a slab-style home, built with ICF blocks and entirely concrete, is designed to prioritize mold and moisture control, a crucial consideration in the Midwest. The interior features a floating island and striking stone wall, combining modern functionality with aesthetic appeal. We provided comprehensive finish and material selections for new construction, along with full-scope furnishings. As one of our most extensive projects to date, we love this home, as it perfectly reflects our signature style.

OR! Our Springs Project. Our Springs Project was so fun because we did so much out-of-the-box. The master bathroom is sophisticated w/ marble and brass details. The mural bathroom is loud and creative. It focuses on a hand-painted mural, by Olga Saldivar, which let us bring in such a fun focal point, while deterring mold. And the guest bathroom has an incredibly fun striped tile with tadelakt wall finish in the shower. This project was fun because it was unlike any of our other projects thus far.

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

Focus on the scale of the space and then go in with the details!

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

Starting is the hardest part; Do what you said you were going to do; Get it done now, then make it better later

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

Put yourself out there! The more experience you have, both good and bad, the more knowledge you have. It doesn’t need to be “perfect” to post it – do it now & make it good later!  You’ll build confidence and insight.

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

It’s so easy to “overdo” it – take care of yourself! There will always be work to do, but there will not always be little children in the home to take care of.

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

I love listening to The Interior Collective Podcast.

Quincy Project — Klosterman Construction © Dan Rolling Photography

Quincy Project — Klosterman Construction © Dan Rolling Photography

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

Upcoming, we have two of our biggest projects – Greener Pastures Project, a sprawling modern new-build nestled on 170 acres in collaboration with Todd Hahn Design, and Reservoir Project, an extensive transitional renovation project with Stebral Construction.

Thank you so much Brooke, for this lovely interview!