Ever wonder why clawfoot tubs make you weak in the knees?
Or why french doors framed with airy curtains take your breath away? Why deep green velvet is your jam?
I’ll tell you why.
Your sense of self and space are inextricably intertwined.
From your childhood to this very moment, every place you’ve experienced is linked to an emotional response—whether you remember it or not. Got an undying (and seemingly unexplained) love for vintage appliances? It could be they remind you of ice cream at g’mas as a kid.
These experiences impact your likes and dislikes, your feelings about different spatial elements, and your subconscious emotional triggers. Which is why some people feel...
...most at home in bustling cities while others prefer to settle down in quiet suburbs or secluded mountain cabins
…“cozy” in rooms with low ceilings while others adore a room with high vaulted ceilings and wood beams
...a sense of calm when they’re surrounded by bright colors while others find serenity among neutral tones
...attracted to sleek, modern spaces while others spend their weekends scouring antique stores for well-loved heirlooms to add to their homes
As humans, we naturally seek out places that feel safe and comforting, which is why it’s important to design your home around your own unique preferences.
I come alongside you to uncover the architectural and design elements that make living easy.
This goes far beyond catalogue staging and design trends. To create a truly supportive home, I guide you to rediscover the spaces that allow you to soften and settle in—so that we can combine form, function, and symbolism to give your home a sense of soul.
“But wait, what about my spouse/partner/housemate?”
It’s true. Every individual has different experiences that form different preferences. My job is to identify and unify your tastes in order to create a space that everyone can call home.
HOW IT WORKS
The emotional approach to interior architecture and design
As an interior architect and designer, my approach is uniquely grounded in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: physical, security, love and belonging, esteem, self-actualization, and self-transcendence.
Step 01: PHYSICAL
Although I don’t help people find their living spaces, I believe housing is a human right (rather than a privilege). This is why I donate a portion of all proceeds to ensure women and children—especially those fleeing from domestic violence—have safety and shelter as they rebuild their lives.
Step 02: SECURITY
This is where we begin our collaboration because “safety first!” Truth is, the most beautiful room in the world won’t feel good if you’re worried—even subconsciously—about faulty wiring, a window that doesn’t lock, constant noise pollution, or that funky smell coming from the gas heater.
Step 03: LOVE & BELONGING
Your home should foster a sense of self-love and belonging—while also welcoming in your people. I work with you to plan a space that intuitively flows with your lifestyle and activities so that you can establish a sense of ease and connection with yourself and your guests.
Step 04: ESTEEM
Maslow places esteem in two categories: respect for oneself and a desire to be recognized by others. In terms of interior design, you don’t need the latest West Elm chair to achieve esteem. Rather, I help you curate your own sense of beauty and prestige with colors, textures, art, and heirlooms that reflect the richness and achievements of your life.
Step 05: SELF-ACTUALIZATION
This is where we identify your life goals and design them into your space, both literally and figuratively. If you want to write a book, for example, we’ll establish a space for writing. If you want to call in a new career, we’ll place symbolic reminders by the door to inspire you every time you step out into the world.
Step 06: SELF-TRANSCENDENCE
I wholeheartedly believe your home should support deep rest and rejuvenation so that you can transcend feelings of exhaustion and apathy in order to contribute your best, most-inspired self to the world every day. To do good, you need an opportunity to recover—and your home needs to be that space.
Ready to create your emotionally-supportive home?
Let’s start with Safety & Security.
