What’s unique about your work?

I can say confidently that I never approach a project with preconceived ideas in my head about what it should look like or how it should function. The collaborative process with a client is where we get to hear about their values and vision, and my hope is that the spaces I help create are reflective of that, rather than my own agendas.

What makes a space special?

For me, I’ve really found that you can’t care too much about the details of a project. Once you’ve established your broad concept, it’s the follow-through over every tiny item that comes across your desk that ultimately makes the finished product feel special. When you are in a space that you or someone else has designed, I think you can really feel the consistency of vision that comes with that tenacity.

What do you want people to do or feel when they encounter your creations?

I’m not sure most designers feel this way, but I don’t want the spaces I design to feel like “my” creation. l’d love for a person to think a space is beautiful, but I’d rather the design quietly make a person feel good and comfortable, to meet their needs seamlessly without them realizing the effort that went into it. To me, this is much more important than hitting someone over the head with a design statement.

What essential mix of talents do you need to create a space?

I think a lot of people assume that designers just need to be creative and that all the rest falls into place from there. However, I truly believe that while creativity and vision may be one part of creating a space, that attention to detail and great communication skills are just as important. You have to be a person that isn’t above getting into the nitty-gritty.

How do you keep your community growing?

For me, building community is a natural outgrowth of just getting out there in the world and staying open-minded. As long I’m meeting people, and talking about the work I do, I feel connected.
What excites you about collaborating on interior design projects?
Having more than one brain in a room is never going to result in a worse project. Through listening to other people’s perspectives and tapping their unique expertise, the project becomes more than just yours. Projects don’t always go as planned, so the more people who care deeply about the outcome, the better, and it’s exciting to share the same goals with your team.

Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Istanbul. Truthfully, we were actually lost, but it was delightful and we were never far from a kebab.

What is your most unshakable vice?

When given the choice of salad or fries on the side, I have never once been able to say “salad”.

What is your proudest moment?

I was on a jury and persuaded the final dissenter over to my side with a bullet-pointed argument I had (nerdily) written out over the weekend. Should I have said childbirth?

What advice would you give your twenty-year-old self?

Step away from the tanning bed. Your Irish skin is not naturally that color.

What’s your most-used emoji?

The church with the heart in it. I live in a renovated church so it’s how my husband and I tell each other we’re home or want to be home. Probably not its intended use.

Where would you take a month-long road trip?

The American South to Southwest. It’s all about the sauces.

How do you take your coffee?

A lot of cream and a little sugar. I start with it extra-strong and basically turn it into a caffeinated dessert.