Celebrating 20 years in Design

“It only hit me a few weeks ago that I’ve reached the 20-year mark in my career as an interior designer.”

In some ways, it feels like it arrived suddenly—but at the same time, I’ve been appreciating the confidence and ease that this level of experience brings for many years now.

Where I once felt the pressure to perform at a high level and keep pace with relentless deadlines, I now find that the level I once strived for comes naturally. I’m no longer just reacting to timelines—I’m shaping them, along with the path to the finish line. The challenges that once felt overwhelming have become par for the course, and in many ways, part of what I enjoy.

Getting here hasn’t been without its bumps. There have been moments of burnout, periods of doubt, and a fair share of tough lessons along the way. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work in high-profile environments—very much a Devil Wears Prada kind of experience—that exposed me to demanding work cultures and highly sought-after clients and project types.

Over time, I transitioned into a more grounded, local practice that offered something equally valuable: mentorship, trust, and the space to lead my own projects and teams. That experience shaped me into more than just a designer. Today, my work is informed by a broad foundation—spanning project management, strong building code knowledge, and a passion for creating spaces that truly function and evoke a sense of belonging for the people who use them.

Running my own studio has allowed me to bring that full breadth of experience into every project—while continuing to grow, adapt, and refine my skills in ways that directly benefit the clients I work with. At JLA Studios, my goal is to partner with clients and help them navigate each project with clarity and confidence—especially through complex challenges.

This short video is a small reflection of that journey, and of the project types I’ve had the opportunity to be part of along the way.