Collaboration = Connection: Why Your Voice Matters in the Design Process.

Your life informs how I design. Your input matters. You’re not a bystander—you’re central to everything I create—with intention, empathy, and neuroscience.

When most people think about interior design, they picture mood or concept boards, fabric swatches, color palettes, and furniture plans. And yes—those are all essential tools of the trade. But in my experience, the most powerful design tool of all is listening.

At Intentionally Designed Interiors, collaboration is the heartbeat of everything I do. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all spaces or cookie-cutter solutions. Whether I’m designing a home or a workplace, I believe in creating environments that feel intentional, functional, and most of all—you, the client. To do that well, I need more than your Pinterest board or favorite color palette. I need to understand your story.

When we begin the design process, I want to get to know how you live or work in the space—what brings you joy, what slows you down, and what makes you feel grounded. I want to understand what’s working—and more importantly, what’s not. Are you constantly navigating clutter at home? Is your office space uninspiring or disconnected from your brand values? Are your clients or employees not engaging with the space the way you hoped? These pain points tell me so much more than any inspiration photo can. They help me uncover the why behind the design.

Recently, I completed a site survey for a retail store project. And before I met with anyone, I walked the store as a secret shopper—I became the customer. I intentionally explored the space as if I had never seen it before. I wanted to feel a connection, to observe how my brain responded to the space. What did my eyes gravitate toward? What caught my attention—emotionally and visually?

As I walked down one particular aisle, there was no sparkle above me—no lighting to draw me in. But then I noticed the sparkle below. The glass shelves were lit from above by an LED light, and the effect was beautiful. That glow led me straight to a display filled with Oriental-inspired décor—something I naturally love. It was a perfect example of how subtle, sensory cues shape our experience and our emotional engagement with a space.

Later, as I sat down with the people who worked in and managed the store—the ones who breathe life into it every day—I listened carefully. And something caught my ear. I kept hearing, “It was the decorators’ idea,” or “The decorators made that suggestion.” I gently and clearly responded: “I’m not a decorator. I’m an Interior Designer who focuses on Neuroaesthetic design.”

I explained what that means—how the brain craves beauty, and how design is about more than pretty objects. It’s about how our eyes interpret beauty, how our nervous systems respond to it, and how intentional design choices can calm, inspire, and connect us to a space on a deeper level.

When you open up about the stress your space may be causing—or the ways you wish it could support your goals better—you’re not complaining. You’re giving me the roadmap. You’re sharing insight into how your environment can better serve your well-being, your business, or your family. That’s where the real design work begins. Because when design is rooted in empathy and function—not just style—it has the power to change how you live and work.

Collaboration is not about surrendering control or handing off your vision. It’s about co-creating something meaningful together. I bring my experience, creative lens, and understanding of how our environments affect our psychology, productivity, and peace of mind. You bring your lived experience, your preferences, your challenges, and your dreams. The space that results from that collaboration has intention woven into every corner—and you can feel the difference.

Clients often tell me that the design process feels more personal than they expected. That they felt seen. Heard. Even healed. And to me, that’s exactly how it should be. Design isn’t just about visual beauty—it’s about emotional connection, functionality, and joy. When we design from a place of trust and collaboration, the outcome becomes so much more than a project. It becomes a reflection of your journey, your purpose, and your values.

So yes, your voice matters. It’s not just important—it’s essential. You are the heart of the space we’re creating, and without your input, your insight, and your honesty, the design would fall flat. Your pain points help us prioritize. Your preferences help guide the aesthetic. Your personality and your goals bring it all to life.

If you’re considering working with a designer and wondering what the process looks like—know this: it’s not just about filling a room. It’s about filling it with intention. Whether it's a home that supports your lifestyle or a workspace that inspires connection and productivity, the best spaces are built from meaningful collaboration. My role is to be your guide, your translator, and your partner in bringing your vision to life.

Let’s design something beautiful, functional, and deeply you. Together. To learn more contact us at hello@intentionallydesignedinteriors.com.