With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we asked 10 designers—Dana Bergman Falcione, Rachel Brown, Brittany Cooper, Andrew Edwins, Swati Goorha, Chloe Legras, Daniele Mancinetti, Vince Nikolov, Byron Risdon and Michelle Waugh—what they are most thankful for in 2025.
Speak My (Love) Language
“I’m grateful for the kind of clients and builders who trust us enough to say, ‘Just make it beautiful,’ and then step out of the way. That is the greatest love language a designer could ever receive. I’m also grateful for my team, who can turn my half-baked midnight ideas into fully baked magic, and for the fact that coffee remains legal in all 50 states, because without it, none of this happens.” —Rachel Brown, RB Interiors, Madison, Alabama
Thrive in Uncertain Times
“I am most grateful for alignment, especially in a season that felt uncertain for so many of us. When the world feels unsteady, it can be hard to trust your footing. But somewhere in the middle of shifting timelines, changing priorities, and the unknowns we all quietly navigate, Rathell Designs began to grow in ways I couldn’t have predicted. What surprised me most was how much clarity came from that uncertainty. I found myself slowing down, listening more closely to my instincts, and giving myself permission to create from a place of intention rather than pressure. That shift allowed me to see my work in a new light. It reminded me that growth rarely arrives in a straight line. I am also deeply grateful for the clients and collaborators who continued to trust us throughout it all. Their homes, their stories, their willingness to let us guide them became an anchor for me. Every project was a reminder that design is more than selecting finishes or furnishings. It is about creating spaces that hold people through every season, even the uncertain ones.” —Brittany Cooper, Rathell Designs, Cary, North Carolina
Tight Circle
“This year has brought some transition for my business, and along with it some valuable lessons in entrepreneurship. I am most grateful for my circle of family, friends and colleagues who have continually been a source of support, love and inspiration. It is paramount to value and prioritize the most meaningful relationships.” —Byron Risdon, Byron Risdon LLC, Washington, D.C.
Global Experience
“This year has been one of deep reflection and meaningful expansion. My travels, both for inner exploration and for discovering new artisans and materials, have enriched our ever-growing palette of finishes and inspirations. I’m profoundly grateful for our extraordinary clients—relationships built on trust, openness and shared creativity. Their grace allows us to craft spaces that tell their unique stories. 2025 reaffirmed that when you create with authenticity, your true tribe finds you.” —Swati Goorha, Swati Goorha Designs, New Providence, New Jersey
Together We Stand
“I am most grateful for my amazing team. Any founding principal understands that without a great team in place, the design business can become quite stressful (and fast). It’s because of my team that we’ve been able to grow our interiors business into a transcontinental firm spanning the United States into France. Having the opportunity to live in Paris and manage projects across time zones has come with many lessons, but I believe we’ve been able to successfully do so because of the relationship we have as a team. We are small but mighty, with a shared vision for the future of Boxwood Avenue.” —Chloe Legras, Boxwood Avenue, Reno, Nevada
Fresh Start
“I’m most grateful for taking the leap to start Ibiza Design Collective. Leaving my nine-to-five as a design director at a large property development firm gave me the freedom to shape work on my own terms and build a studio that reflects my values. I’m also grateful for the people who’ve supported that shift, especially Birta Ólafsdóttir, my studio partner, who shares the same creative language and standards. We’ve had incredible opportunities right out of the gate, from international client pitches to a boutique hotel project in Martinique. Setting up a business in Spain wasn’t simple, but it forced me to trust my instincts, streamline how I work, and protect my mental well-being. That clarity, and the freedom that comes with it, is what I appreciate most.” —Daniele Mancinetti, Ibiza Design Collective, Ibiza, Spain
Get Your Flowers
“I am incredibly grateful for the recognition Bergman Vass has received. Seeing our work featured in esteemed platforms is a testament to the passion and dedication we pour into every project. This acknowledgment not only validates our creative vision, but also motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional designs for our clients. As we look forward to a brand-new studio in the coming year, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.” —Dana Bergman Falcione, Bergman Vass, Philadelphia
Inspirational Clientele
“As a firm, we are always most grateful to our clients, who trust us with their homes and their family. We strive to create spaces that are unique, and could not do that without clients that are adventurous and willing to dive into the unknown with us. Their stories, experiences and lives serve as endless sources of inspiration for each project.” —Andrew Edwins, PKA Architecture, Minneapolis
Trusted Systems
“Behind the scenes, the value of a strong, organized business structure cannot be overstated. I am grateful for the systems and processes that allow us to operate with consistency, professionalism and confidence. From clear project workflows to organized financial management and reliable communication channels, our structure gives us the stability needed to thrive creatively. A well-run business is what enables us to focus on what we love, crafting inspiring environments without sacrificing efficiency or client satisfaction. Perhaps the most profound source of gratitude comes from the meaningful impact we are able to create through our work. Interior design goes far beyond aesthetics. It shapes how people feel, live and experience the world around them. Knowing that our work can bring comfort, foster productivity or spark joy gives immense purpose to everything we do. Each project becomes not just a job but an opportunity to enhance our client’s daily life.” —Vince Nikolov, Design Center of Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The Stars Aligned
“I’m deeply grateful for creative alignment—those moments when vision, craftsmanship and collaboration came together seamlessly. I truly felt my projects were aligned with my design philosophy. I feel so fortunate to work with incredible artisans, architects, clients and a team who trust the process and share a passion for the beauty and detail I get to be a part of every day as a designer.” —Michelle Waugh, Michelle Waugh Interiors, Greenwich, Connecticut
