3.  You are the CEO of PDR Interiors, which is located in Tennessee and opened its doors in 2009. Please share what services are your strong points as a firm?   

Our firm’s strongest services center around sorority house design and residential interiors, and these are two areas where we really shine. For sorority houses, we provide full-service design including space planning, furnishings, finishes, and custom branding elements that reflect each chapter’s unique identity. We understand the importance of creating spaces that feel like home while also being functional for a high-energy, high-traffic environment. On the residential side, we offer everything from full-home designs to individual room refreshes. Whether it is a cozy family living space or a stylish retreat, our goal is always to create a home that feels personal, welcoming, and effortlessly livable. In both areas, we pride ourselves on being great listeners and creative problem solvers. We love crafting spaces that are not only beautiful, but that truly support the way people live and connect.  

4. There are some who say that interior design is an artform that one can easily make mistakes at if not educated in this area. Would you concur? I also note that some of the best designers are creative, communicate well, are detail oriented and technical thinkers. Would you add any must haves to that list in order to have success in this area?  

Absolutely, I would agree that interior design is both an art and a science, and without the right foundation, it is very easy to misstep. It’s not just about what looks good, but what functions beautifully. Education, whether formal or through hands-on experience, is so important because design impacts how people live, work, and feel in a space.  

You are spot on with creativity, communication, attention to detail, and technical thinking being essential. I would also add adaptability to that list. Trends shift, client needs evolve, and sometimes a project throws you a curveball—being able to pivot with grace is key. Also, a strong sense of empathy goes a long way. Understanding how someone wants to live in a space helps you design something that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but deeply personal and practical. Finally, let’s not forget passion! The designers who truly shine are the ones who love what they do. It shows in every finish, fabric, and floor plan.  

5. Your agency has decorated homes, businesses and college campuses in over 22 states. Walk us through your process, if you would. By this, I mean, what are the steps needed to be taken in order to hire you and have you create designs for a client? Is there an anticipatory timeline to keep in mind for a full project to be finished?  

I am so proud of the reach PDR has had—and every project, whether it is a cozy home, or a spirited sorority house, starts with one key thing: connection. The process begins with a discovery call or consultation, where we get to know the client, their needs, their vibe, and their vision. We make sure to gather all the details for a project and that we understand the aesthetic they desire. From there, we dig into the details: sourcing, space planning, timelines, and budgeting. As for hiring us, it is super straightforward: reach out through our website or phone call/email, and we will take it from there. We love making the process approachable and collaborative. In terms of timeline, every project is a little different depending on the scope, but a furnishings project typically takes anywhere from ten to twenty weeks. If it is more complex and includes renovations or new construction, that will extend the timeline. It is never too early to start a project!  It is always going to take longer than you think, so giving yourself a buffer is wise.  

6. One could assume that you have a number of solid relationships with colleges, as you often design "greek houses", i.e. sororities or fraternities. Does this mean that budgets and decisions are made by schools or students? Also, how much feedback are residents allowed to offer? Finally, can you, as a designer, describe some of the staples for these types of houses?   

Colleges and universities typically are not my direct clients. I work closely with the sorority women themselves. Each organization has its own approach to the decision-making process, but most often, there is a committee made up of alumnae, collegiate members, and sometimes national officers who provide input and feedback to my team. From a design perspective, the staples of sorority and fraternity houses are all about blending beauty with durability. These spaces see a lot of activity, so we prioritize high-traffic-friendly materials, layered seating for everything from movie nights to study marathons, and branded moments that reflect the chapter’s identity. Think cozy lounges, bold accent walls, sorority crests, and a color palette that is fresh, inviting, and timeless. Our goal is always to create spaces that are just as inspiring as they are functional—because these houses should feel like home in every sense.  

7. In doing my research, it was revealed that you unfortunately lost your mother to cancer. I have to believe that within some of your design choices lies some inspiration from this fine lady. Would this be true? Also, please share with my readers something remarkable about who she was to you.   

Yes, that is absolutely true. Losing my mom to cancer was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but her influence continues to be woven into so much of what I do. She had this effortless grace and a way of making everyone around her feel special, which is something I try to channel into my work—creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and full of heart. She was the ultimate hostess, not in a formal or fussy way, but in how naturally she made people feel at home. That spirit of hospitality and connection has become such a core part of my design philosophy. I am constantly thinking: How will this space bring people together? That is her legacy living on in my work, and it’s one I am so proud to carry forward.  

8. To conclude, are there any substantial projects you are able to share? Might you even consider taking pen to paper and writing a book?  

I am an avid reader, so writing feels like a natural extension of that passion. I would love to write a book someday. I am just waiting for the right moment and the right story to tell. It’s definitely on my creative bucket list! In the meantime, I am also working on some exciting ventures in product development, specifically designed with the sorority market in mind. It has been such a fun and inspiring process, and I cannot wait to share more as things unfold! More information on PDR Interiors is found at: PDR Interiors - Professional Interior Decorators, Lexington, KY | PDR Interiors specializes in campus Greek house decorating, as well as homes, corporate offices and more..