I became involved in interior design in 1985 – professionally, that is. I'm amazed it took me so long because I've been fascinated by houses, architecture, furniture, fabrics, et al since my childhood in Camden, South Carolina.

My mother was a major influence. Camden has an extraordinary collection of antebellum homes, and I loved going on historic house tours with her. Local real estate agents would give Mom a sneak peak at any significant house about to go on the market – I tagged along. If she were interested, she'd draw a floor plan, and cut out tiny furniture templates, which I in turn played with like paper dolls, pushing the pieces around the rooms. When my parents finally bought their dream home, they enlisted the help of a talented local architect, Henry Boykin, who noticed my interest and encouraged me. I still have the scale ruler he gave me, as a cherished reminder of this extraordinary man.

After graduating from Queens College in Charlotte, I moved to New York City, which truly was a visual and cerebral treat. I attended Parsons and FIT and worked for a few years in the apparel industry. Finally I came full circle, switched careers and went to work for Kevin Lally Interior Design.

I opened my own firm in 1990 and have had the pleasure of working on wonderful projects – from apartments in Manhattan to houses all over the country – for many wonderful clients. In 2019, I made the decision to move back to my hometown of Camden, SC. I bought a wonderful old home built in 1913, and have enjoyed the beauty and interesting history of the oldest inland city, founded in 1732, in South Carolina.

Between living in New York and being lucky enough to travel, I've been exposed to a whole range of stimuli, which has honed my sensibilities to the fascinating diversity of great design.