Meet Mary Jo

Founder and Principal Designer

I’m from Houston TX (still claim the Lone Star!) but have lived on the East Coast since college. I want to create beauty for people to live in (and I have since I was old enough to grasp what I wanted to really do- 6th grade).

I am drawn to bold designs that are thoughtfully executed with creativity that isn’t repeated easily.

I’m interested in crafting rooms that tell a story of those who live in it. Influences from my clients’ rich mix of interests, cultures, and backgrounds are weaved into my designs. The design and art community have also been a great source of inspiration, from the expansive, sculptural and dynamic spaces designed by Chad Dorsey to Courtney McLeod’s use of color in her designs that incorporate in her travels to Asia and her Creole background. Beata Heuman is just cool and Lorna Gross has a bold sophistication about her designs. I always find my happy place by the unique textural vintage combinations of textiles and pillows that Keita Turner designs. The build-up of color, layers of paint, and distinct way Bobbie Burgers applies her paint in her pieces transforms the experience of a space. The quiet, meditative works by Makoto Fujimura inspire those spaces that desire a place of comfort and grounding. I also love how he incorporates his faith in his art.

My Team

Over the past seven years, I have built great relationships and trust with talented project managers, associate designers, stylists, skilled tradesmen, and architects. While I am the principal designer for all my clients, I do have a team behind me to make sure the design and installation experience is enjoyable and runs smoothly. JODY LYNNE is in charge of operations and project management with 20 years of business development, operations, and management of large complex projects in dynamic environments. My design associates, ABBEY and HAYLEY, are gifted in layouts and styling spaces with a combined experience of 30 years. I have a pool of general contractors, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, as well. Together we are a strong team of professionals who are passionate and skilled at what we do and have worked together over time to perfect the Design+Build experience.

Licenses

I am a licensed designer in the U.S. accredited through NCIDQ (# 31168).  I also hold an architect license and have been issued a seal by the District of Columbia to submit plans to the city for permitting purposes (CC666D000E39-4983-B769-55BF497E0E4E).

“It was important to me to develop a design process that has proven results with an amazing design and happy clients through the design process from the development stage to the final ‘aha’ moment when everything is installed and styled.”   

-MJM

Ready to elevate your space?

“Trust Mary Jo! She knew what suited us better than we did and today I’m enjoying my home as never before with designs and amenities I could never have chosen without her!”

ANN & WALLY F.