From styling retail walls to transforming full-scale commercial spaces, our designers come from all kinds of creative paths. For one of our Senior Designers and Project Managers, that journey started with fashion—and a single wall of handbags.
We sat down to talk about how she found her way to Amlings, what inspires her work, and the design choices she’s loving (and leaving behind).
Q: How did you get into this field?
I was born and raised in Chicago and went to Dominican University for fashion design and merchandising.
After graduation, I was hired for a Saks Off Fifth store opening. On my first day, they gave me a section of a handbag wall and said “make it look good.” And I loved it. It felt like solving a puzzle—how to make everything look its best and most shoppable.
By the end of that week, I knew I wanted to make it my career.
Q: What was your path from retail to Amlings?
I moved into visual merchandising and eventually worked at Altar’d State, where I had a lot of creative freedom with floor sets and window displays. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to make things look beautiful and see the impact reflected in sales: The “oohs and ahhs” as the customers passed by the windows, was a nice bonus too.
I also spent time as a store manager during COVID, but I missed the creative side. I wanted a balance of business and design and that’s what led me to Amlings.
Now I’m a Senior Designer and Project Manager. I meet with clients, understand their vision, design the space, source materials, and oversee installations—from plants to holiday décor.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be creative?
Not at all. I didn’t really realize it until late in high school. Senior year, to fill my schedule, my counselor signed me up for an art class and I thought I would hate it. But the opposite happened. Sitting in a quiet room, drawing, music playing—it just clicked. I enjoyed creating and the teacher said I was actually pretty good at it.
Q: How has the role of plants changed in design?
There’s been a big shift in people’s attitudes towards plants, especially since COVID. People had spent more time at home and wanted to bring greenery into their homes.
There’s this idea now that “plants are the new pets”—people really care for them, talk to them, check that they’re healthy.
In commercial spaces, we’re seeing that same shift. Offices need to feel welcoming and more appealing than staying at home to entice people back to the office. Plants help warm up and soften environments that would otherwise feel sterile, and they make people actually want to be there.
Q: How has plant design evolved in commercial spaces?
It used to be very limited—same containers, same plant varieties, very uniform.
Now there are so many more options and so many more vendors. Containers can match the design style of the space—whether that’s boho, urban, or something more modern. Rather than being an afterthought they are incorporated into architect drawings and interior designs, and the overall design of the space.
Q: If you could design a dream installation anywhere, where would it be?
Soho House Chicago, a membership hotel and club for the art community.
I love the idea of designing for a creative community. Each space there has a completely different vibe—it would be fun to push boundaries and create something a little unexpected and weird—because that audience would embrace weird.
Q: What’s the boldest design risk you’ve taken?
A holiday installation at the Chicago Viceroy Hotel in 2024.
The space already had teal, purple, white, and gold. It was bold to begin with and the client wanted something that stood out but also complemented the space. It was around the time the movie Barbie came out, so we leaned into pink—hot pink on white trees and white garland with a touch of pewter.
It was definitely a risk, but people loved it. Guests were taking photos everywhere and it became Instagram famous.
Q: What’s the most overused design trend right now?
Mid-century modern.
It’s been a buzz word since 2023 and we’re finally starting to see a shift away from it to more focus on texture and detail. Finally.
Q: What’s your personal design style at home?
Boho leaning maximalist.
I love bold colors, mixing textures, and styles of art, but also incorporating natural elements into my space to make it feel grounded. My burnt orange suede couch might be my favorite piece of furniture, it’s comfy and bold and anchors the room.
Also, plants everywhere. Prior to joining Amlings, I knew nothing about plants. So when I landed the job, I figured I should buy at least two and now 5 years later, those two are still alive and joined by many, many others.
Q: Any favorite plant at home?
I rescued a Dracaena Mass Cane (corn plant) from a client that was being replaced—it had grown completely wonky. Two branches with one little head of leaves on each that had grown out rather than up. It is about 3ft tall and about 6ft wide.
It’s now in my kitchen and fits perfectly under the chair rail on an accent wall. It’s probably my favorite plant.
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