designer

Laura is a Senior Designer at by Design, having worked here since 1992.  She graduated from Iowa State with degree in Interior Design. “I’ve made so many friends in the years that I’ve been at by Design.  I suppose that is a natural consequence of working so closely with a client on something that is [...]

Design has been a passion of mine in some form or another my whole life. When I was a kid, I was always rearranging my bedroom and making things to decorate the house. My passion continued to grow as I went on to study interior design at Iowa State University. While there I studied abroad [...]

This was a unique project in a very unique space! My client Julie wanted to have maximum seating in her small living room to accommodate her big family when they visit. She loved the Colton style and we loved that it was the right size and style for the design and room. The Colton can be [...]

One of the reasons I love my job so much is that I get to meet new people all the time who then invite me into their homes and lives.

by Design client’s loft featured in Iowan Magazine. We’ve featured this sophisticated loft in one of our project posts, and now Iowan Magazine has done an article about it. The loft features magnificent views, open spaces and a walk-able neighborhood. When you add in the beautiful interior design that the Faber’s and by Design have [...]

What do you get when you send two designers to market to purchase new items for the store? Get ready Des Moines, because by Design has some really neat things coming in. In fact, we’ve already started seeing things arrive. After an early morning plane ride into High Point, North Carolina, I finally got to [...]

Ask and You Will Receive. I met my great friend, Nancy, through our sons. Our years-long friendship developed through our shared experiences of raising our boys in Johnston, Iowa. Recently Nancy informed me that she and her family were moving to Dubuque. Her husband, Mark, would help run the family business – Sundown Mountain Resort. [...]

This Room Sets the Tone of the Whole House Jessica came into by Design one afternoon looking to furnish the formal living area in the front of her house. It was her first time in our store, and when she found out about our interior design service she was excited to get started! The room is mostly [...]

Please don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about furniture for your new house!  Many people feel like they need to wait to start thinking about furniture because it can be overwhelming to do everything at once. And I agree, it can be very overwhelming, but that is what we are here for. [...]

A designer is sometimes her own toughest customer. Designing or choosing for someone else can be freeing.  But, when you choose for yourself, all sorts of issues emerge.  How will people judge me when they see my room?  Eventually, you get over it and just choose things you love.  Here is the sofa I chose: [...]