Why should you hire me as your Seattle-based interior designer?

Five key factors that allow me to bring a unique perspective to any interior design project in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond

Ashley Rajagopal (me!) at work

There are soooooooo many interior designers based in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest and it can be daunting to figure out which one to hire. I thought I'd share five key factors that influence how I work as an interior designer and how that will affect our partnership on your project.

1. My extensive business experience means you're getting a professional, polished partner on your home redesign

As a long-time business leader in the corporate world, I value process and structure. I partner with you to define the strategy and guiding principles for your home, to create a design plan that is both authentic to your personal identity as well as cohesive from room to room. Further, I aim to demystify the design process, starting from the get-go as we map out design concepts, budgets, floorplans, and timelines all the way to signing off projects with furniture care guides. 

2. My life as a mom means that I prioritize finding durable, timeless furniture and finishes that will stand the test of time

As a busy mom of three boys, I totally get that you want a design plan that fits your modern needs. I understand that your kids are going to use your swivel chair as a merry-go-round or spill that red Gatorade all over your brand-new sofa. I work with your functional needs and budget to find items that will stand the test of time (or at the very least, stand up to the daily rigor of your family’s life). I prioritize performance fabrics, durable hardwoods, and high value furniture and finishings where appropriate to ensure your new home will last for years to come.

3. My multi-racial, multi-cultural family means that I think about blending cultures into a cohesive home design

​My family is multi-racial, multi-cultural and I welcome the opportunity to blend your family’s unique differences to craft your custom, cohesive design story. I have found, through personal experience and working with clients, that we often tend to hide our heritage to fit in with our friends, neighborhoods, or whatever we see on social media. I don’t want that for you!  I want to help you unearth what is unique to you and your family and develop a design story that honors the unique combination that makes you who you are. Through that custom design story comes a home that is intimate, sacred, and enduring. Whether blending different cultures or styles, I treasure the opportunity to create a home experience that reflects how unique you are as a family!

4. My passion for learning and exploring new cultures and heritages means that you are getting a thoughtful, culturally relevant design

I value learning and education, steeping myself in understanding both your and your home’s culture, history, and heritage. I delight in providing you with selections that are historically and culturally relevant, providing you with insights into our selections along the way. My goal is that, after working with me, you have a deeper awareness of what you are purchasing and how it fits with your unique story, beyond the latest Instagram trend.

5. My wide ranging design aesthetic means I am flexible to meet your preferences rather than forcing my own narrative

I value a wide range of design styles, from traditional to modern. What is most important to me, is that your home's final design reflects your unique style, culture and heritage. While I don't specialize in one particular style, several common elements to my designs include:​

1. Natural and organic elements that serve as a design foundation.

2. Visual and tactile textures to add visual interest.

3. Clean lines and performance fabrics for clutter-free, family-friendly living.

4. Classic, timeless elements combined with vintage and antique details that will withstand momentary trends.

Hopefully this gives you an introduction to what it is like to work with me! I'd love to learn more about your project so don't hesitate to reach out to get started on your project.