Meet Bailee Roberts

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bailee Roberts. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bailee below.

Hi Bailee, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a long and elusive journey. Although I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t designing and decorating out of pure love for beautifully cultivated spaces, it wasn’t until my family moved from London, where we had lived for 15 years, back to my hometown of Santa Barbara, CA, that I made a professional pivot.

A simple coffee with a friend, who works for a world-renowned design firm, changed everything. As she described her upcoming projects, I felt an undeniable spark.

I enrolled in Interior Design 101, gained valuable experience in the field, and eventually graduated with a degree in interior design. Like many things in life that align perfectly, everything just fell into place. Creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces brings me immense joy, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be building a career in this field.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

If I could go back to my 18-year-old self and give her one bit of advice, it would be to study architecture over politics! I studied politics at UC Berkeley and then went on to do a master’s degree in International Relations at Kings College London. Though I have always loved studying, I honestly don’t know what I was thinking and wasn’t listening to myself. I have been passionate about design and architecture from a very young age, constantly redesigning my own spaces and being in awe of buildings that evoked a sense of wonder in me.

Before launching House Rupert, I lived in London, traveling extensively for a successful modeling and acting career, and later for my award-winning food blog. I have been incredibly fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout Europe which has greatly influenced my design aesthetic.

When Covid hit, my husband and I moved our three small boys back to my hometown of Santa Barbara, CA. Away from our London network and struggling with my new role as a stay-at-home mom, I began searching for my next chapter.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Continuing from my previous thoughts, the best advice I can offer anyone starting out or searching for their purpose is to look within and listen to what genuinely brings you joy and excitement. If you’re fortunate enough to find a role that ignites your passion, your work will likely be more fulfilling, and you’ll be happier overall.

For interior design, beyond having a keen eye for detail, organization is crucial. You’ll need to manage and track many moving parts, and effective collaboration with builders and architects is essential for project success. Everyone must understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth progress.

Staying inspired is also important. Keep up with new trends and continuously expand your knowledge of fabrics, antiques, furniture suppliers, lighting specialists, and more. Curiosity will serve you well. Lastly, having a basic understanding of construction can be very beneficial.

How would you describe your ideal client?

House Rupert’s ideal clients are those who share a passion for beautiful spaces and understand the value they bring to one’s life. They are collaborative yet trust in the designer’s expertise and vision, allowing for that creative freedom to flow. These clients articulate their needs and expectations well and within their recognized and defined budget. This leads to a more productive and enjoyable design process, resulting in spaces that truly reflect their vision.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photography: Erin Feinblatt

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