We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Addison Lindsey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Addison, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a young woman walking onto job sites, I’m often stepping into spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me; both in age and gender. Early on, I realized that my effectiveness depended on striking the right balance between confidence and collaboration. My role is to direct the design, make decisions, and set a clear vision, but it’s also about gaining trust and respect from clients, builders, and trades who may not expect leadership to come from someone like me.
I’ve learned to stand firm in my expertise while still creating room for dialogue. Instead of shying away from my authority, I lean into it by being prepared, knowledgeable, and decisive. Showing that I know not only what should be done but why it matters for the project’s success. At the same time, I invite clients to feel ownership in the process, which makes it easier for them to “roll with” my design proposals.
Over time, I’ve come to see being the only one in the room as a strength. It challenges me to show up fully, trust my voice, and prove that leadership, creativity, and authority in design don’t have a specific “look

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I truly love what I do as an interior designer: it’s not just my career, it’s my passion, my hobby, and even my artistic medium. For me, design is more than creating beautiful spaces; it’s a love language. Each project is an opportunity to listen, learn, and translate a client’s story into a home that feels like an extension of who they are.
What excites me most is that no two projects are ever the same. Every client brings a unique set of needs, styles, and ways of living, and my role is to blend my knowledge, creativity, and artistic eye with their vision. I get to take all those moving pieces and weave them together into homes that are not only beautiful, but also deeply personal and livable.
At Addison Lindsey Interiors, I approach design as a collaboration, but also as an art form. I love balancing form and function, marrying finishes, materials, and layouts in a way that feels timeless yet distinctly customized. Each home becomes a canvas, and the reward is seeing clients feel truly at home in a space we created together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding the firms portfolio of residential new builds and renovations, taking on projects that challenge me to think bigger and more creatively. Ultimately, my goal is to keep designing spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but that make people feel seen, cared for, and inspired in their daily lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, completing a strong, accredited interior design program gave me the foundation I needed. Interior design requires far more technical knowledge than many people realize, you carry so much in your head at once: codes, materials, finishes, layouts, and the art of pulling it all together. Having that solid education to lean on made me more confident stepping into real-world projects.
Second, mentors and leaders who love interior design have been invaluable. Learning from people who are passionate about this work taught me not just the “how” but the “why” behind design decisions. Their encouragement helped me see possibilities when I was just starting out.
And finally, determination has been essential. Like any creative career, there are moments of designer’s block, projects that test you, and the vulnerability of presenting your ideas for someone’s biggest investment, their home. It takes persistence and confidence to push through, trust your vision, and keep showing up with your best work.
For those just starting out, my advice would be: invest in your education, seek out mentors who inspire you, and don’t give up when it feels overwhelming. Confidence grows through practice, and the more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll see how much value you bring.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Honestly, there are so many types of clients I’d love to work with. Interior design is an art, so each project is an opportunity to explore new styles and push creative boundaries. Personally, I have a soft spot for transitional design, it’s where my heart feels most at home, but what excites me most is working with clients who are open to unique, one-of-a-kind designs.
My ideal client is someone who values bold yet timeless finishes, appreciates the beauty of stunning natural stone materials, and trusts me to bring a vision to life in a way that feels personal to them. When clients are excited to collaborate and willing to take creative risks, that’s when the magic really happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.addisonlindseyinteriors.com
- Instagram: AddisonLindseyInteriors

Image Credits
Rachel McBride
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
