We were lucky to catch up with Abby Fitzgerald recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Abby thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
As a business owner and principal interior designer, one of the biggest challenges to profitability in our industry is the widespread availability — and expectation — of quick design and cheap furniture. The rise of fast-furniture retailers combined with the influence of home design shows on major networks and social media DIY’ers has created a perception that beautiful interiors can be achieved overnight and on a shoestring budget.
These shows and influencers often gloss over the reality of what it takes to execute a thoughtful, lasting transformation. What viewers don’t see are the teams of professionals working behind the scenes, the expedited vendor relationships or the fact that many items are heavily discounted or provided through sponsorships. The final result may be “affordable” on screen, but it’s not replicable in the real world — at least not with the level of quality, craftsmanship and customization that a professional designer brings to the table.
This disconnect makes it difficult for clients to understand the true value of full-service design. We’re not just selecting pretty pillows and paint colors — we’re managing logistics, sourcing from trade-only vendors, coordinating with contractors and ensuring that every piece fits the client’s home and lifestyle perfectly. That level of care and expertise takes time, intention and yes, a more realistic budget.
I once had a client show me a Pinterest image of a custom-built banquette with integrated storage, high-end upholstery, and custom millwork — and ask if we could replicate it using a flat-pack bench from a big box store. It’s not that the desire for affordability is the issue — it’s that the mass media has made luxury design look like a quick weekend project.
The result? Designers are often left in the position of having to defend their pricing or re-educate clients before the work even begins. That gap in perception is one of the biggest threats to sustainable profitability in the design world today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Abby Fitzgerald, founder and principal designer of Fitz Haus Interior Design — a luxury residential design studio based in Central Pennsylvania, working with clients both locally and beyond. While Fitz Haus officially launched after the design and build of our family’s dream home, the truth is, design has always been part of who I am. I’ve spent years rearranging rooms, styling seasonal updates and helping friends and family make their homes feel more like them — long before it ever became my career.
Before founding Fitz Haus, I spent years in the corporate world in marketing, sales and public relations — building a skill set that would later become the backbone of how I run my business today. But it wasn’t until a life-changing car accident that all my goals, passions and priorities came into focus. I realized I didn’t want to keep design as a side passion or “someday” dream. I wanted to build something real — something lasting that I could be proud of.
At Fitz Haus, we specialize in full-service interior design for high-end residential projects — from custom new builds to large-scale renovations. We approach each space with intention and clarity, blending timeless design with modern functionality and a process that makes the experience feel calm, collaborative and deeply personal.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail, love of classic styling and the way we prioritize both beauty and livability. I’m proud to say that our clients trust us not only with their homes, but with the stories they want those homes to tell. Because at the end of the day, great design isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how it makes you feel.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
I launched Fitz Haus Interior Design in September of 2023, and as I approach my second year in business, one thing has become clear: the best source of new clients has been good old-fashioned word of mouth. Most of my clients come from referrals — often from past clients, personal connections or fellow professionals I’ve met through intentional networking efforts.
Early on, I focused heavily on building relationships — not just handing out business cards, but truly connecting with people, listening to what they needed and showing up with value. Whether it was collaborating with builders, participating in local events or simply staying in touch with former colleagues from my corporate days, those connections became the foundation of my client base.
In an industry built on trust and personal style, referrals carry a lot of weight. People want to work with someone who comes recommended by someone they know — someone who made the process easier, the results better, and the experience more enjoyable. That’s always been my goal: to deliver not just beautiful spaces, but a seamless and supportive journey from start to finish.
As Fitz Haus continues to grow, I’m leaning into the power of those relationships. Because when your clients become your biggest advocates, it’s the best kind of marketing you could ask for. It’s not always easy, but the reward for going outside my comfort zone to establish these connections has been incredibly rewarding, personally and professionally.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the heart of my creative journey is a mission to deliver an interior design experience that goes far beyond the aesthetic — one that is deeply personal, highly collaborative and truly unmatched in its attention to detail and care. My goal isn’t just to design beautiful spaces, but to create an experience for my clients that feels seamless, supportive and entirely tailored to them — something that simply can’t be replicated by others in the industry.
I understand that great design is not one-size-fits-all, and I fully embrace that I may not be the right fit for everyone. But for the clients who value my expertise, trust my creative vision, and invite me into their homes and lives, the results are truly remarkable. It’s not just about the final reveal — it’s about the journey we take together to get there.
Client happiness is the foundation of Fitz Haus. It informs every decision, every touchpoint and every layer of the process. If I continue to lead with this mission — prioritizing connection, communication and excellence — I believe success will always follow. Because when a client feels seen, heard, and deeply cared for, the impact of that goes far beyond design. It becomes a home they love to live in and an experience they’ll never forget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fitzhaus.com
- Instagram: @fitzhausinteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitzHausInteriors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzhausinteriordesign/
Image Credits
Ashlee Zimmerman Photography