We were lucky to catch up with Brad Ramsey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brad, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career came from realizing that I was often learning what not to do just as much as what to do. In my first design role, I absolutely gained valuable experience, I learned how to design for a client’s lifestyle and taste rather than my own, how to run an effective meeting, and how to connect with people in a way that builds trust. Those fundamentals still serve me every day.
At the same time, I was quietly paying attention to the parts of the business that didn’t feel aligned with who I wanted to be. I saw how a lack of transparency around billing could create tension, how kindness was sometimes reserved only for clients and not extended to vendors or trades, and how leadership without humility can affect team morale. Those experiences shaped my values just as strongly as the technical skills did.
When I started my own studio, I made a very intentional decision to build a business rooted in transparency, respect, and care for people at every level. I wanted to be known for fair and clear practices, for treating contractors, vendors, and collaborators with the same kindness we show our clients, and for leading a team with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Creating a work environment where people feel seen, appreciated, and genuinely supported became just as important to me as the design work itself.
Over the past twelve years, I’m proud to say those early lessons have guided how we operate. We’ve built long-standing relationships, a tenured team that truly enjoys what they do, and partnerships with builders and trades who value our communication and respect. Most importantly, we’ve created a studio culture that feels like a work family, one that cares deeply about both the craft and the people behind it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m an interior designer and the founder of a residential design studio focused on creating homes that feel personal, thoughtful, and lived-in. I was drawn to design not by trends, but by its ability to shape how people live and to create spaces that feel both functional and emotionally grounding.
My path into the industry was built through hands-on experience, working closely with clients, builders, and trades. Those early years taught me that great design starts with listening. It’s about translating a client’s lifestyle and values into a cohesive, enduring home rather than imposing a singular aesthetic.
Today, our studio offers full-service residential interior design, guiding clients from concept through completion. Many come to us feeling overwhelmed by decisions, and our role is to bring clarity, calm, and cohesion to the process while coordinating seamlessly with builders and vendors.
What sets us apart is our emphasis on intention and relationships. We prioritize transparency, clear communication, and collaboration at every level. I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built, a supportive, long-tenured team and lasting partnerships that reflect our belief that thoughtful design and thoughtful practices go hand in hand.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One thing non-creatives often struggle to understand is that the creative journey is rarely linear or fueled by constant inspiration. Creativity is built on discipline, problem-solving, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty, much of the work happens quietly behind the scenes long before anything visual comes to life. As a creative business owner, you’re balancing intuition with responsibility, managing expectations, timelines, and real-world constraints, while still trying to honor the creative process. At its core, creativity is less about self-expression and more about service, showing up with patience, humility, and care to create something meaningful for others.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that uncertainty meant I wasn’t talented or capable. Early on, self-doubt could feel paralyzing and would lead me to second-guess my instincts, especially when facing creative challenges. Over time, I learned that uncertainty is often a sign of growth, not failure, and that confidence is built through doing the work, not waiting for clarity to arrive. Trusting your gut is something that’s refined through experience and repetition, and sometimes through discomfort. I’ve also learned that hitting creative walls is part of the process, and that asking for guidance from a trusted peer isn’t a weakness, it’s a way to grow and to foster the kind of creative collaboration that’s often missing in fields where people can feel isolated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bradramseyinteriors.com
- Instagram: @bradramseyinteriors
- Facebook: /bradramseyinteriors
Image Credits
1. 2. Zeke Ruelas
3. 4. 5. Caroline Sharpnack
6. 7. Inspiro8
8. Paige Rumore