We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cyndi Hopkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cyndi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Yes, absolutely. One of the ways I’ve chosen to do things differently is by blending creativity with the structure of project management. Before launching Cyndi Hopkins Design, I spent 15 years in corporate leadership and earned my Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification through the Project Management Institute. That background shapes everything about how I run my business today.

Interior design often focuses on the creative side, and while that’s essential, I also put equal emphasis on process and execution. Every project begins with listening and discovery, but it’s supported by a clear roadmap that includes timelines, budgets, procurement tracking, and communication. I treat each home with the same level of organization and accountability as a large-scale project. It’s not the glamorous part of design, but it’s what ensures that every detail comes together beautifully and seamlessly for my clients.

I also made a conscious decision to stay intentionally small. Many designers grow into large teams, but I prefer to stay closely involved in every phase of the work. My clients appreciate that personal connection. They know I’m the one reviewing drawings, sourcing materials, and walking the site. That level of engagement allows me to deliver thoughtful, cohesive designs that feel deeply personal and well executed.

What makes this approach meaningful is the trust it creates. A recent client told me, “I never had to worry about a thing. You thought through everything before I even had to ask.” That kind of confidence and ease is exactly what I strive to deliver. To me, it’s proof that great design is not just about how a space looks, but also about how the entire process feels.

Cyndi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Cyndi Hopkins, the founder and principal designer of Cyndi Hopkins Design, a full-service interior design studio based in Georgetown, Texas. I work with clients in Austin and throughout the Hill Country who want homes that feel personal, intentional, and quietly luxurious.

My path into design wasn’t a straight line, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and makers. My grandfather founded Kelly’s Foreign Cars in Houston and worked as a body man, so creativity and grit were part of everyday life. I’ve always loved design and even owned an antique store early in my career before transitioning into the corporate world. I spent 15 years leading product development and supply chain initiatives at a Fortune 50 tech company, where I earned my Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification. That experience taught me how to take a vision and bring it to life with structure, precision, and accountability, which now serve my clients in a completely different way.

When I launched Cyndi Hopkins Design in 2017, my goal was to merge creativity with clarity. I wanted clients to feel inspired by the design process rather than overwhelmed by it. My work focuses on creating richly layered interiors that are timeless, livable, and deeply personal. I believe good design starts with good listening and that luxury is about comfort, quality, and meaning, not excess.

Many of my clients come to me ready for transformation but unsure where to begin. They may have renovated or built a home, yet it still feels unfinished or disconnected. My role is to bring everything together with intention, helping them make confident decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and end up with a home that truly reflects who they are. From concept through installation, I manage every detail including space planning, furnishings, lighting, window treatments, wallcoverings, and final styling so the process feels seamless.

What sets me apart is the way I combine artistry with project management. Design is emotional, but it also requires structure. I lead with both creativity and precision, keeping every project organized and on track while maintaining a strong design vision. I also made a conscious decision to stay intentionally small so I can remain personally involved in every phase of the work. My clients appreciate that they are working directly with me throughout the entire process.

What I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. It is such an honor when someone invites me into their home and allows me to help shape how they live every day. Seeing their joy when everything comes together and their home finally feels complete is what keeps me inspired.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve had a few pivotal moments in my life, but the one that changed everything was leaving my corporate career and finding my way into design. I spent 15 years in the tech industry leading product development and supply chain initiatives for a Fortune 50 company. It was fast paced, demanding, and rewarding, but over time I knew I wanted something that felt more personal and creative. I just didn’t know what that was yet.

I never really intended to start a business. This business truly found me. After stepping away from corporate life, a few design projects for friends came my way, and one thing led to another. One of my earliest projects was an out-of-state renovation for a VRBO property. I had a three week window between guests to completely update the space. It tested every bit of my project management experience, from scheduling contractors to coordinating deliveries and finishes. It was intense but also incredibly energizing, and I never looked back.

That project reminded me how much I loved creative problem solving and bringing order to chaos. It also showed me how naturally my corporate skills translated into design. What began as a side project grew into Cyndi Hopkins Design, a full service studio that blends artistry with structure and helps clients transform their homes with clarity and confidence.

Looking back, that pivot taught me that change doesn’t always start with a grand plan. Sometimes it begins with saying yes to an opportunity that feels right, even if you are not sure where it will lead. For me, it led to building a business that feels deeply aligned with who I am and how I love to work.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my reputation has been built on a combination of trust, professionalism, and a genuine love for what I do. My clients know that when they hire me, they are getting both creativity and accountability. Design is personal, and people want to feel confident that their project is being handled with care from start to finish. My background as a Certified Project Management Professional brings a level of structure and reliability that clients really value, especially in an industry where the process can often feel unclear.

I also believe my approach to design has helped shape that reputation. I don’t have a one-size-fits-all style. Every home I design is unique to the client and the architecture. I spend a lot of time listening, observing how people live, and understanding what brings them comfort and joy. That authenticity resonates with clients who are looking for more than just pretty rooms. They want a home that feels personal and effortless, and that’s where I focus my energy.

Word-of-mouth referrals have been my biggest driver of growth. Many of my clients are repeat clients or friends of past clients who saw the transformation and wanted that same experience. I think that speaks volumes. It’s not just about the design itself, but how the client feels throughout the process. My goal is always to make it enjoyable and stress-free, so when the project is complete, they remember not only how beautiful their home turned out, but also how supported they felt along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cyndihopkinsdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndihopkinsdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyndiHopkinsDesign