Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Roose. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
My journey into interior design actually began after a career transition from radio. During my first year of interior design studies, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a six-month internship in Los Angeles with Sarah Barnard, a renowned interior designer specializing in LEED and Historic Preservation design. This experience was truly transformative for my career trajectory.
Working alongside Sarah, I gained invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities of being an interior designer. What made this experience particularly impactful was how it sparked my passion for sustainable and wellness design – principles that have become cornerstone elements of my own design firm today. Sarah wasn’t just a supervisor; she became a mentor and friend who showed me the importance of incorporating environmental consciousness and well-being into design solutions.
This internship experience directly shaped my professional philosophy and approach. The knowledge and inspiration I gained under Sarah’s guidance continue to influence how I run my firm and mentor others. Looking back, I can confidently say that this internship was a pivotal moment in my career – it provided the foundation for my current focus on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and wellness-oriented.
Emily, 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 Emily Roose, founder of Emily Roose Interiors, an award-winning design firm that brings a uniquely comprehensive approach to interior and product design. My journey into design took an unconventional path that has become one of my greatest strengths. Before establishing my design practice, I served as a promotions and digital content director for Clear Channel Radio/iHeart Media and hold degrees in both marketing and interior design.
This dual background sets me apart in the industry. When working with investors on spec projects or creating office spaces for business owners, I bring both creative vision and strategic business acumen to the table. I understand not just how to create beautiful, functional spaces, but also how to ensure they deliver ROI and effectively communicate a brand’s identity to their target market.
While many designers specialize in one niche, I’ve deliberately cultivated expertise across residential, commercial, hospitality, multi-family developments, and home staging. Each project type presents unique challenges that fuel my creativity and makes me a more versatile designer. I’ve further expanded my creative scope as a furniture and lighting designer, including an exciting collaboration with Nova of California’s mid-century modern lighting line.
What truly drives me is creating spaces that make a positive impact. I’m passionate about sustainable and wellness-focused design that reduces environmental impact while enhancing occupants’ health and well-being. I’m currently pursuing NCIDQ certification and plan to obtain LEED and WELL AP accreditations to deepen my expertise in these crucial areas.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges, but each obstacle has shaped my approach and strengthened my resolve. I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors, including business coaches Keri Petersen and Traci Connell, who’ve helped me continuously evolve and innovate.
Emily Roose Interiors has been featured in Elle Decor, Mountain Living Magazine, and HGTV, among other prestigious publications. While based in Nashville, our portfolio showcases award-winning projects from Lake Tahoe to Hawaii, demonstrating our ability to create extraordinary spaces that tell each client’s unique story. We proudly serve Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Leiper’s Fork, Belle Meade, Green Hills, and surrounding areas in Middle Tennessee, with additional reach into Georgia and beyond.
What I want potential clients to know is that when they work with Emily Roose Interiors, they’re getting more than just a designer – they’re getting a strategic partner who understands both the art and business of design, committed to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, healthy, and purposeful.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My career journey has been defined by pivotal moments that have shaped both my personal growth and professional trajectory. One of the most significant pivots came when I was laid off from my position in the music industry. Rather than viewing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to pursue my passion for interior design – a leap that required courage and faith in my creative abilities.
The second major pivot came after experiencing two layoffs in the interior design industry. These challenges led to a profound realization: while entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, investing in myself and building my own future would be more fulfilling than contributing to someone else’s success. This decision to fully commit to Emily Roose Interiors has proven to be one of my most rewarding choices.
Perhaps the most transformative pivot came with motherhood and divorce – life changes that impacted every aspect of my personal and professional world. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in both business and life. It required reimagining my business model and work-life integration while staying true to my core values in design and sustainability.
Each pivot has required careful self-reflection and strategic decision-making. What I’ve learned is that forward momentum, even through uncertainty, eventually leads to solutions. These experiences have strengthened my ability to guide clients through their own transformative journeys, whether we’re redesigning a space or reimagining how their environment can better serve their evolving needs.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a powerful dual mission: to create spaces that genuinely improve lives while building a thriving, innovative design firm that sets new standards in sustainable and wellness-focused design.
When I founded Emily Roose Interiors, it wasn’t just about designing beautiful spaces – it was about exploring the full potential of what thoughtful design could achieve. My background in marketing combined with my passion for interior design gives me a unique perspective on how spaces can both function beautifully and contribute to overall wellbeing.
Currently, I’m working toward several ambitious goals that align with this mission. I’m pursuing NCIDQ certification, followed by LEED AP and Well AP accreditations, which will further enhance my expertise in sustainable and wellness-focused design. My vision includes growing Emily Roose Interiors with a talented team that shares my passion for innovative design solutions across residential, commercial, hospitality, and multi-family developments.
Beyond interior design, I’m expanding into product design. I’m currently designing light fixtures for Nova of California’s mid-century modern collection, and I’m developing plans to launch my own furniture line. These ventures allow me to create more specialized, custom-tailored solutions for our clients while pushing the boundaries of design innovation.
Beyond the business metrics, what truly drives me is my commitment to continuous learning and creativity. Whether I’m painting, drawing, reading, or cooking, I’m constantly seeking new ways to expand my creative perspective. This multifaceted approach to creativity influences how I approach each design project, allowing me to bring fresh, innovative solutions to my clients’ spaces.
My ultimate goal is to build a design firm that doesn’t just meet current industry standards but sets new ones – particularly in the realms of sustainable and wellness-focused design. I want to create spaces that serve as sanctuaries for their occupants while respecting and preserving our natural environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilyrooseinteriors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erooseinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erooseinteriors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyrooseinteriors
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE-pxdJ67YiSGbKp0WAM2KQ
- Other: Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/emily-roose-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1669389090?
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erooseinteriors/
Image Credits
Photographers: Katey Hamill, Kat Alves, Paul Hamill and Vance Fox