We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Refinement Wagner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Refinement, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
At Design with Refinement, serving our community is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to giving back through pro bono work and supporting nonprofits by creating beautiful spaces they might not otherwise have the budget to hire a designer for.
Our most recent project was a transformative collaboration with JoyRx, an organization founded as the Children’s Cancer Association in 1995 by the Ellis family after losing their five-year-old daughter, Alexandra, to cancer. JoyRx was born out of a vision to reimagine pediatric cancer support services. Today, it provides seriously ill children with moments of joy through its JoyRx Music, Mentorship, and Nature programs, which are offered free of charge to help kids laugh, play, and reclaim their childhood during life’s most challenging moments.
We were deeply honored to contribute to the JoyRx Nature Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin, a serene retreat for children battling serious illnesses and their families. Nestled within 24 acres of Oregon Coast woodlands, the Caring Cabin offers a peaceful sanctuary complete with lush wildlife, tranquil forests, and a serene lake. This unique space gives families the opportunity to connect, heal, and find solace away from the rigors of hospital visits and medical treatments.
Having served on the JoyRx Pacific Northwest Leadership Council for three years, I was privileged to offer pro bono interior design services for this special project. Our goal was to enhance the cabin’s connection to nature, weaving the healing power of the surrounding forest, lake, and coastline into the design.
This was a passion project – being able to help enhance an already amazing space was a true honor. We really wanted to capture the healing connection to nature – from the forest to the lake to the coast – in our design. Through a beautiful mural, furnishings, and décor, we were able to create a tranquil space for those who need it most.
The project featured a stunning mural by artist Megan Dragon, whom we discovered through the Portland Regional Arts & Culture Council. Megan’s artwork incorporated native species into the design, perfectly capturing the essence of the surrounding environment.
The revitalized Caring Cabin is already making a profound impact, providing families with a refreshing escape from medical routines and offering young patients a place to find comfort and resilience in the embrace of nature.
Refinement, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Refinement Wagner, a proud Pacific Northwest native, is an outdoor enthusiast, design devotee, and project manager extraordinaire. With a passion for solution-driven work, she brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every project she undertakes.
Refinement founded Design with Refinement in 2021 after having her daughter, going back to school and a career change. Her expertise spans a variety of projects, including commercial build-outs, office interiors, and residential transformations. She guides her clients through every step of the design process, from sourcing unique, affordable items from sustainable and local vendors to navigating timelines and managing contractors.
Her commitment to excellence is backed by a decade of experience in commercial real estate and property management, where she honed her skills in project management, strategic marketing, and community involvement. During this time, she contributed to tenant improvement projects, interior design initiatives, sponsorship management, and charitable contributions—building a well-rounded and purpose-driven professional foundation.
Refinement’s devotion to community service is reflected in her leadership roles and volunteer work. She has worked with nonprofit organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, CASA for Children, and New Avenues for Youth. As the past chair of CASA for Children’s Ambassador Board, she championed initiatives for Multnomah, Washington, and Columbia counties.
Currently, she is actively involved in the Interior Design Society’s Portland Chapter and is a member of the Pacific Northwest Leadership Council for the Children’s Cancer Association.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Refinement Wagner and Lynn Conti first crossed paths in 2007 while working at a window coverings company in the Pacific Northwest. Though the role wasn’t the right fit for their creative ambitions, their shared passion for design, nature, and creating beautiful spaces sparked a lasting friendship and professional partnership.
Over the years, Refinement and Lynn collaborated on a variety of projects, including commercial, residential, and office spaces. Their complementary talents and mutual love for transforming spaces laid the foundation for a thriving partnership.
In 2021, they took the next step and formalized their vision, launching Design with Refinement. Guided by principles of sustainability, thoughtful procurement, and meticulous attention to detail, the duo brings balance, character, and vibrancy to every project they undertake.
With a focus on sourcing unique and sustainable materials, Refinement and Lynn aim to create spaces that not only reflect their clients’ style but also honor the natural beauty of the world around them.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Refinement Wagner’s journey to building a thriving business began during one of the most challenging years of her life. As a newly single mom, she had to transform her design hobby into a full-fledged career to support herself and her daughter. What began as a daunting transition became the catalyst for her drive and determination to build a successful company.
That pivotal year taught Refinement invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of hard work. Navigating the steep learning curve of running a small business while balancing the responsibilities of parenting wasn’t easy. From mastering the art of time management to wearing many hats—designer, manager, marketer, and more—she embraced every challenge with grit and passion.
Through this transformative experience, Refinement not only built a thriving business but also found a renewed sense of purpose. Today, her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that even the most difficult moments can lead to extraordinary growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designwithrefinement.com
- Instagram: @refinementdesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RefinementDesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-with-refinement
Image Credits
Crosby Dove