Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trudi Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Trudi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I want my legacy to reflect creativity, resilience, and the ability to make meaningful connections across boundaries. As a female interior designer, I hope to be remembered as someone who not only created beautiful and functional spaces but also broke barriers with male-dominated trades. I want to be seen as a professional who worked collaboratively and respectfully with contractors, builders, and tradespeople, proving that design is a team effort where every voice matters. I hope to inspire other women to confidently navigate these traditionally male-dominated spaces.
As an interior designer, my goal is to leave behind a body of work that prioritizes thoughtful design over trends—spaces that tell stories, evoke emotion, and improve the lives of those who inhabit them. My designs will stand as a testament to the power of blending aesthetics with functionality and the importance of listening deeply to clients’ needs.
Beyond my professional achievements, I want my legacy to be rooted in family values. I hope to be remembered as someone who balanced her passion for design with her devotion to loved ones—building a life centered around kindness, integrity, and love. My greatest wish is for my family to see me as someone who lived authentically and created a foundation of warmth and support for generations to come.
Ultimately, I want my legacy to inspire others—not just in design but in life—to dream boldly, push boundaries, and leave the world better than they found it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Trudi is proud to call Upstate New York home, where she leads her design studio with a mission to create spaces that feel truly personal—spaces that embody the essence of home. Design wasn’t something Trudi “got into”—it evolved and grew with her, naturally becoming an integral part of who she is. From rearranging furniture as a child, to high school shop and drafting classes, to envisioning entire spaces as an adult, her passion for creating thoughtful, functional environments was always meant to be.
Her architectural expertise spans renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Trudi has a remarkable talent for reimagining layouts, optimizing floor plans, and designing flexible spaces that adapt to her clients’ evolving lifestyles. Every project is brought to life through advanced 3D design technology, allowing clients to visualize every detail before construction begins. She has a particular passion for working with older homes, preserving their character while seamlessly integrating modern functionality—a skill that breathes new life into cherished spaces.
What sets Trudi apart is her focus on creating designs that enhance everyday living. Her work isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about reducing stress, promoting comfort, and improving routines. As a CAPS-certified designer, she brings specialized expertise in creating accessible and inclusive spaces—an invaluable asset for clients planning for the future or adapting their homes for all stages of life.
What Trudi is most proud of is her ability to balance her passion for design with her dedication to family. This balance not only defines her personal life but also inspires her work—she designs spaces that promote connection, comfort, and functionality for families of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s creating a kitchen where loved ones gather or designing a home office that supports work-life harmony, Trudi’s designs are rooted in the belief that home should be a place where families thrive.
Trudi Smith Designs collaborates with a trusted network of skilled contractors and artisans, many of whom are local professionals passionate about their craft. This community-driven approach ensures exceptional quality while supporting local businesses. Her designs are warm, inviting, and full of heart—perfect for fostering connection and creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation with clients and industry connections has been built on a foundation of unwavering integrity, which informs every aspect of my work. It’s not about my personal style or winning awards—it’s about creating meaningful connections and delivering spaces that truly resonate with my clients. I believe that trust is earned through consistent actions, and I’ve made it a priority to deliver on my promises, communicate transparently, and uphold ethical standards in all my projects. By aligning my designs with my clients’ visions while staying true to my values, I have created spaces that not only meet expectations but often exceed them.
One of the key factors contributing to my reputation is my commitment to honesty and accountability. Whether it’s being upfront about project limitations or taking responsibility for challenges that arise, I strive to demonstrate professionalism and reliability. Clients know they can count on me to prioritize their needs while maintaining high ethical standards.
My reputation is a reflection of the belief that integrity is not just a value—it’s a practice. It’s about doing the right thing even when no one is watching .
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 I think non-creatives often struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is the evolving and organic nature of the process. Unlike more structured or linear professions, creativity doesn’t follow a fixed formula or rigid path. Design is fluid—it’s about exploration, experimentation, and constant refinement. Non-creatives sometimes expect a clear beginning, middle, and end, but the reality is that the creative process is often messy, nonlinear, and full of unexpected turns.
Non-creatives may struggle to understand that creativity isn’t just about producing something beautiful; it’s about solving problems in innovative ways while balancing aesthetics, functionality, and emotional impact. It requires flexibility and openness to change—qualities that are essential to creating spaces that truly resonate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TrudiSmithDesigns.com
- Instagram: trudismithdesigns
- Linkedin: Trudi Smith
Image Credits
Lori and Erin Photography – Portraits & studio
R3DMedia – cherry kitchen & dine
Blue island- self taken