Five Years In

On paper, the stats go a little something like this:

Five years. 

Around 100 projects. 

One studio refresh. 

Twelve market trips.

Nine state design awards. 

Three national awards. 

Two magazine publications.

One online accessory brand launch, followed by two turns hosting a booth at Under the Christmas Tree. 

Five design interns. 

Countless samples, hours spent on AutoCad, late nights, and coffee refills.

But those numbers barely scratch the surface. Because the truth is, the story of Wilhouse Designs lives in the moments between the milestones -the quiet ones, the messy ones, the ones that didn’t make the highlight reel but shaped everything that came after.

Five years ago, I unlocked the door to this studio space for the very first time with equal parts excitement and disbelief. It didn’t look like much then, heck it still vaguely smelled like the pickle shop it had been a mere month before I signed the lease. It wasn’t polished or perfectly styled yet. But it was mine. And it held the promise of something I had been dreaming about for years: building a studio rooted in heart, intention, and the belief that thoughtful design can truly change the way people live.

Year one was full of figuring things out. Learning as we went. Saying yes before we always felt ready. Year two brought a little more confidence, a little more clarity, and the realization that this thing might actually work. Somewhere along the way, the studio evolved, the walls got a refresh, the shelves filled with samples and treasures, and Wilhouse began to feel less like an idea and more like a living, breathing business.

In between all of that were the projects- the homes, the spaces, the clients who trusted us with something deeply personal. There were site visits and install days, design presentations and revisions, wins and lessons, and moments where we stood back at the end of a project and thought, this is why we do this.  And somewhere in the middle of refining homes for other people, we found ourselves refining our own approach too. We were constantly taking notes, adjusting, and embracing opportunities to make the design journey more thoughtful, more personal, and ultimately a more enjoyable experience for our clients. It was in that shaping of our creative process and the strengthening of our business model where Wilhouse truly found its footing. 

Two years in, I pushed myself to explore another dream. Wilhouse Collection was born somewhere between inspiration and instinct. After years of sourcing the art, objects, and finishing touches that make a space feel layered and lived-in, I felt a pull to create something of my own. Something that captured the Wilhouse point of view and made it accessible beyond the walls of a single project. What began as an idea slowly took shape into an online collection of art and accessories we genuinely loved. Seeing it move from concept to reality, and then sharing it in person through two stints at Under the Christmas Tree, felt like a full-circle moment. As the studio continues to grow, Wilhouse Collection remains an important extension of our work: a place to explore, to create, and to carry the Wilhouse perspective forward in ways that continue to support and inspire both our clients and our future. 

And speaking of all that sourcing. Over the last 5 years, market trips have become milestones of their own. From Atlanta to High Point, and even Dallas for a design showhouse, these trips have fueled us creatively, but more than that, they’ve highlighted just how lucky we are to do this work together. Long days walking showrooms, laughing over meals, dreaming big, and soaking up inspiration have only reinforced the foundation of this studio. We are tight-knit in a way that can’t be manufactured. Jen and I have been best friends for over fifteen years, and that deep trust, shared history, and genuine joy we bring into the office shows up in our work. And then there’s Grace, who joined us just two years ago, but somehow feels like she’s always been here. She fit into the rhythm of this studio so naturally, bringing thoughtfulness and heart in a way that strengthened our team from the very start. Together, this shared connection creates an environment that feels collaborative, fun, and deeply capable. Clients don’t just get good design, but the benefit of a team that truly knows and supports one another.

The early days of the studio were also shaped by the interns who spent time within these walls. Each one left their own mark, bringing fresh perspective and curiosity that pushed us to better articulate why we do what we do. Mentorship has always been close to my heart, and welcoming young designers into the studio felt like a natural extension of that passion. Watching these bright students grow in confidence and carry pieces of their time here into what comes next has been incredibly rewarding, and a reminder that this studio is as much about people as it is about design. 

As I reflect back over every moment it took to build this from the ground up, I see so much growth, both personal, professional, and creative. I see the constant balancing act of running a business while raising kids who are watching it all unfold, and that part might mean the most to me of all. Getting to show my children what it looks like to chase a dream, to work hard, to build something, and to do it with integrity and joy is a privilege I don’t take lightly. This studio has grown alongside them, and in many ways, it’s grown because of them. 

Five years in, this dream still feels like a dream.

I don’t take for granted that I get to do work I love, with people I admire, for clients who trust us so deeply. Wilhouse has always been about more than beautiful spaces, it’s about relationships, storytelling, and creating homes that feel layered, lived-in, and deeply personal. 

So today, we celebrate. The keys. The early days. The evolution. The wins and the in-betweens. And the deep gratitude I feel for everyone who has been part of this journey- clients, collaborators, team members, friends, and family.

Five years down, and somehow, it still feels like we’re just getting started. 🤍

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