Influential Woman · Interior Design, Interior Architecture, and Construction
Krista M. Schaeffer
Owner / Principal, Krista Schaeffer Interior Design
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Her Story
About Krista
Krista Schaeffer is the Owner and Principal of Krista Schaeffer Interior Design in Laguna Beach, California, where she has built a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades. Her professional journey began in New York with a strong foundation and degree in fine art, art history and biology, including studies in Florence, Italy, before earning her second degree in Interior Architecture from the Interior Designer’s Institute. She was drawn to interior design because it allowed her to combine her artistic creativity, architectural interests, and passion for transforming spaces into meaningful environments. Since founding her practice in 1997, Krista has developed a successful business through professional referrals, strong community relationships, and a commitment to her clients. Her experience encompasses residential, commercial, restaurant, and hospital projects, with particular strengths in space planning and custom designs. She takes pride in maintaining a resilient practice through significant industry challenges, including the 2008 economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain and tarriffs. . Being a team player is central to her approach, and she values working with talented professionals and building lasting relationships over pursuing recognition or social media visibility. Beyond her professional work, Krista is passionate about mentoring emerging designers and sharing the practical knowledge she has gained throughout her career. She encourages young women entering interior design to identify the area of the industry that genuinely interests them and pursue opportunities directly by reaching out to companies and professionals. She is also active in her Catholic church and its ministries, enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her boyfriend of 19 yr., family. and she remains committed to supporting those around her. As she looks toward eventually working with a select group of clients and preparing for slowing down and collaborating with other designers to make an impact in the community, Krista continues to inspire others through her creativity, generosity, high energy, joyful collaboration, and dedication to meaningful relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Krista
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to working hard, being a team player on projects, problem solving, which is the core to creativity, perseverance, and strong relationships. My background in fine art, biology, and art history led me to interior architecture and design, where I have built a 28-year career through professional referrals, client referrals, and community connections. I’m proud to have sustained my business through challenges such as the 2008 downturn and COVID-19 while maintaining lasting client relationships. I also value mentoring emerging designers, sharing my experience, and continuing to learn. Ultimately, my success comes from staying true to my passion, building meaningful relationships, and embracing opportunities to grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My Dad told me once many years ago and I still find it to be true and valuable today; "Don't refuse work, don't work for free, and like what you do." While I now have the luxury of refusing work; I will always try to work with people even if their project is small as long as they are a good fit for my schedule.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to identify the area of design that genuinely interests you, whether commercial, residential, healthcare, or another specialty. Research companies in that field and reach out to them directly rather than waiting for opportunities to appear on job boards. Taking initiative and using a personal, old-fashioned approach can help you stand out and open doors.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Harnessing A.I. I have found that there are many possibilities, but there is a learning curve at the moment. So, it can be both challenging and provide opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I feel that success may look different for everyone and to me being healthy, rested and vibrant is a form of success. Being on time, following through, being prepared, and being organized are things I value as much as my trade relationships. Setting limits to work and making time for family and friends is so important. We learned a great deal of how important socialization in person is from Covid. Being in Nature and true leisure time. We tend not to value time spent that isn't making an economic impact. I value real relationships over social media. I value my faith and family over everything.
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