Stephanie Vaughan
Stephanie Vaughan is a seasoned Senior Interior Designer with over nine years of experience leading high-end residential remodel and new-build projects from concept to completion. A graduate of the Art Institute of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, she honed her expertise in Revit-based construction documentation, FF&E specification, and client-facing design leadership. Stephanie has successfully owned and operated her own residential design studio, where she managed projects end-to-end while collaborating closely with contractors, vendors, and design partners. Her work emphasizes meticulous execution, creative problem-solving, and a strong commitment to visual storytelling and spatial intuition. Beyond her professional design career, Stephanie maintains an active art practice and works as a certified transformational life coach. Her art, which often explores masculine and feminine archetypes, has recently been showcased at Los Angeles art fairs, earning recognition in online publications. Her coaching practice focuses on women’s empowerment, helping clients navigate personal transformation and embrace their full potential. These creative and mentoring pursuits inform her design work, bringing a holistic and intuitive approach to the spaces she creates. Stephanie describes herself as an “intuitive creator” and “interior alchemist,” integrating creativity, personal insight, and transformation into all aspects of her professional life. After relocating from Houston to California to be closer to family, she has shifted some focus to her art practice while remaining open to senior interior design opportunities. Her philosophy centers on gratitude, collaboration and holding space for others, particularly women, ensuring that her work—whether in design, art, or coaching—empowers and inspires those she serves.
• Life Coach Certification
• The Art Institutes- B.F.A.
• Transformation Academy
• Featured in online magazine article reviewing LA startup art fair
• Emerging Professionsl Best of Residential Design
• Leader in Design
• Praxis Arts
• Interested in volunteering with Butte County animal shelter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion and staying aligned with my purpose. Interior design is truly a vocation for me. I focus on listening to the opportunities and direction that life presents while trusting my intuition to guide my decisions.
One of my greatest accomplishments was building my interior design business in Houston from the ground up without outside funding. Through dedication and connection with wonderful clients who valued my innovative style and work ethic, I produced both creative fulfillment and financial independence, which eventually allowed me to relocate to California — a long-time personal dream.
A large part of my success also comes from personal growth. I believe in continuous transformation, education and leading by example. I returned to school at 45 to show my daughters that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, all while balancing three jobs and full-time studies. I am proud to be the first person in my family to earn a college degree.
I believe success is created through alignment of mindset, purpose, and perseverance.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s never too late to create the life and vocation you truly want.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to recognize that challenges can become wisdom, to find and use their voice and to support other women along the way. Embrace inner growth alongside your professional journey, and know that perseverance, adaptability and the ability to pivot are key to navigating both career and personal obstacles.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field right now is expanding visibility and building meaningful relationships in a new market. After relocating from Houston to California, I have been in a period of strategic and creative growth — reintroducing my work to the design community while connecting with luxury residential clients, real estate professionals and collaborators who value thoughtful, bespoke design.
This transition has also been incredibly creative for me. I’ve used this time to deepen my artistic practice, refine my design philosophy and allow my work to evolve naturally through creative flow and exploration. I believe my best work happens when business, art and client vision come together in alignment.
I see this phase not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to build a stronger network, expand my presence in California and continue creating homes and spaces that feel intentional, elevated and deeply personal.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my work and personal life are authenticity, transformation and empowerment. I am deeply passionate about helping women recognize the strength, wisdom and resilience that comes from their life experiences. I believe challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities to gain perspective and cultivate wisdom that can be shared with others.
Much of my work centers around women’s empowerment and helping women recognize the power they hold to create, lead and shape their own lives. There is something profoundly meaningful to me about witnessing someone recognize their own strength and potential.
Creativity is also central to my life. I believe in transforming personal experiences into art, wisdom and purpose — turning life lessons into something that can uplift and inspire others. When I am not working, I am usually outdoors with my dog, Opal, in my art studio creating, or spending time with my life partner, who is both my companion and creative muse.
Above all, I believe gratitude is essential. I approach life with the understanding that every challenge is one perspective shift away from being transformed into growth and opportunity.