Why I Teach Interior Design While Running a Design Studio

Running Mavis Design keeps me deeply immersed in the real world of residential remodels. Kitchens, bathrooms, layouts, cabinetry details, contractor meetings. The work is layered, technical, and creative all at once.

So why teach interior design on top of that?

Because teaching sharpens everything.

As the founder of a Colorado-based residential interior design studio, my days are filled with solving real problems for real clients. When I step into the classroom as an adjunct instructor, I am reminded of the fundamentals that make great design possible in the first place. Space planning. Proportion. Material selection. Clear communication. These are not trends. They are foundations.

Teaching forces me to slow down and articulate why a layout works or why a cabinet configuration matters. It challenges me to explain the thinking behind decisions that, over time, can become instinctive. That reflection strengthens my own design process and makes me more intentional in my client work.

It also keeps me connected to the next generation of designers. I see the excitement, the uncertainty, and the ambition that comes with starting out. Mentoring emerging designers reminds me how important strong technical knowledge and ethical practice are in this industry. Good design is not guesswork. It is built on training, experience, and thoughtful decision-making.

There is also something grounding about moving between the studio and the classroom. In my design business, I guide homeowners through complex kitchen and bathroom renovations. In the classroom, I guide students through the structure and discipline behind those decisions. Both roles require clarity, patience, and leadership.

At Mavis Design, my goal is to create spaces that are timeless, functional, and deeply personal. Teaching reinforces that commitment. It keeps me rooted in fundamentals rather than trends and strengthens my ability to guide clients with confidence.

For me, design is not just about beautiful spaces. It is about understanding how those spaces are built, how they function, and how they support everyday life. Teaching ensures that I never lose sight of that.