Interior design was always part of Dezirae Bruni’s life, even before she realized it could become a career. Surrounded by artists, raised by an entrepreneurial father in construction, and inspired by the creativity that filled her family, she always knew she wanted to build something of her own.
That path, however, was anything but direct. It led through criminal justice, communications, hospitality design, residential development, and years of learning every side of the business before she finally opened her own studio. Today, those experiences continue to shape both her work and her philosophy as a designer and business owner.
Finding Design Through Experience
Although creativity had always been present in her life, Bruni initially pursued a more traditional academic path, studying criminal justice and communications with plans to attend law school. Halfway through college, something felt missing.
“There was just something inside me that was still missing.”
She completed her bachelor’s degree, then immediately enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles to pursue interior design. Graduating during the 2008 recession presented its own challenges. Returning home, she first worked as office manager for her family’s business, gaining valuable experience in payroll, receivables, and running an office before finding an unpaid internship with a boutique hospitality design firm in Las Vegas. That opportunity became the foundation of her career. Over nearly eight years, she grew into the roles of lead designer and director of operations, learning not only how to design memorable spaces but also how successful firms are built.
Knowing When the Time Was Right
Opening her own firm was never a spontaneous decision. Bruni had considered entrepreneurship years earlier, but each time she questioned whether she had enough experience.
“I just didn’t feel ready enough.”
Instead of rushing, she chose to continue learning. Moving into residential development exposed her to projects across 12 to 13 states, leading teams while designing thousands of homes. The faster pace of residential work complemented her hospitality background and expanded both her technical knowledge and leadership experience.
The final push came after becoming a mother. She realized she wanted more control over her schedule and more flexibility to be present for her growing family.
“I just knew that I was ready.”
Leaving her longtime employer remained emotional, and the decision itself grew out of an unexpected moment of leadership. During a difficult stretch for the company in 2022, when rising mortgage rates led to talk of downsizing, Bruni offered to step away herself if it meant the company could avoid letting two or three other team members go. What began as a gesture of loyalty turned into the real starting point for her transition, one that ultimately took eight months to plan, so she could leave her team set up for success. Looking back, she sees that transition as another part of growth.
Building More Than Beautiful Homes
Running a design studio has proven to be every bit as demanding as she expected. Like many business owners, Bruni quickly discovered that creativity represents only one part of the job. Marketing, business development, financial management, hiring, operations, and client relationships all compete for attention alongside the design work itself.
“I wear a lot of hats.”
Some days everything comes together. Other days, she feels as though she has spent an entire day moving between countless responsibilities without crossing anything completely off the list. Rather than chasing perfection, she has learned to rely on strong systems and even stronger people. Finding the right team, she believes, is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make.
Designing Homes That Last
While every project is different, Bruni’s work begins with a consistent philosophy. Her studio is rooted in timeless design and what she describes as elevated everyday living. Rather than following trends, she focuses on creating homes that function beautifully throughout different stages of life. Young families have become some of her favorite clients because their homes continue evolving over time, requiring thoughtful planning that balances beauty with flexibility.
Geography also plays an important role in the design process. Working across the country has reinforced how differently people live depending on their region, climate, history, and architecture. Those differences shape every project, from newly built homes in Las Vegas to historic residences throughout the Southeast. The result is a design approach that adapts to place while remaining grounded in functionality and longevity.
Honoring Craft and the People Behind Every Project
Away from the office, Bruni finds inspiration in handmade craftsmanship. Travel has given her opportunities to meet artisans whose work reflects generations of knowledge, patience, and skill. Those experiences continue to influence how she thinks about design and why preserving craftsmanship matters.
“I just always want to have that hold true. Please don’t ever stop creating.”
She carries that same appreciation into her own studio through mentorship. Helping younger designers bridge the gap between design school and professional practice has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career. Watching others gain confidence, develop their own design voice, and navigate the realities of the profession is something she hopes to continue throughout her career.
Looking ahead, Bruni hopes to expand into more commercial and hospitality projects while continuing to educate clients about the true complexity of interior design. Behind every finished photograph, she reminds people, is an enormous team of designers, contractors, installers, manufacturers, and craftspeople working together toward a single vision.
“There’s literally blood, sweat, and tears in every single project.”
