Wendy Glaister

I don’t believe in having a signature style. My responsibility is to reflect my clients’ personalities and lifestyles in the environments I design. That said, there are a few details that always seem to make their way into my projects, such as a sense of softness, abundant natural light, and thoughtful use of high-quality materials.

I love incorporating greenery to add warmth and friendliness. I also try to sneak in a lamp on every kitchen counter because it makes the heart of the home feel so cozy and inviting. No matter the style - traditional, transitional, or contemporary - I want every space to feel like a safe and beautiful place to land.

My process always begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle and the overall aesthetic they desire for their space. Countertops are usually the first material we select and we grow the design from there. The countertop will usually inform the floors, cabinets, tile, paint, fixtures, and beyond.

Living in California, sustainability is built into our projects, which I so appreciate. From energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to non-off-gassing furniture and safe surfaces, these considerations are second nature. At the heart of it, my guiding principle is kindness: choosing materials that will enhance the lives of my clients and collaborators.

When I was a young designer, I went through some incredibly difficult times. I was a single mom, leaving an unsafe marriage, living with my parents, and working hard to build a career. There were moments when I had nothing - no money, no stability, no clear path forward. But God placed people in my life who believed in me. Friends and mentors who supported me, brought me to showhouses, and paid for me to attend design events because they knew it was my calling. That encouragement changed my life. It’s why I’m passionate about pouring back into the design community, whether through ASID and IDS leadership, mentoring, writing, or hosting design tours. The industry can be intimidating and isolating, and I want to be a voice that says, ‘You are not alone. You belong here.’

This authenticity has created deep friendships and partnerships that allow me to deliver an extraordinary level of design and service to my clients. When you surround yourself with talented, supportive people, truly nothing is out of reach.

I feel like I’m standing on the edge of even greater opportunities. My firm is taking on larger, more complex projects nationwide, and I’d love to expand to international work as well. Travel fuels my creativity, humbles me, and refines my eye as a designer. I also feel called to continue brand partnerships like my work as brand ambassador for Zip Water, and to explore product design, particularly in lighting, furniture, and rugs. Collaborating with trusted friends and colleagues on these kinds of projects would be a dream.

More importantly, I want to keep showing up with love and encouragement. 13 years ago, I was living on food stamps, struggling to support my son. Today, I’ve been named one of the top 50 designers in the country. If sharing my story can help someone else believe in their worth and their gifts, then all of it has even greater purpose.