I am Susan Utley, Founder, Designer and Project Manager of Design Studio LLC. Design Studio LLC services the metro DC area and even beyond.  I earned my BS degree in Interior Design with high honors and hold a MBA from Johns Hopkins University where I graduated with a 4.0 grade point.

After school, I worked for a few years in design and just about starved. Looking at a divorce and starvation, I decided that I would change careers and go into the corporate world. After Westinghouse, Boeing, BDM (now Northrop), Microsoft and Cisco System that lead me to the ranks of Director, I finally said farewell to the corporate world.

I knew I wanted my own Interior Design business since high school. I started my design business in 1996. The leap was scary and exhilarating all at the same time. The business went gangbusters to my surprise. I never looked back.

Most of my clients are senior executives. Given my past, I understand their time constraints, visions and expectations. I understand that they want to delegate to a trusted professional, be knowledgeable of where the project stands, witness seamless implementation and most of all want it done … but done right.

I love being an entrepreneur with creative expression coupled with business savvy.  But what I love the most is the expression on your face when it all comes together and we had fun doing it.  I know this is what I was meant to do – finally! I was awarded Designer of the Year by the website Room Reveal for 2013 and Houzz for 2013 and 2015.  Guess so!!

My journey continues, I am living my dream!