inspiring spaces.

Empowering Families.

strengTHENING communities.

Mission

Elsewhere by Design transforms homes into hope—empowering families in transition to grow new roots, design new beginnings, and strengthen communities through deep connection, starting with the power of home.

“I’ve seen what intentional design can do. Not just to a room, but in a life. I’ve experienced it myself.”

Auntie Cheryl

Rooted in Purpose…

Why we do this work. Why it matters.

There’s a moment that stays with you.

Maybe it’s the silence after a move. The weight of starting over.
The echo of your life in a room that still doesn’t feel like yours.

I’ve seen that moment—again and again.

I’ve worked across nonprofit systems for more than two decades—education, housing, mental health, food access, and workforce development. I’ve helped build programs. Led teams. Held space for families navigating crisis.

But even when the immediate needs were met, something essential was still missing.

We weren’t always able to support families after the crisis had passed—especially once they were housed.

The moment the keys were handed over… the case was closed… the file marked complete… families were often left alone in spaces that didn’t reflect their worth—or support their healing.

That disconnect stayed with me.

At the same time, I’ve always felt the quiet, undeniable power of design. Not design as luxury—but design as language. As safety. As identity. As healing.

Because when a space is designed with dignity, intention, and care—it changes how you move through the world. It helps you breathe. Make decisions. See possibility. Believe you deserve something more.

And I started wondering:
What if we could design that feeling—on purpose—for the very families so many systems serve but rarely center?

What if we built more than programs?

What if we built spaces where healing could finally take root?

In 2024, I stopped trying to choose between my creative heart and my community work—and realized they were never meant to be separate.

Elsewhere by Design was born from that knowing.

A bridge between service systems and the people they aim to support.
A home for transformation—not just physically, but emotionally.
A place where healing isn’t an afterthought, but the very foundation.

We style homes with families in transition—not just to make them beautiful, but to make them theirs.
To turn survival into restoration.
To help stability feel real.
To remind every family that we serve:
You belong here. And there’s more for you.

This is Elsewhere by Design.
Not just a service. A movement. A vision.
A new beginning—built by design.

The Story Behind The Name

“Elsewhere” was a word a dear friend and I used when we needed to get away. When “here” felt too heavy, Elsewhere meant rest. Reset. Possibility.

Now, it’s more than a place. It’s a mindset. A fresh start, rooted in beauty and intention.

And the “by Design”? Because none of this is random. Every room we style, every story we honor, every home we transform—it’s all done with purpose.

This is Elsewhere by Design.
Not just a service—but a shift.
Not just rooms styled—but lives reimagined.
Not just houses—but homes built on hope, dignity, and design with purpose.

Welcome to the Heart of the Home

This is where we gather. To share stories, reflect on what we’re learning, and dream about what’s next. In every home, the kitchen table is where truth is told and transformation begins. At Elsewhere by Design, it’s the same.

Pull up a chair. Let’s talk about the work, the why, and the way forward—together.

a seat for you

You don’t need to be a designer to change lives. Whether you give, volunteer, or simply believe in the power of home—there’s a place for you in this story.

food for thought

This is where we reflect on the deeper lessons—what we’re learning about home, healing, and helping families thrive.

meet the table builders

Elsewhere by Design’s Board of Directors

These are the vision-holders and purpose-drivers behind Elsewhere by Design. Each member brings a unique perspective, a deep commitment to community, and a shared belief in the power of home. Together, they guide the mission with wisdom, integrity, and care—helping to shape the future, by design.

Never decorated a space? We need you.

Only have a few hours? That’s enough.

Not local? There are still ways to help.et

Every home has a room set aside for honored guests—the ones who’ve helped shape it, support it, and fill it with care.
This is ours.

At Elsewhere by Design, we know that building something beautiful takes more than a blueprint. It takes people—creatives, donors, partners, volunteers—who show up with heart and help bring the vision to life.

It takes all of us. From lifting furniture to lifting spirits, every role you see here helps bring the Elsewhere by Design vision to life. Whether you’re styling a room, sharing a story, hauling a dresser, or simply showing up with heart—your part matters. We’re building homes, yes—but more than that, we’re building hope. So, wherever you come from, whatever gifts you bring, there’s a place for you here. Thank you for being part of this journey!

No role is too small. No gift goes unnoticed. Whether you give a day, a dollar, or a dresser—thank you!

Every gift of time, talent and treasure makes someone’s Elsewhere feel like home.