Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison DeMarte.
Allison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Texas in a creative family where design was part of everyday life. My father, a geologist with an eye for architecture, designed our family home, and my mother, an artist, filled it with color, texture, and balance. She had an incredible sense of composition—our home was as thoughtfully designed as any professional project I’ve seen. Conversations about design were constant in our household, and that early exposure shaped the way I see the world.
After earning my BFA in Design from the University of Texas at Austin, I moved to New York City to work for my aunt, who owned a toy company. Watching her lead a successful creative business—and contributing through graphic and product design—had a lasting impact on how I envisioned my own path.
Eventually, I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to learn AutoCAD and explore the region’s rich artistic energy. While studying, I volunteered with Design Santa Fe, an annual interior design event, and connected with a generous network of professionals who encouraged me to take on my first projects. Over time, I gained hands-on experience in interior, graphic, and product design—each discipline deepening my understanding of form, function, and detail.
After relocating to Michigan with my husband, a professor, and starting our family, I focused my practice exclusively on interior design—the work that brings me the greatest fulfillment. In 2022, I founded AD Interiors, a full-service design studio built on the belief that good design should feel both personal and effortless.
My work centers on creating functional, beautiful spaces that reflect my clients’ unique identities and support the way they live. From concept to construction and final styling, I approach each project with curiosity, precision, and care—combining creativity with technical expertise to design spaces that feel thoughtful, timeless, and entirely their own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“It felt very risky to put all my eggs in the interior design basket,” says designer Allison DeMarte. “For a long time, I kept thinking I needed more a more specific kind of education or more experience.”
Despite her background in design, she often found herself hired for graphic design and marketing projects. “I had the skill set, but my heart just wasn’t in it,” she admits. “I realized that if I was going to pursue interior design full time, I needed to be the one making the design decisions. That meant I wouldn’t be happy working for someone else—I’d have to start my own business. And that was scary.”
Stepping away from a steady paycheck to follow a passion is never easy. “Being paid regularly to do something you don’t love is a tough place to be,” she reflects. “We’re all taught to be responsible, and leaving a good job to take a risk doesn’t feel responsible—it isn’t an option for many people.”
Allison credits her husband’s support for making the leap possible. “Having a young son, leaving my job, and starting a business would have been nearly impossible without his financial stability and encouragement. I’m extremely fortunate and grateful for that.”
She was also determined to build a real business—not a side project. “I knew I didn’t want to go into debt to start my firm, and I didn’t want an interior design ‘hobby.’ It had to be profitable.” That meant confronting one of the most intimidating parts of entrepreneurship: money. “I had to get over my fear of talking about and managing money,” she says. “Once I leaned into learning about the business side of design, and recognized that my skillset has value, everything changed. There’s an incredible amount of business support available out there—podcasts, interviews, resources—if you’re willing to look for it.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AD Interiors?
Well, like I mentioned, my work centers on creating functional, beautiful spaces that reflect my clients’ unique identities and support the way they live. At AD interiors, my goal is to ensure your home reflects your vision and exceeds your expectations. It’s my job to make the process of transforming your home a pleasure, and to awaken a sense of ownership and control over your personal space. Even if you aren’t the one choosing every item or finish for that space, your personal story and the way you live will drive the end result to be a reflection of you.
From concept to construction and final styling, I offer comprehensive interior design services including new builds, remodels, and interior design. I delight in showing clients how their space can work better for them and be more beautiful than they imagined at the same time.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’ve loved Saline since we moved here. For years, I hesitated to leave larger cities, having never lived in a small town before, and I still laugh to myself when I get stuck behind a tractor occasionally. It’s wonderful living in a community that everyone can be a part of. We know our neighbors and business owners here. Even the winters which were intimidating at first, I’ve grown fond of over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adinteriors.co
