(SUMMER 2008) - Designing Lifestyles, Not Interiors:

Amy Noonan is a member of the design consultant team at Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in Austin. She recently celebrated her first anniversary with DOTI. Amy hails from Ohio and relocated to Austin when her husband received a job transfer.

"Design was always my passion," says Noonan. "When I was thirteen, I designed and commissioned a local builder to construct a bed for my room. I saved my allowance to buy carpet for our basement, and received a new sofa for my fifteenth birthday." With her natural designer instinct and official training, Noonan decided to follow her passion in 2002.

Something lesser known about this design guru, is that prior to her launch into the design industry, Noonan worked at Deloitte and Touche as a Tax CPA, and then as a Human Resources Manager. "I wouldn't trade my decade at Deloitte for anything," she says. She claims the variety of experience not only helped with her design business, but also in working with different types of people.

Noonan takes her job at DOTI seriously and holds a great deal of respect for her clients. "I pride myself in making a connection with people and understanding their passion," she says. "By really listening to my clients, I feel I create interiors that reflect their tastes and fit their lifestyle, all while telling their story."

Amy's Top 10

1. Biggest Supporter - My husband Jeff, our children Averi and Garrett, and especially my colleagues. We really support each other through thick and thin.
2. Musician - I'm about as eclectic with my music as I am with my design. I love Harry Connick Jr. , ACDC and Toby Keith.
3. Visual Artist - Georgia O'Keefe. I love her contemporary work with floras.
4. Fragrance - Eternity by Calvin Klein.
5. Design Style and Store - I love so many styles. Right now my favorite is organic modern. My favorite store is of course DOTI because there are no limits to any particular style.
6. Spa and Treatment - The Crossings. What amazing ambiance!
7. Fashion Designer - Vera Wang. I love her contemporary twist on classic elegance.
8. Fabric Collection - Highland Court Chelsea Designs in Turquoise. I love the variety of classic and contemporary patterns and their use of texture in this line.
9. Getaways - St. Lucia, or a day on the boat on Lake Travis.
10. Movie - Don't laugh, but I love the Rocky movies. Growing up, my dad would always take me to see them. Not only do I love the triumphant underdog, but it reminds me of special times with my dad.