Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Rains.
Hi Susan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to interior design after spending about thirteen years in my first career as a custom picture framer. By then, I had learned nearly every aspect of the business, except owning a shop myself. I felt that career had run its course, and with the economy struggling and many framing businesses closing, I knew it was time to explore a new direction.
I already had a background in fine art, and I wanted a creative career that offered more opportunities for professional growth and the chance to take my work in different directions. As I began researching degree programs, I discovered interior design, but what really captured my interest was learning that healthcare design was a specialty within the field.
Until then, I had thought of interior design as something largely superficial, focused on aesthetics and decorating. Discovering the ways our built environments can influence our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing completely changed my perspective. I became fascinated by research on healing environments, the benefits of connecting people with nature, and the profound impact thoughtfully designed spaces can have on our health and quality of life.
That realization inspired me to pursue interior design, and it remains one of the most meaningful and exciting parts of my work today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges of being an entrepreneur has also been one of the most rewarding: the tremendous opportunities for personal growth that come with owning your own business.
When I started my business, I expected challenges like finding clients, building a reputation, sourcing products, learning new tools, and figuring out how to make a good living doing something I love. What I didn’t anticipate was how much internal work it would take.
From imposter syndrome and money mindset issues to self-confidence, navigating difficult conversations, time management, and setting healthy boundaries, owning a business has challenged me in ways I never imagined.
It’s required me to examine my beliefs, confront my limitations, and continually grow as an individual. While that process hasn’t always been comfortable, it has been incredibly rewarding. This business has helped me grow exponentially as a person. That personal growth has been just as meaningful to me as anything I’ve accomplished professionally.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the owner and principal designer of Susan Rains Design, a residential interior design firm serving the Philadelphia and Main Line area. I specialize in creating thoughtful, intentional interiors that support the lives and wellbeing of the people who inhabit them.
My approach to design is holistic. I believe our homes profoundly influence how we feel, how we function, and how we experience our daily lives. Beautiful spaces are important, of course, but beauty alone isn’t enough. I’m interested in how a home can nurture, restore, inspire, and support us through the different stages of our lives.
I often say, “I don’t have a signature style. I have a signature approach.” Rather than imposing a particular aesthetic, I take the time to understand my clients, their lifestyles, preferences, and how they want their homes to feel. I help them discover and clarify their vision, then guide them through creating a home that feels cohesive, personal, and uniquely theirs.
My clients often tell me they appreciate my creativity, patience, organization, and ability to really listen. One of my strengths is understanding not only what someone is telling me, but also what they may not yet have the words to express. I love those moments of surprise and delight when I present an idea that opens their eyes to possibilities they hadn’t imagined and makes them even more excited about the space we’re creating together.
I love incorporating natural materials, textures, meaningful objects, and a thoughtful mix of new and vintage furnishings. I’m especially interested in the relationship between our built environments and the natural world, and how those connections can contribute to our overall sense of wellbeing.
What I’m most proud of is helping people see possibilities they hadn’t imagined and creating spaces that exceed their expectations. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’ve helped shape how someone experiences their home every day.
Ultimately, I feel very fortunate that my work allows me to bring more beauty into the world. Through thoughtful design, that beauty nurtures the people who live with it. It’s a way of sharing my love of art and design, creating something that continues to give long after my work is done. That brings me a tremendous amount of joy and fulfillment.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can work with me in several ways, depending on your project’s scope and the level of support you need.
I offer full-service residential interior design for clients who want a comprehensive, thoughtfully developed design experience. I also offer Designer by Your Side, an hourly service for those who need professional guidance with specific design decisions.
I enjoy collaborating with architects, contractors, kitchen and bath professionals, and other specialists to create cohesive, well-considered spaces. I believe the best results come from bringing together different areas of expertise and working toward a shared goal.
I’m also particularly interested in connecting with professionals in the health and wellness fields. I believe there’s a wonderful opportunity to bring our areas of expertise together to help people better understand how their environments affect their overall wellbeing. I welcome opportunities to collaborate on educational workshops, community events, and other initiatives that encourage more intentional, health supportive ways of living.
If you’re considering a design project, visit my website, www.susanrainsdesign.com, to learn more about my services and schedule a complimentary discovery call. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other, talk about your goals, and explore how we might work together.
And of course, following my work on social media, sharing it with friends, or referring someone who might benefit from my services is always deeply appreciated. As a small business owner, those connections and recommendations mean a great deal to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.susanrainsdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanrainsdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainsdesign1/
