Ruby Karas had planned to study psychology and pursue a career that leaned into her relationship-driven and interpersonal nature.

But a three-day workshop spent designing a room for counseling sessions opened her eyes to the opportunity to use interior design to achieve the goal of helping others thrive.

Always artistic and creative, Ruby’s discovery of interior design as a way to bring her relationship skills into architecture was a breakthrough that led to internships in commercial interior design and study abroad work at a London architectural firm. She learned to connect design to nature and movement and consider the balance in creating spaces that are functional for all different personalities and preferences.

Ruby is known among her family and friends as someone who thinks of others first, and that shows up in her design. Through her love for people and desire to bring joy to other’s lives she works closely with the client and team to understand the needs and opportunities – and to develop solutions that work for everyone. An interior designer has to consider the many different types of people using a space and how it can be functional for each need or preference – for example ensuring both quieter individuals and those more boisterous can comingle in public spaces. It’s a challenge that drives her.

Ruby knows interior design can seem secondary to a project, but the technical work required to work with the teams and the clients to bring a vision to life is key. It’s about how a space looks but also how it feels, functions and fits.

Her personal life leans just as hard into her outgoing and social nature, revolving around family and friends as she puts “her people” above all else. She enjoys spin classes, cooking, reading, arts and crafts and outdoorsy fun with her black Lab, Jaeger.