Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Malek Barney.
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before launching BANDD/DESIGN in 2017, I spent the first chapter of my career in the entertainment and sports industries, working with organizations like SXSW, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. While I loved the fast-paced, creative environment, I always knew I wanted to build something of my own. Design had been a lifelong passion, so I went back to school to study interior design and eventually took the leap to start BANDD/DESIGN.
Since then, we’ve grown into a full-service interior design firm with offices in Austin and Los Angeles, completing projects across the country. Along the way, I also launched BANDD/DEVELOPMENT to pursue residential development and renovation projects, and most recently founded The Designer Alliance, a community built to support and connect fellow design professionals. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the business evolve while staying true to the same mission we started with: creating thoughtful, timeless spaces that feel deeply personal to the people who live in them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most entrepreneurs, I’d be lying if I said it was a smooth road. Building a business from the ground up comes with plenty of uncertainty, and there were moments where I had to trust my instincts before I had all the answers.
One of the biggest lessons has been learning that great design is only one part of running a successful firm. You also have to build systems, lead a team, manage client expectations, and continually adapt as your business grows. Every challenge has ultimately made us stronger and has helped shape the company we’ve become today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about BANDD/DESIGN?
BANDD/DESIGN is a full-service interior design studio specializing in luxury residential interiors, renovations, and new construction. We believe beautiful spaces should also be highly functional and deeply reflective of the people who live in them.
I think what sets us apart is our balance of creativity and organization. My background in entertainment and business taught me how to manage complex projects while never losing sight of the client experience. Our team is known for being collaborative, communicative, and incredibly detail-oriented from concept through installation.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve built a reputation for approachable luxury. Our work is elevated and sophisticated, but never feels overly precious or intimidating. We design homes that are meant to be lived in—spaces that are beautiful, personal, and stand the test of time. As we’ve grown, maintaining that level of service and authenticity has remained our biggest priority
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bandddesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhebandd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhebandd/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bandd-design-pfvwus-pf~722257978?
