While wondering through furniture stores, reading design magazines and driving around with my mother looking at historical homes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I never considered for one minute becoming an interior designer. All I wanted to do was dance. But looking back now I can see I was formulating a foundation of knowledge and taste. It wasn’t until becoming widowed in 1991 and faced with the opportunity of going back to school that my memory circled back around and I knew I had found a career that would bring me the challenges and rewards I desired.

My careers in the theatre and health care fields developed my creative skills and honed my ability to listen and observe. After design school and a brief stint at Ethan Allen, I opened Adriel Designs in 1998.

In 2001 I passed the NCIDQ exam and became a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). I passed the CCIDC exam and became a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in 2003. I added Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and Certified ReGreen Trained to my credentials in 2014. In 2019 I became a Certified Living In place Specialist (CLIPP). I am a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, (NKBA), National Aging In Place Council (NAIPC), and National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

In addition to running my business I sat on the board of the Interior Design Coalition of California (IDCC) for ten years and served two terms as President of ASID Orange County. I also chaired Dream Home 2012 and Design Expo 2016. I sit on the Council of Past Presidents for the chapter.

I have participated in the Whittier Showcase House, the South Coast Plaza/ASID Design House, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County Design House, and Dream Home 2012. I participated in the re-design of Orange County Ronald McDonald House and as ASID Orange County Community Service Chairman, I guided the remodel of Human Options Women’s Shelter.

I am the first Platinum winner of the ASIDOC Design Impacts Life Award. I also won the National Association of Home Builders Best in American Living Award in the Remodeling, Aging in Place Category, 2018, and in 2021 I was awarded the ASID Gold Award for Design Excellence in Universal Design. In 2023 I was awarded the National Kitchen & Bath Design News, Best Specialty Kitchen and ASID OC Best Large Kitchen.

My work has been published in Taste, Designed in Orange County, Modern Luxury, Luxe, Orange County, Orange County Home Magazine, OCPC Magazine and Riviera Magazine. I have appeared in two episodes of Designer’s Challenge.

My designs reflect a staying power because they are simple, beautiful, and perfectly reflect the needs and personalities of my clients. That’s why I am proud to have celebrated Adriel Designs’ 25 anniversary!

Click the image above to watch Adriel’s interview with Modern Luxury’s Group Publisher Christopher Gianlanella.