Hi, I’m Rebecca Foster, owner and principal designer at Align Interior Design. This year has been nothing short of a whirlwind, from launching Align ID in January to being included in MSN’s Top 11 Must-Know Interior Designers of 2024.
I’ll admit, seeing Align ID recognized alongside other incredible designers was humbling. But more than anything, it was a reminder of how far we’ve come in such a short time.
When I started Align Interior Design, my vision was simple: create a design firm where clients felt informed, confident, and taken care of every step of the way. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or looking for inspiration to tackle a smaller project on your own, my goal is to make the process approachable and, dare I say, enjoyable.
A big part of that mission is sharing knowledge freely, which is why I’m especially proud of our How to Prepare for Your Renovation Checklist: The 6 Steps You Should Take BEFORE Hiring for Your Renovation. It’s helped so many homeowners navigate the chaos of renovations with clarity and confidence—and it’s a big reason why Align has made such an impact in its first year.
The Story Behind Align Interior Design
Growing up on a farm, I learned early on that nothing worth having comes without hard work. But I also learned that every decision matters—especially when it comes to time, money, and relationships.
When I began my career in interior design, I noticed something missing in the typical process. Clients would fall in love with big, beautiful concepts only to have to peel back design details later when the budget came in. I knew there had to be a better way.
That’s why I started Align with one core belief: educate first, create second. This approach allows us to focus on what makes sense for your space, your budget, and your lifestyle before diving into the design process. It might seem a little backward, but it means that when we do start creating, it’s with a clear, achievable plan—and no surprises along the way.
Of course, running a design firm isn’t just about creating pretty spaces. Relationships are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s collaborating with contractors, sourcing materials from trusted suppliers, or sitting down with clients to really understand what they need, I believe the best designs are born from connection.
What Sets Align Interior Design Apart
When MSN included us in their list of Must-Know Interior Designers, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what makes Align stand out. Here’s what I kept coming back to:
Our educate-first approach: Renovations are exciting, but they’re also a big investment. That’s why we always start with the practical questions: What’s the right scope of work? What’s a realistic budget? Once those pieces are in place, we focus on creating a design that feels just right for you.
Our focus on relationships: 99% of our clients come through referrals, and that’s something I’m deeply proud of. Building trust and creating a positive experience is just as important as delivering a stunning result.
Our focus on function and livability: Beautiful homes are great, but they’re even better when they work for your everyday life. From layouts to materials, we prioritize choices that enhance how you live. Because when your space truly supports you, it’s not just a design—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
A Home Renovation Resource Built Just for You
One of the things I’m most proud of this year is the success of our How to Prepare for Your Renovation Checklist: The 6 Steps You Should Take BEFORE Hiring for Your Renovation. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of planning a renovation, this checklist was made for you. I created it to help homeowners like you get organized, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes before you even begin hiring a team.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
How to define your priorities: You’ll identify your top three “must-complete” spaces versus wish-list items, so you can stay focused and make the best use of your budget.
Building a realistic budget: From factoring in professional fees to setting aside a contingency, we break down the costs you need to consider for a stress-free experience.
Choosing the right team: Whether you’re hiring a design-build firm or separate design and construction teams, we guide you through finding professionals you trust.
Deciphering building permits: Learn when you’ll need permits, how to avoid delays, and what questions to ask your contractor.
This checklist is designed to eliminate guesswork during renovations, giving you the tools to plan with clarity and confidence.
And that’s just the beginning. We know full-service design isn’t the right fit for everyone—but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the expertise of a designer who spends her days on renovation sites. That’s why we’re launching affordable digital downloads and courses to help you design like a pro.
These resources will include tools to keep you organized and step-by-step guidance on designing your space, making confident decisions, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re planning a bathroom refresh, a kitchen makeover, or a full renovation, these offerings will empower you to create a home you love—on your terms.
Keep an eye out on the RESOURCES page of our website for new products!
Reflecting on 2024
As I look back on Align Interior Design’s first year, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed with gratitude. From connecting with amazing clients to building strong partnerships with contractors and suppliers, every step has been rewarding in its own way.
And being recognized by MSN as one of the Top 11 Must-Know Interior Designers of 2024? That’s just the cherry on top.
But I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. In 2025, we’ll continue to focus on what we do best: helping homeowners create spaces that feel personal, functional, and beautiful—while making the process as stress-free as possible.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for expert advice or just need a little inspiration to start your next project, I’d love for you to check out our How to Prepare for Your Renovation Checklist. It’s been one of the most impactful tools for our clients, and I’m so proud to share it with you.
Here’s to creating homes that reflect who you are—and making the journey a joy from start to finish.
Learn More
Curious about how we work? Check out Essential Questions To Ask your Interior Designer- Part 1 for a behind-the-scenes look at our process.
