All photos by Stephanie Tassone.
As the new year begins, we reflect on the growth we’ve experienced as individuals, as a team, and as a company. Each year, we are reborn into new versions of ourselves, shaped by what we’ve learned and where we’re headed. With every new season comes an opportunity to pause, take stock, and reintroduce ourselves to the world.
At Piece by Peace Designs, we believe a home is built with care through trust, intention, and a deep understanding of the people who live there. While our work is often experienced visually, what truly shapes each project is the philosophy and the people behind it.
This conversation offers a closer look at the team behind Piece by Peace Designs — how we began, what guides our decisions, and the moments, both big and small, that continue to shape our approach to design. Rather than focusing solely on finished spaces, we highlight the values, relationships, and philosophies that define how we work and what we care about most.
We are honored to sit down together and ask the questions we’re most often asked, and a few you might not expect. We’ll start with Shanti Rose (S), the Owner and Principal Designer of Piece by Peace Designs.
Q: What inspired the beginnings of Piece by Peace Designs?
S: I believe that everybody’s spaces should support them- It makes them more productive, and it makes them happier. Happy people make a happy world, and I want to change the world one happy person at a time.
Q: The name Piece by Peace looks and feels so intentional. What does it mean?
S: The name actually has a special meaning behind it! As a designer, I am creating overall spaces but I am also creating it “piece by piece”. “Shanti” in Sanskrit actually means, “peace”. So, there you have it- Piece by Peace Designs.
Q: Looking back, what did your earliest projects or experiences in the industry teach you about the kind of design firm you wanted to build?
S: I worked at a firm where collaboration and open communication between the team were encouraged. We had weekly team meetings with lunch and it felt like a family. I wanted to build that into my own firm.
And build she did. What began as a vision has grown into a studio supported by a small but mighty team. Today, Rose leads Piece by Peace Designs alongside Nuri Baylerian (N), Director of Operations, and Rhys Brandt (R), Junior Designer — each bringing their own strengths, perspectives, and energy to the work.
Q: How would you describe the culture of the Piece by Peace Designs team?
N: Honestly, our culture is all about collaboration and trust. We’re a small team, but we support each other, celebrate wins together, learn and support each other through our mistakes, and aren’t afraid to be a little curious and playful along the way. We care about the details and the process, yes, but we also deeply care about each other.
Q: What does each team member bring to the firm that goes beyond their job title?
S: I bring openness, empathy, and curiosity to everything we do. My peaceful and caring nature helps the team feel supported, while my sense of humor keeps things light and playful. Together, these qualities foster trust and create meaningful experiences.
N: Because of my background in the arts- dance and digital design to be specific, as well as being brought up by two teachers, I have a unique ability to bridge the creative with the structured, which promotes a smooth process for designers and clients.
R: Being recently post-grad, I bring new energy and insight to the team, along with a willingness to ask questions, explore possibilities, and approach design with an open, contemporary lens.
Q: How does collaboration show up in your creative process?
N: Shanti really lets her designers shine and take the reins on projects, letting them learn by doing, and guiding them in ways that uplift their creativity, not stifle it. She is a great leader in that way. As for me, since I don’t have a background in design, I have more of a “client perspective” as we like to call it. Both Rhys and Shanti will utilize my perspective to gain insight into how the client might perceive a design. I truly believe it makes every person on the team feel important, not just a cog in the machine.
Q: What’s something about your team dynamic that clients might not see but definitely feel?
N: I think what clients might not see is how much care, thought, and communication happen behind the scenes. We have a really collaborative and supportive dynamic. We check in with each other constantly, problem-solve together, and celebrate the little wins along the way. Even though it’s behind the scenes, I think clients feel that energy in the way we anticipate their needs, stay organized, and create a smooth, joyful experience from start to finish.
Q: What’s a small thing you do together that says a lot about your team?
N: Every quarter, we do a team outing, something to keep us inspired! In the last quarter of 2025, Shanti and I attended the Phoenix Home and Garden Home Tour. No matter what we end up doing, it’s always a fun bonding experience, and re-fuels our creativity!
Q: What’s one behind-the-scenes moment that makes you feel proud of the firm or team?
S: I have to list two, the first being onboarding Rhys! She’s been such a wonderful addition to the team. I’m also proud of how our internal processes continue to evolve, always to create the best possible client experience. Collaborating with Nuri on refining those processes is such a rewarding part of what we do behind the scenes.
N: I can’t help but think of our Luxury Industry Mixer events Shanti and I host with one of our GC partners, MGD Builders. It has grown into exactly what we hoped it would be, and we have nurtured a lot of new partnerships and opportunities because of it. It feels so good to give back to our community within the industry, and I’m proud that it will be continuing in 2026.
The team is the heart of the studio, but it’s their philosophy and approach to design that gives each home its soul. Here’s how they think about spaces, people, and purpose.
Q: What core values guide every decision you make as a studio?
S: Our values really come down to trust, intention, and connection. I believe everyone’s space can be a serene sanctuary, and that interior design can not only create beauty, but also support the functionality and well-being of a space for someone. We listen carefully to our clients so we can understand what really matters to them, so we can elevate their dreams and vision. Collaboration and integrity guide how we work as a team, and we try to keep creativity, curiosity, and a little playfulness at the center of everything we do within our process. At the end of the day, it’s about creating spaces and experiences that feel personal, lasting, and full of life.
Q: How do those values translate into the way you design homes — not just how they look, but how they function?
S: Those values are at the heart of everything we do when designing a home. We take the time to truly listen to our clients, understand their routines, needs, and dreams, and then translate that into spaces that work for how they actually live. Intention guides every choice, from the flow of a floorplan to the placement of lighting, to ensure that a home isn’t just beautiful, but functional and supportive of wellbeing. Collaboration and creativity come into play as we explore solutions that feel thoughtful, personalized, and unexpected — while still honoring and elevating the client’s vision.
Q: How do you strike the right balance between guiding clients and letting their personalities and habits shine through in their home?
S: Everyone’s home is ultimately a reflection of who they are, and that naturally comes through. As a designer, I see myself as the conduit for that reflection — guiding clients, offering education, and introducing ideas they might not have considered on their own. It’s about helping them make choices that feel authentic while ensuring the space functions beautifully for their lives.
R: I always listen first. My role is to translate how clients live into thoughtful design, and then editing, refining, and elevating without erasing what makes the space feel like their own.
Philosophy and values are only meaningful when they come to life in the homes and lives of the people they serve. At Piece by Peace Designs, every design decision is guided by a desire to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and functional for each client.
Q: What makes a client relationship truly successful in your eyes?
S: To me, a successful client relationship is all about trust, clear communication, and having fun along the way. When clients feel confident sharing their vision and we can guide them thoughtfully, the process becomes collaborative, enjoyable, and meaningful.
N: For me, it’s when clients feel like they can be themselves, share their dreams, and even their uncertainties, without judgment. When they trust us to guide them while still honoring their vision, and when our partners and craftspeople are fully aligned in bringing that vision to life- that’s when the process feels really meaningful, and the result truly feels like home.
Q: What kind of trust does a client have to have to have the best experience and outcome possible?
S: I love this analogy from my designer friend, Kate Longley of Kate Longley Designs: Designers are like travel agents. When you hire a travel agent, you pay for their expertise upfront, and later, all the flights and excursions once the plan is approved. Yes, you could probably find a cheaper deal on Hotels.com. But then you’d miss out on knowing which safari to choose, which neighborhoods are safe, or what vaccinations you need to stay healthy. It’s the same with designing a home. From selecting materials and fixtures to choosing furniture. Clients who trust us fully to guide these decisions and let us handle everything white-glove style are the ones who see the most successful, seamless projects come to life.
Q: Can you share a moment when you knew a project had genuinely changed how a client lived in their home?
S: Honestly, I think every project we do changes how a client lives in some way. It might be the joy and satisfaction they feel seeing their space come together aesthetically, a functional change that makes daily life easier, or often both. That’s really the heart of interior design — creating spaces that improve lives and make everyday moments feel better, more comfortable, and more joyful.
Q: What’s one misconception clients often have before working with a designer, and how do you help shift it?
N: I feel like most people assume that they get no say in the design process, that you hire us and we will do whatever we see fit with your space. But that isn’t further than the truth for us. We don’t just design in one certain design style. We cater to each one of our clients. It isn’t about us- we aren’t the ones living in their space or working in their space. So, we steer them in a direction that makes their space timeless, beautiful, and functional for the way that they specifically live.
Collaborating with clients is where the magic happens, but it’s the team’s own tastes and instincts that give each project its character. What they love, what inspires them, and how they see the world all leave a subtle but unmistakable mark on every home.
Q: What details instantly make a space feel finished to you?
S: Strategically placed art, meaningful accessories, and layered lighting.
R: The cozy layers are what bring a space to life for me- throws, pillows, towels, and warm lighting. These finishing touches add softness, warmth, and a lived-in feeling that makes a home feel complete and truly inviting.
Q: What colors, materials, patterns, or design styles are you currently drawn to?
S: I’m currently loving mixing elements of mid-century modern design with natural, organic, desert colors.
R: Warm neutrals, earthy tones, natural stone, plaster finishes, subtle patterns, and anything that feels timeless and classic, but at the same time, lived-in.
Q: What’s a small or underrated aspect of interior design that makes a bigger impact than people realize?
S: Lighting! It has the power to change the whole mood of a room, but people often underestimate it or don’t let it make a statement.
R: Negative space! Allowing room for the eye to rest makes every piece feel more intentional and elevated, and keeps a space from feeling overdone.
Q: What’s one design trend you love but think people misinterpret or overuse?
S: I love wood slat walls, but I think they’re often overused in that they are applied as a straightforward accent without much thought to proportion, texture, or how they can be layered with other materials. Done thoughtfully, though, they can feel modern, dynamic, and completely elevate a space.
R: I love mixing metals. It adds character, but a lot of times, people overthink it. When it’s done casually, it makes a space feel more interesting and lived-in.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you do that inspires or recharges you?
S: I find serenity and joy in spending time with family and friends, shopping, attending concerts, and painting.
N: Dancing! It has been my outlet since I started at the age of two. I am also an avid reader- I bring a book everywhere I go just in case I get a minute of free time. Most importantly, though, spending any amount of time with my fiancée is always inspiring and recharging.
R: I also enjoy spending time with my fiancé, family, friends, and my two puppies. I love to shop, travel, try new foods, and stay active through pilates. No matter where I am, I am always inspired by the world around me!
How the team sees and interprets the world shapes every space they create. Looking ahead, those same perspectives fuel their ambition and curiosity, inspiring the projects, collaborations, and homes they’re excited to bring to life next.
Q: How has Piece by Peace Designs evolved since the early days?
S: What started with just me working from my living room, laptop on the sofa, has grown into a team of three in an office space. Over the years, the scale of our projects has expanded, and the partnerships we’ve cultivated have allowed us to grow into the luxury market, which is now our focus.
Q: What kinds of projects are you working on right now and hope to work on this year?
N: Right now, we’re working on a mix of kitchen, bath, and full-home remodels, along with a few smaller furnishings projects. This year, we’re hoping to take on more full-home remodels and new builds, ideally projects where we can help furnish the entire home as well. While we’re currently working throughout the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale area, we’d love to focus more on the North Scottsdale neighborhoods.
Q: How do you hope clients feel at the end of the design process — emotionally, not just visually?
S: I want our clients to feel a sense of calm, joy, and belonging every time they walk into their home, confident that it truly reflects who they are and how they live. Ideally, they experience a balance of excitement and serenity, as if their space finally “makes sense” both practically and emotionally. My hope is that their home supports a life that unfolds naturally, with every detail thoughtfully designed to enhance their daily rhythm and help them thrive.
Q: What do you feel is missing in the design world, and how does Piece by Peace Designs fill that gap?
S: I’ve noticed that structure, organization, and detailed documentation are often missing in the design world. Many creative professionals have incredible ideas, but don’t always have a streamlined process to bring them to life efficiently. At Piece by Peace Designs, we’ve built a thoughtful, organized approach with clear, detailed drawings and documentation. Our builders and partners frequently compliment us on how seamless and well-prepared our projects are, and that structure allows us to execute designs beautifully while keeping the entire process smooth for our clients.
Q: What legacy do you hope Piece by Peace Designs leaves behind?
S: I hope our legacy is one of positively impacting lives through the spaces we create. Ultimately, I want our work to show that thoughtful design can truly transform how people live, feel, and connect with their homes.
At Piece by Peace Designs, every home is more than a collection of rooms or finishes — it is a reflection of the people who inhabit it, thoughtfully shaped by a team who cares deeply about design, experience, and connection. As they continue to grow, evolve, and take on new projects, their commitment to creating spaces that feel personal, purposeful, and enduring remains unchanged. In every season and every home, Piece by Peace Designs is building not just interiors, but lasting relationships and meaningful experiences.
BONUS: Even the most thoughtful designers have quirks, favorites, and little habits that make them who they are. Here’s a peek at some unexpected, non-design-related facts about the team behind Piece by Peace Designs.
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one non-technology item, what would it be?
S: My mattress! Or a good book.
N: If I said my fiancée, Kait, would that count? If it had to be an inanimate object, I’d say my plush baby doll I’ve had since I was born.
R: Probably a notebook, something to jot down thoughts, sketch, or just keep myself busy. It’d be my little creative outlet while stuck there.
Q: What’s a guilty pleasure tv show or movie you watch over and over and secretly love?
S: Dirty Dancing.
N: Ghost Adventures!
R: I love rewatching animated movies from my childhood. They’re nostalgic and always make me smile!
Q: What indulgence do you secretly always say yes to?
S: Dessert!
N: Same! Doesn’t matter what it is, I’m saying yes!
R: Like Nuri and Shanti, I am almost always saying yes to a sweet treat!
Q: What is a hobby, collection, or fascination you have that people would never guess?
S: I love elephants! I have books about them, as well as art and figurines of them.
N: Activities that I can lounge around doing while keeping my hands busy are my favorite! Jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, and legos are my go-tos.
R: I love to take pictures of my friends, family, and literally whatever I am doing at the moment. I really enjoy capturing experiences in a beautiful way.
Q: If you could instantly master one random skill, what would it be?
S: Working with both hands simultaneously. That would be incredibly convenient.
N: To play the drums! Or to speak French fluently!
R: I would love to instantly master playing a musical instrument because it feels like the perfect way to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with people. It would be amazing to translate thoughts and feelings into sound.
Q: If you could choose one fictional creature to be real, what would it be?
S: A unicorn!
N: Mermaids? Fairies? Dragons? Wizards? It’s so hard to choose just one when fantasy is my favorite book genre!
R: I would choose a phoenix because it represents growth, renewal and resilience. I love the idea of a creature that can rise from its own ashes reminding you that every ending can be a new beginning and that transformation is always possible.
Q: What is a superstition or ritual you actually follow?
S: I never set my purse on the floor. No way will I risk financial loss or bad luck with money!
N: Every year on my birthday I set my alarm at 4:37am so I can be awake at the moment I was born.
R: This is a classic, but I always knock on wood so that I don’t jinx anything.
Q: If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
S: Three Little Birds by Bob Marley & The Wailers.
N: It has to be a Miley Cyrus song! Reflecting on all the changes and growth I’ve experienced this past year, and looking ahead to the future I’m building, Used to Be Young feels like the perfect anthem, a reminder of how far I’ve come and the new chapters still to unfold.
R: This is hard! I would have to say anything by Noah Kahan. He has a song for every mood and occasion, and I am always putting him on!
Q: What’s a childhood dream you secretly still wish could come true?
S: To twitch my nose and create magic like in Bewitched!
N: To own a farm or animal sanctuary.
R: To have my own HGTV or Food Network TV show! Or maybe a combination of baking and design!
Q: If your personality were a scent, what would it be?
S: Lavender and Vanilla.
N: Mine would be a mix of something musky- like sandalwood, to represent my groundedness and warmth- and something fresh- like eucalyptus, to represent my strength, leadership, and adaptability.
R: My personality would be sweet and fun like vanilla with a hint of bubblegum- warm approachable, and a little playful.
