Amity Worrel’s love of interior design, furnishings, and art started early in her childhood. Growing up in South Austin, her mother would take her to peruse estate and yard sales on early weekend mornings. From there, her passion for collecting, curating, and design continued to grow. She took her zeal for uncovering unique finds to NYC. Here, she would start her early career at Christie’s auction house, working in the jewelry and silver department. The spark her mother ignited continued to kindle as she delved further into the history of the priceless antiques and furnishings that surrounded her. Amity went on to study interiors at the New York School of Interior Design and Parsons School of Design before taking on a mentorship working under two of the country’s top interior designers, Jeffrey Bilhuber and Tom Scheerer.

“Jeffrey taught me the principles of scale, furniture planning, and the definition of true luxury. Tom taught me how to mix highbrow and lowbrow elements to create tension and contrast in a design, pairing museum-quality antiques with the same care as street finds. Most importantly, I learned not to take any of it too seriously and always add a dash of humor! After all, our homes should be fun, not stuffy.”

While working under the guidance of Bilhuber and Scheerer and alongside the seasoned designers of their high-end NYC interior design firms, Amity designed luxury interiors across the globe for tastemakers, industry leaders, and celebrities. With a fervent initiation into the design world, she assisted on projects for Anna Wintour, Paul Wilmot, Bob Pittman, Peter Jennings, and David Bowie. After gaining indispensable hands-on experience, she decided to launch her own New York firm in 2006.

“No matter who the client is or their taste, I love finding out how folks live and helping them create a space that reflects their needs and personal flair. I pride myself on putting my clients’ goals first, rather than implementing forced ideas based on fleeting trends.”

In 2008, Amity decided to return to her hometown of Austin. Now, she conducts a team of award-winning designers with an unpretentious and warm approach to interiors. Design for better living is central to all of her work. She leads period renovations, seamless home additions, and classic decorating projects for intentional clients who desire professionalism and timeless appeal.

In 2021 Amity Worrel & Co. received the Austin Home & Design award in General Excellence for Interior Design. Amity’s range of distinct interiors, from coastal contemporary to Austin eclectic, is praised for its enduring appeal, transportive atmospheres, and dedication to client needs. Her work has been published in national and local publications, including The Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, Domino, HGTV Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Home Design & Decor, and Austin Home.

AMITY KETT Residential Architecture & Interior Design – Olmos Park, Texas

In 2017, Amity partnered with architect Dianne Kett of DK Studio in a joint venture in San Antonio. Amity Kett Architecture & Interior Design is located in the historic Olmos Park neighborhood. Amity Kett has been distinguished as a “Best of San Antonio” award-winner.

DESIGN ORACLES Podcast – Amity Worrel & architect Dianne Kett co-host a weekly podcast dedicated to educate, pontificate and evangelize about the subject of residential interior design. The podcast is a discussion of all things related to homes, home design, decorating and architecture. It debuted as a “top 50” Apple podcast.

Andrée Chalaron started her journey into the interior design world through the NYC fashion and photography scene. While working as a stylist, producer, and agent for over 15 years, she represented a prominent interior photographer. From there, she cultivated a love of design, coordinating photoshoots for some of the country’s top interior designers. Her experience producing worldwide photoshoots, styling sets with impeccable attention to detail, and maintaining tight timelines gave her the skills necessary to run seamless projects on the Amity Worrel & Co. team. Her passion lies in the thrill of finding unique finds, including period antiques, rich textiles, and exciting wallpapers.

Allison Beyer discovered her love of interior design through the layered materials that convey mood, feel, and quality. She earned her degrees in apparel design and fashion merchandising and continued her studies of historical textiles at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Her enduring relationship with materials and in-depth knowledge of fabrics and product development led her to the interior design world through custom furniture design. Whether it is selecting draperies, upholstery, or custom furnishings, Allison’s skills help the Amity Worrel & Co. team create inviting interiors made for comfortable living. She loves to find project inspiration in books and nature.

Claudia Howard is originally from Mexico. Her drive to study architecture has taken her around the world. After completing her architecture degree in Monterrey, she lived in Vancouver to explore the unique designs of the city. She went on to earn her master’s degree in interior architecture at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She has worked on residential and commercial projects in high-end architecture and interior design firms across the United States before joining the Amity Worrel & Co. team. Her detailed designs and architectural plans are grounded in the belief that good design can improve our energy, productivity, and mood.

Becky Janes has worked in a range of diverse fields, including banking, government, and education. She loves interior design and has served as the administrative support manager for the Amity Worrel & Co. design studio since 2015. Her range of experience, attention to detail, and mastery of logistics allow her to manage our growing team of creatives with efficiency and grace. Outside of her demanding role in the studio, she likes to recharge with a good book and an outdoor run through the beautiful landscapes of Austin.

Growing up in Michigan and then San Antonio, Lauren Elena was surrounded by creatives–artists, musicians, and business owners who inspired her interest in design. She received her BS in Interior Design with a minor in business administration from the McCoy Business School. She has worked in residential, corporate and luxury furniture design, and feels incredibly blessed to work alongside our team of great designers. Travel, arts and crafts, history and being in nature bring her inspiration. Lauren is working toward her NCIDQ and LEED certification.

Mukshuta Kothari developed a deep appreciation for design as a child growing up in India. Her interest in designing beautiful homes grew more in depth, and she received her degree in interior architecture. After working on residential projects in India, she came to the US to pursue her master’s degree in construction management. Understanding the crucial role that design plays in how we experience our lives energizes Mukshuta. She is always enthusiastic to learn. Mukshuta believes that as a designer, we build dreams!

Lynne Perry is Amity Worrel & Company’s wing-woman and resource for communications. She brings a wealth of marketing career experience and creativity to her role as a valuable member of the team. Lynne’s expertise, energy and influence is visible in our website, social media, PR, special events–and even the occasional party where piano music is needed.