IDS Member Spotlight: Alexandra Nuttall of Maison by Alexandra Design + Build

Some career paths are carefully planned, while others lead you exactly where you were always meant to be. For Alexandra Nuttall, a successful career in law eventually gave way to a lifelong passion for interior design. Today, through MAISON by Alexandra, she creates timeless, deeply personal homes inspired by her Romanian roots, a family legacy of craftsmanship, and a belief that great design should stand the test of time. We caught up with Alexandra to talk about her unconventional journey, her design philosophy, and the spaces that continue to inspire her.

Q: What inspired you to make the transition from practicing law to pursuing a career in interior design?

A: Although I earned my law degree, design was always where my heart was. Growing up in Romania, I was fascinated by architecture, historic buildings, and beautifully crafted interiors. I realized early on that the spaces we live in have the power to shape how we feel and how we experience everyday life.

Law taught me discipline, attention to detail, and how to solve complex problems—skills that continue to serve me well as a designer. But interior design allows me to combine creativity with technical knowledge while building meaningful relationships with my clients. Looking back, making that transition was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Q: How has your family's artistic and construction background shaped your design perspective?

A: Design was always part of my life, even if I didn't realize it at the time. My father owned a construction company and spent countless hours drafting plans, so I grew up watching ideas become reality. My mother is an attorney, which taught me professionalism and discipline, while my uncle is a mural artist who painted some of the beautiful monasteries throughout Northern Romania. Creativity and craftsmanship surrounded me from an early age.

When I went to university, pursuing design wasn't considered the career path it is today, so I chose law. Looking back, though, every influence around me pointed toward design.

That background is one of the reasons MAISON by Alexandra embraces both design and construction. I don't just think about how a space will look—I think about how it functions, how it will be built, and how it will serve a family for years to come.

Q: Describe your signature style in three words.

Timeless. Comfortable. Personal.

To me, luxury isn't about excess—it's about creating homes that feel collected, authentic, and deeply personal to the people who live in them.

Q: Which design trends are you loving and which ones are you ready to see go?

A: I've never been a trend-driven designer. Trends come and go, but a thoughtfully designed home should still feel beautiful twenty years from now.

I'm encouraged to see homeowners embracing craftsmanship, antiques, collected interiors, and natural materials because those elements have lasting value. I'm ready to move away from disposable design and homes created simply because they're fashionable on social media.

Ultimately, every project begins with the client. My role isn't to design for myself—it's to create a home that reflects their lifestyle and vision. If they love a contemporary trend, we'll incorporate it thoughtfully in a way that feels timeless rather than temporary.

Q: What accomplishment in your design career are you most proud of?

A: I'm most proud of building MAISON by Alexandra from the ground up and earning the trust of my clients. Designing the spaces where families gather every day—their kitchens, living rooms, and homes where memories are made—is a responsibility I never take for granted.

Expanding into Kansas City has been another milestone I'm incredibly proud of. Growing into a second market while maintaining the same level of service, craftsmanship, and personal attention has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Q: How do you stay creatively inspired throughout the year?

A: Travel is my greatest source of inspiration. I love exploring historic cities, boutique hotels, museums, artisan workshops, and local architecture because they remind me that timeless design exists in every culture.