Since its founding in 1992, Pathways Youth and Family Services has helped more than 11,000 children through foster care and adoption, placing over 4,000 children with forever families. They understand that a supportive, nurturing home environment is key to helping children heal from trauma and build brighter futures.

At the Interior Design Society, we know that great design goes far beyond aesthetics. A well-designed space can shape how people feel, how they heal, and how they thrive. That's exactly why we're proud to support the IDS Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter's participation in The Pathways Project: From Leadership with Love, a meaningful collaboration dedicated to transforming homes for foster families throughout Texas. This initiative is bringing together four past IDS-DFW Chapter presidents, along with industry sponsors and design professionals, all committed to one shared goal: to redesign home environments for foster families with care, intention, and heart. Each past president has been paired with a different home, where they are using their expertise to create spaces that prioritize comfort, connection, and healing.

Meet the Past Presidents and Their Homes

The IDS-DFW past presidents leading this project are no strangers to service. As past presidents, they've dedicated years to strengthening our design community. Now, they're bringing that same energy and passion to families who are doing the important work of fostering children. Here's a closer look at who's involved and the homes they're transforming: 

Michael Bauer & Team

Director of Trade Relations, Feizy Rugs

Michael and his team, Amy Mints, C'Ne Turner, and Ragne Smith, are working with foster parents Eric and Julie, who have two young sons and a nightly tradition: screen-free family time spent together in their guest bedroom. That space is now being transformed into a warm, functional family room designed for board games, reading, and connection. With new window treatments, updated flooring, and thoughtful furnishings, it’s becoming a place where the family can truly relax and bond.

"Eric told me that he has cerebral palsy and clearly struggles with his motor skills, he works from home.  Julie creates and submits quotes for a construction company. It was very clear that the home needs a lot of organization," Michael mentioned. “Every evening, all four go to the guest bedroom and turn off all electronics to have family time. This is the room we’re transforming into a beautiful and practical family room.”

Generous donations from Surya, Feizy Rugs, Linda Baker, Amy Mints, Hubbardton Forge, ProSource Texas/Theresa Harrison, and Canopy Floors are helping bring this vision to life by the end of August.

Lori Withey & Team

Founder & Principal Interior Designer, Bellisa Design

Lori’s team is redesigning a young boy’s bedroom to meet the needs of a mom and her three kids, all under 10. The goal? More sleeping space, better storage, and a dedicated area for creativity and learning. A bold dinosaur mural sets a playful tone, with bunk beds, a study area, and fun décor tying it all together.

Lori shared with us, “With Mom’s enthusiastic approval, we chose a bold and scenic wall mural featuring roaming dinosaurs as the room’s focal point—a design element sure to capture the imagination of all three kids.”

The installation wraps at the end of August, thanks to support from The Closet Design Firm, Elite AV, The Company Store, Mattress Firm, and Surya. And there’s one final surprise still to come!

Linda Baker & Team

President & Founder, Baker Design Group

Linda’s project focuses on a deeply special foster home caring for children in hospice and those with severe disabilities. Her team is giving the entire space a lighter, more dignified atmosphere, starting at the front door and extending through the long hallway into the Family Room. The redesign includes new flooring, furniture, art, and custom pieces, all curated with care and compassion.

“After visiting this precious family, we knew we could dramatically improve their living space, creating a lighter and more inspiring design throughout the home,” Linda mentioned. "Once inside, a complete transformation will unfold, new flooring, fresh furnishings, thoughtfully chosen art, and updated lighting throughout the long hallway and into the Family Room. All existing carpet in the hallway and the Family Room will be replaced. The Family Room itself will be reimagined from top to bottom, with only one piece remaining — their beloved sofa, which the family cherishes."

Thanks to the generous vendors and partners Massoud, Universal, Izuan’s Cabinetry, ProSource, and Covered Creations, this transformation will be complete by the end of August.

Nicole Arnold & Team

President & Founder, Nicole Arnold Interiors

Nicole’s team is transforming a converted garage into a cozy, multi-functional bedroom for a teen entering foster care. Designed to feel like a small studio apartment, the space features a bed, nightstands, custom closet, study zone, and lounge area, complete with horse-themed art inspired by a nearby equine therapy farm.

Nicole shared, “We want this next teen coming into the home to feel like this is a bedroom with all the necessities...so when a teen has one of their friends over, they can feel confident going to their room, hanging out, having their own space..."

Every element was chosen to support independence, privacy, and a sense of identity, turning this space into more than a room, but a refuge.

Community is Everything

At its heart, the Pathways Project: From Leadership with Love is a reflection of everything IDS stands for: community, compassion, and using design to make a difference. These talented leaders have already given so much of their time and energy to our organization and now, they're extending that impact by creating homes that uplift not just spaces, but lives.

This project is a beautiful reminder of why community is so important. Through connection and design, we can help families feel seen, supported, and truly at home.

For updates on the Pathways Project, check out the IDS Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter's Instagram!