As a child growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas, founder and principal of Interiors by Design, was mesmerized by elegant beach homes, with their sheer drapes billowing in the wind and lavish terraces meandering toward sandy beaches. “I attribute my passion for interior design to my cultural roots,” she reveals. “My love for color, fabrics, rich woods and all the dimensions of design led me to where I am today.”

Guadeloupe Rojas is recognized as one of the Black Interior Designers Network’s top 20 African American designers and is a founding member of Design Collective DC. A graduate of Bauder College in Miami, she later moved to the Washington area, where she launched her firm in 1993. Today, she and her team of five offer comprehensive interior architecture and design services to new build, residential, commercial, multi-family and developer clients.

Noting that everyone has a different vision of home, Guadeloupe Rojas says she believes her first obligation is to listen to each client and develop a deep understanding of his or her perspective. “The key to my success is collaborative communication, which enables me to translate a client’s ideas into reality and reflect their desires and passions,” she avers.

Interiors by Design is committed to sustainable design, guiding clients to select construction methods, materials and furnishings that minimize environmental impact. “These are ecological choices and decisions that could potentially protect waning resources and reduce future energy consumption,” the designer notes.

Guadeloupe Rojas views her mission as a rewarding one. As she reflects, “Creating beautiful surroundings for my clients brings me immense gratification.”