For Emily Alford, design isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about understanding what makes a space feel like home.

As a Senior Interior Designer at Duet, Emily leads projects from the earliest conversations through to the final layers, translating a client’s personality into details that feel intentional and deeply lived in. Her role bridges creative concepting with functional follow-through—ensuring that every fabric, fixture, and finish not only looks right, but works in the context of daily life.

“I help shape the design from the beginning,” she says, “and make sure everything—from the tile to the window treatments—speaks to the client’s vision
and functions well within the space.”

A Space to Try Things

While many designers love the polish of the final reveal, Emily lights up at the early stages.

“Schematic Design is my favorite,” she says. “It allows you to be experimental. You can try new ideas, push the concept a little farther.
That’s where so much of the creative energy lives.”

It’s a process that invites play—color, layout, materials—
and sets the tone for everything that follows.

Project Spotlight: A Condo That Felt Like Home

Recently, Emily was part of a project that helped a retired couple downsize from a large home in Parker to a modern condo in downtown Denver.

“Transitions like that can be emotional,” she explains. “But I loved how we created a space that felt warm, collected, and comfortable—not cold or impersonal. It helped turn something daunting into something really exciting.”

The project was proof that thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about helping people feel rooted, no matter their square footage.

What You Might Not Guess

Emily’s creative instincts run deep. She’s currently getting back into painting—something she says has been “cross-pollinating” into her design work in the form of bold textures and color exploration.

ALSO WORTH NOTING: she was once a college radio DJ, staying up way too late to keep the playlists going.

AND ON HER DESK? Tepid coffee. Always.

Why Duet Works

“The best part of Duet is the people,” Emily says. “Everyone brings something different. We all have strong backgrounds, and there’s a shared excitement about
doing good work together.”

Emily’s Advice to Clients

“Don’t be afraid to give voice to your wilder tastes,” she says. “We can always advise on how to scale and pair things—but your individuality is what makes a space unforgettable.”