Chic By Design was founded upon years of experience in hospitality, creativity, experiential design, and branding. We also know a thing or two about relocating to a new country. As a boutique interior design firm, our clients are busy professionals who entrust us to create a home away from home or start a new journey in a new country or state. Serving clients for over a decade, our process is collaborative and creative yet methodical. We’re here to support you through every detail.
In her own words…
“Client service, project leadership, and established relationships with experts and artisans is our secret sauce. Every project’s success is the result of great collaboration with trusted and respected partners who offer the same level of service and dedication we demand of ourselves.” – Leigh Ann Raines
As Creative Director and President of interior design firm Chic By Design, Leigh Ann Raines brings Fortune 50 savvy to executives, business owners, and professionals juggling a successful career, family and a transcontinental lifestyle. An accomplished former executive for The Walt Disney Company both in the U.S. and abroad, Leigh Ann understands that life’s biggest transitions must be seamless. Clients trust her expertise to deliver creative solutions on their largest investments.
She is among an elite group of innovative interior designers who hail from the world-renowned University of the Arts London. A postgraduate scholarship recipient while attending both Chelsea College of Arts and Camberwell College of Arts, she is mastering her craft and will graduate with an MA Interior & Spatial Design in 2025.
Leigh Ann is sought out for her artistic vision, while also possessing the rare ability to never lose sight of technical details and budget implications.
Leigh Ann has led projects of all phases and transformed homes in CA, NC, GA, FL, and across the U.S. She has received multiple awards including Top 10 Rising Star in North America and Gold Awards for showcase homes in North Carolina. She is a Certified True Colour Expert™ trained in Vancouver by one of the industry’s foremost color experts, Maria Killam. She is also a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS).
While Nam is accomplished with an MA in Marketing, his true calling lay in the realm of art and design. Driven by his desire to create and transform spaces, Nam made a pivotal decision to change his career path and pursued a Graduate Diploma in Interior Design at Chelsea College of Arts, where he graduated with Distinction. The programme allowed him to hone his skills and deepen his understanding of creating inspiring spaces that blend art and functionality. Joining Chic By Design as an interior designer marks the start of a new dynamic career as a creative asset to the team.
Elena works alongside Nam as Interior Designer in our London office. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, she brings a wealth of interior architecture knowledge to the team. Elena also completed the Graduate Diploma Interior Design at Chelsea College of Arts in London. With over 12 years working in the industry, she has led projects including townhomes, bars and restaurants. Elena takes inspiration from historical design precedents to create projects that combine beauty and individuality always with a focus on the needs of the future.
Moeko earned a postgraduate MA, Interior Design from Kingston University in London. Her work focuses on adaptive re-use and creating community spaces at the intersection of inclusivity and sustainability. Drawing inspiration from natural materials and subtle aesthetics, the resulting spaces feel restorative and timeless while also promoting sensory well-being and balance.
Sweet Gracie Jo is more than a mascot, she’s our Senior Therapy Dog in the Human Resources department. She loves long walks on a leash, photo bombing, and belly rubs. She’s passionate about the positive impact great spatial and interior design has on the human experience – both physically and emotionally. Relishing in the pup-friendly nature of London, quite different from where she grew up in Los Angeles, there’s no adventure too daunting for this rescue pup.
“We fell in love with our home again because of Leigh Ann!”
—Betty, Clemmons, NC
“I’ve worked with Leigh Ann on two homes. She listens and brings the expertise and detail I need to get the job done right.”
—Ramin, Bel Air, Los Angeles, California