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. 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 has led projects of all phases and transformed homes in CA, NC, GA, FL, and across the U.S. She has also 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).
Chic By Design was founded upon years of experience in hospitality, creativity, experiential design, and branding. We’re passionate about the positive impact great spatial and interior design has on the human experience – both physically and emotionally. Serving clients for over a decade, the team’s professionalism and personalization ensure client needs are met beyond what they could have imagined.
Nam is the newest member to join the London team. Already 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.
Mackenzie is an Interior Design Assistant at Chic By Design based in the Winston Salem, North Carolina office. She provides administrative support including meeting preparation, design document updates, project management software, correspondence, and helping source products. She is currently enrolled at Forsyth Technical Community College majoring in Interior Design. Her favorite things include her tiny toy poodle Oscar and sushi. Mackenzie plans to rise through the ranks to become a lead designer at Chic By Design and demonstrates that drive every day.
Sweet Gracie Jo is more than a mascot, she’s our therapy dog. She loves long walks on a leash, photo bombing, and belly rubs. She reminds us every day to stay focused on what matters, most importantly puppy kisses.
“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