When you search for the Best interior designers nyc you’re looking for someone who not only understands aesthetics and function, but who also brings originality, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place. In that landscape, Aubrey O’Brien emerges as a compelling choice: an award-winning designer and artist whose New York City–based practice blends bespoke design, artful thinking, and deep craft heritage.
A distinctive profile
Aubrey’s bio explains how she brings a unique mix of experience and training to her NYC interior design practice: “Aubrey O’Brien is an award-winning interior designer and international artist whose work philosophy is relentlessly optimistic, undaunted by ambiguity, and infused with passion, purpose, and a commitment to quality materials and construction.”
What does this translate to in practice? A few aspects to highlight:
Craft and hands-on experience: Aubrey apprenticed with an Italian woodworker and also took up welding, gaining firsthand experience in materiality and fabrication.
Roots in design and construction: Having grown up with parents in interior design and custom construction, she was reading floor plans and visiting job sites very early.
Strong formal education: She graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design as the Presidential Scholar in Interior Design and earned LEED accreditation.
Big-scale early work: Before launching her own firm, she designed resort interiors for the Walt Disney Company under legendary Imagineer Wing T. Chao, and also worked on large residential and hospitality projects in NYC.
Deeply personal design philosophy: “To Aubrey, every space is an intimate reflection of the client who inhabits the space, as seen through her unique point of view. There’s no copy and paste.”
Taken together, these make her a strong candidate among the “best interior designers NYC”-type professionals.
What makes her approach unique
Let’s dig into the characteristic elements of Aubrey’s design approach — why you might choose her over other interior designers in New York.
Bespoke, not cookie-cutter
Many interior design firms deliver “turnkey” looks that may feel polished but lack soul. Aubrey emphasises that her studio excels in “sourcing and styling unique selections, designing custom furniture, and bespoke design.”
For clients who want something singular — not just “what everyone else has” — that’s a key advantage.
Material & construction integrity
Her early trade-experience (woodworking, welding) is more than a badge: it underpins her sensitivity to how materials perform, how details are built, and the long-term quality of environments. She explicitly says she values “quality materials and construction.”
In NYC especially — where high-rise constraints, tight budgets, and dense urban contexts often force compromises — choosing an interior designer who cares about build-quality and craftsmanship matters.
A narrative & emotional dimension
Rather than purely décor, her philosophy suggests that spaces “tell stories” and reflect inhabitant identity: “Every space is an intimate reflection of the client who inhabits the space.”
For busy New Yorkers, this means working with someone who listens to how you live, what you value, and translates that into the built environment. That elevates the project beyond “nice finishings” into “personal space”.
Sustainability & consciousness
Her LEED accreditation means she has a grounding in sustainable design practices. While the website doesn’t deeply detail green certifications for all projects, the background matters in a city where regulatory, environmental and occupant-health concerns are increasing.
Why select “Best Interior Designers NYC” and what to look for
If you’re looking for the best interior designers in NYC for your project, here are criteria you should keep in mind — and how Aubrey O’Brien’s practice aligns with them.
Portfolio depth & relevance
A top interior designer must handle the typology you require (e.g., high-rise condo, townhouse, loft, hospitality). The more relevant their past work, the more comfortable you’ll be. Aubrey has worked in high-stakes residential and hospitality contexts in New York.Craftsmanship & build-affinity
Urban projects often face constraints: structural, mechanical, budget. A designer who understands construction nuances helps avoid issues. Aubrey’s background via apprenticeship and metalwork gives her insight into those technical layers.Customization & originality
Especially in a city where spaces can feel homogeneous, a designer who can deliver custom furniture, tailored finishes and unique sourcing adds value. Aubrey emphasises custom furniture design.Clarity in process & client-centric approach
You’ll want a designer who hears your story, clarifies scope & budget, and collaborates effectively. Aubrey presents a design philosophy that centres the client’s identity.Sustainability & long-term value
With rising real-estate values, NYC interiors should stand the test of time. A designer with sustainable credentials, quality material sourcing and durable execution helps protect investment. Aubrey’s LEED accreditation and construction-mindset support this.Local knowledge & network
In NYC, zoning, building codes, vendor access, and logistic challenges matter. A local firm with strong ties can streamline the process. While Aubrey’s website emphasises her NYC presence, you may want to verify specific project addresses and vendor connections in your borough.
How working with Aubrey O’Brien might look
Let’s walk through what engaging her studio might feel like — from first contact to finished space.
Initial discovery & brief: You meet with her team: talk about how you live (family, pets, hobbies), your aesthetic preferences, your functional needs, your location in NYC (e.g., Manhattan condo, Brooklyn townhouse).
Research & concept development: Given her artist background and material craft experience, she likely creates mood boards, sketches and custom furniture ideas. The process will emphasise bespoke sourcing rather than off-the-shelf.
Material selection & documentation: Because of her hands-on knowledge of woodworking/metalwork, you’ll benefit from detailed selection of surfaces, finishes, fixtures – not just “pretty” but built to detail.
Construction & installation oversight: The firm coordinates with contractors, vendors and installers. Her firm’s craft-leaning background suggests an emphasis on execution quality and finish.
Styling and punch list: Once construction is complete, the studio styles the space — furniture, art, lighting — to align with your narrative. Given her artist role, this step is likely treated with care.
Post-occupancy collaboration: A top firm will follow up to ensure you’re living well in the space, address minor issues, and make adjustment suggestions for comfort and longevity.
Why this matters in NYC
New York City interior design presents unique challenges:
Small footprints, complex structures: Many NYC homes are compact, with odd layouts or historic constraints. A designer accustomed to navigating tricky job sites (as Aubrey was from childhood) can be especially useful.
High expectations + high cost environments: With high property values, clients expect elevated results. Craft, custom furniture, and unique finishes set a space apart.
Logistics and regulation: In Manhattan or Brooklyn, deliveries, trades, permits and building rules all carry complexity. A designer familiar with these logistics saves time and budget.
Trend-pressure + investment mindset: The “look” matters not just for you but for resale/impression in elite markets. A timeless, well-crafted design will perform better long-term. Aubrey’s focus on materials and narrative supports this.
Lifestyle demands: Many NYC residents juggle careers, families and travel. A designer who listens and tailors to lifestyle (not just aesthetics) is critical.
What to ask when evaluating “best interior designers NYC”
If you’re interviewing potential firms, consider asking:
Can you show a portfolio of NYC projects (especially similar building type / budget / scope to mine)?
What is your process for client discovery and briefing? How much input do I get?
How do you handle custom furniture and sourcing unique pieces?
How do you manage construction and oversight in NYC (contractors, building rules, logistics)?
How do you ensure durability and long-term value in materials and finishes?
How does sustainability factor into your design decisions?
Can you provide references or walk-throughs of previous projects?
What is your project timeline, fee structure and how are changes managed?
Given what we know of Aubrey O’Brien’s studio, she seems well positioned to deliver on many of those fronts: from bespoke custom sourcing, craft sensibility, NYC experience, to a strong client-centric narrative
If you’re looking for one of the Best interior designers nyc particularly someone who brings an artisan-informed sensibility, bespoke furniture, and a deeply personal design narrative, then Aubrey O’Brien is a standout. Her combination of craft training, high-level project experience, and client-first philosophy positions her not just as a designer of pretty rooms, but as a creator of meaningful, enduring spaces.
