Designing the Everyday Beautiful: An Interview with Mallory Bouchard

Thank you so much! I'm Mallory, owner and principal designer of Bouchard Design Collective, an interior design firm based in Salt Lake City that operates nationwide. We specialise in luxury new build residential projects, boutique hospitality, and sports entertainment spaces.

My path to design spawned from a young age playing with my grandfather's blueprints (he was a developer and builder), from that exposure, eventually blossomed a drive by a deep fascination with how spaces can transform human experiences. I've always been drawn to the intersection of functionality and beauty – the way thoughtful design can elevate not just how a space looks, but how it feels and functions for the people who inhabit it.

What truly inspired me to pursue this career was witnessing firsthand how intentional design choices – from the selection of organic materials to the integration of biophilic elements – can create environments that genuinely enhance people's daily lives. Whether it's a family gathering in a thoughtfully designed living space or guests feeling welcomed in a boutique hospitality setting, design has this incredible power to shape moments and memories.

Being recognised in the London Design Awards is incredibly meaningful to me on multiple levels. First and foremost, this represents my first award as an independent business owner with Bouchard Design Collective, which makes it particularly special. While I've been fortunate to receive recognition in the past while working with other firms, this award validates the vision and direction I've taken since establishing my own practice.

The London Design Awards carry significant weight in our industry, and to be acknowledged among such talented designers from around the world is both humbling and energising. It reinforces that the design philosophy we've developed at Bouchard Design Collective – our focus on modern-contemporary aesthetics combined with biophilic elements and organic materials – resonates beyond our immediate market.

This recognition also means validation for the comprehensive approach we take with our clients. Our six-phase design process, from programming through white glove installation, reflects our commitment to excellence at every stage. To have that dedication recognised internationally gives me confidence that we're on the right path.

Perhaps most importantly, this award represents the trust my clients have placed in me and the collaborative relationships we've built. Every project is a partnership, and this recognition reflects not just my work but the shared vision we create together.

It's also incredibly motivating as we continue to grow. This award comes at a time when we're expanding our reach and taking on more ambitious projects, and it serves as a reminder of why we do this work – to create spaces that truly enhance people's lives.

This achievement has had a profound impact on both my confidence as a business owner and the trajectory of Bouchard Design Collective as a firm. As my first international award as an independent designer, it has validated the bold decision I made to establish my own practice and pursue the specific vision I had for luxury residential and hospitality design.

From a business perspective, this recognition has already begun opening doors that were previously harder to access. We're seeing increased interest from high-net-worth clients who are drawn to award-winning design, which aligns perfectly with our goal of working with discerning clients on significant projects.

The credibility that comes with international recognition has been invaluable in conversations with potential clients, particularly those building luxury new homes or developing boutique hospitality spaces.

The award has also elevated our positioning in the sports entertainment sector, an area where we're looking to expand. Having this level of recognition helps establish trust with sports team owners and developers of sports venues, clients who demand the highest calibre of design expertise.

Looking ahead, this recognition is already creating opportunities for speaking engagements and industry collaborations. We're exploring partnerships with other luxury service providers and considering expansion into new markets where our modern-contemporary approach and biophilic design philosophy can make an impact.

Experimentation is absolutely central to my creative process at Bouchard Design Collective. I believe that pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities is what separates truly exceptional design from simply following trends. Every project presents unique challenges that require fresh thinking and creative problem-solving.

My approach to experimentation happens at multiple levels. During our Programming + Schematic Design phase, I encourage clients to explore unconventional spatial relationships and material combinations. I'm constantly researching new sustainable materials, innovative lighting solutions, and emerging biophilic design techniques that can enhance both the aesthetic and wellness aspects of a space.

One example that comes to mind is a recent luxury residential project where we were challenged to create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience in a climate with distinct seasons. Rather than defaulting to traditional solutions, we experimented with a combination of retractable glass walls, heated natural stone flooring that extended from interior to exterior, and a carefully curated selection of plants that could thrive in both environments.

The experimentation extended to our material palette as well. We tested various organic textures and finishes, ultimately incorporating reclaimed wood elements with contemporary metal accents in ways that hadn't been done before. The result was a space that felt both grounded in nature and thoroughly modern.

What I've learned is that successful experimentation requires a solid foundation in design principles combined with the willingness to take calculated risks. During our Design Development phase, we create detailed mockups and test concepts before full implementation, ensuring that innovation serves both beauty and functionality.

This experimental mindset has become a signature of our work and often leads to solutions that exceed our clients' initial vision.

One of the most unusual sources of inspiration I've ever drawn from was actually designing the luxury RV interiors. What struck me wasn't the obvious space constraints, but rather thinking through every square inch of the space, every design, and every functional use possible to come up with some of the ingenious ways every element, whether it be through the materials or the physical design, served multiple purposes while maintaining an incredibly sophisticated aesthetic.

The luxury RV was 100% custom in every way, shape, and form. It featured custom lighting that could transform the mood of the entire space with subtle adjustments, and the wood finishes were selected not just for beauty but for their ability to create warmth and connection to nature in what could have been a sterile environment. The modern elements were integrated so seamlessly that the space felt expansive despite its compact footprint.

The RV taught me that true luxury isn't about excess – it's about thoughtful curation and purposeful design. Every element should earn its place in the space. This philosophy has since become integral to our modern-contemporary approach at Bouchard Design Collective.

What's fascinating is how this unconventional inspiration source led us to develop some of our most innovative design solutions. Sometimes, the most unexpected encounters can fundamentally change how you approach spatial relationships and material selection.

It reinforced my belief that inspiration can come from anywhere if you're open to seeing design possibilities in unexpected places.

I wish more people understood that exceptional design is a deeply collaborative process that requires time, trust, and genuine partnership between designer and client. Too often, people think of interior design as simply selecting beautiful objects or following the latest trends, but the reality is so much more complex and rewarding.

At Bouchard Design Collective, we've developed a comprehensive six-phase process – from Programming + Schematic Design all the way through White Glove Install + Home Reveal – because each stage builds upon the last. The magic happens in those early phases where we're really listening, understanding how you live, what brings you joy, and what challenges you face in your daily life.

What I find most people don't realise that the best design solutions often emerge from constraints, not from unlimited budgets or endless options. When we truly understand a client's lifestyle, their relationship with their space, and their long-term goals, we can create environments that feel effortlessly perfect for them specifically.

The other misconception is that good design happens quickly. Our most successful projects are those where clients embrace the process and trust the journey. When we take time during Design Development to really explore material combinations, test lighting scenarios, and consider how spaces will function throughout different seasons and life stages, the end result is transformative.

The design process is ultimately about creating spaces that enhance lives, not just impress visitors.

Navigating the balance between client expectations and design integrity is one of the most crucial skills in our industry, and it's something I've refined throughout my career, especially since establishing Bouchard Design Collective as an independent practice.

I've found that the key lies in establishing a foundation of trust and education from the very beginning. During our Programming + Schematic Design phase, I spend considerable time not just understanding what clients think they want, but also uncovering why they want it. Often, there's a deeper need or desire beneath their initial requests that can be addressed in ways they hadn't considered.

My approach is to present clients with options that honour their vision while introducing elements that elevate the design beyond their expectations. For example, if a client is set on a particular material that I know won't serve their space well long-term, I'll show them that option alongside alternatives that achieve the same emotional response but with better functionality or sustainability.

What I've learned is that clients don't hire us to simply execute their Pinterest boards – they hire us for our expertise and vision. The magic happens when we can translate their lifestyle and aspirations into design solutions they couldn't have imagined on their own.

I also believe in being transparent about why certain design decisions matter. When I explain how specific material choices will impact their daily experience in the space, clients become partners in the creative process rather than obstacles to it.

The most successful projects are those where clients feel heard and understood, while also being challenged to embrace possibilities they hadn't considered. It's not about compromise – it's about finding solutions that exceed everyone's expectations while maintaining design integrity.

Honestly, this award-winning project presented continuous challenges that required innovative thinking at every turn. What made it exceptional was how each obstacle became an opportunity for our team to collaborate and develop solutions that ultimately elevated the design beyond our original vision.

The project demanded unique approaches to complex technical problems, but these challenges pushed us to create something truly extraordinary. The most significant hurdle was designing the second-level shower system.

With a telescoping ceiling that compressed four feet, we faced a multifaceted challenge: selecting appropriate materials, engineering a watertight expanding and collapsing shower enclosure, and creating a plumbing system that would deliver a true luxury experience.

We could have taken the simpler route with a basic shower wand, but that wouldn't have served our client's vision or our design standards. Instead, we developed an innovative solution that maintained the full luxury shower experience – complete with a rain shower head – while accommodating the unique spatial constraints.

The engineering required to make this work seamlessly was complex, but the result was a shower that feels completely natural and luxurious, despite the technical sophistication happening behind the scenes.

This project perfectly exemplifies our philosophy at Bouchard Design Collective: we don't compromise on the client experience, even when faced with seemingly impossible technical challenges. The most rewarding aspect was seeing how these constraints sparked creativity that led to solutions we never would have discovered otherwise.

Creative blocks are inevitable in our industry, and I've learned that fighting them usually makes things worse. Instead, I've developed strategies that help me step away from the problem and return with a fresh perspective.

My go-to answer is always travelling and immersing myself in other designers' work. Getting inspired through different areas of the world and the emotion it evokes helps to recharge my creative blocks; however, since travelling isn't always as easy a solution, one of my most effective recharge methods is getting outside and moving my body.

Living in Salt Lake City gives me incredible access to nature, and I find that hiking or even just taking long walks with my dogs completely shifts my mental state. I often return from these walks with solutions that seemed impossible at my desk.

I also find inspiration by visiting spaces completely outside my usual realm – art galleries, unique restaurants, even industrial spaces or unconventional architecture. Sometimes the most unexpected environments spark ideas that I can translate into residential or hospitality design. That luxury RV I mentioned earlier is a perfect example of how stepping outside my comfort zone led to breakthrough thinking.

Another strategy is revisiting our comprehensive design process itself. When I'm stuck on a particular element, I'll go back to the Programming phase and re-examine the client's core needs and lifestyle. Often, creative blocks happen because I'm trying to force a solution that doesn't truly serve the space or the people who will live in it.

My personal values are deeply woven into every project we undertake at Bouchard Design Collective, and I believe this authenticity is what creates truly meaningful spaces for our clients.

Sustainability and connection to nature are core to who I am personally, which is why biophilic design isn't just a trend we follow – it's a fundamental belief that humans thrive when surrounded by organic materials and natural elements. Living in Salt Lake City, I'm constantly inspired by the incredible natural landscape around me, and I bring that sense of grounding and connection into every space we design.

Integrity is another value that shapes our work. This award win is particularly meaningful because it represents my commitment to staying true to my vision as an independent business owner. I could have taken easier paths or followed more commercial trends, but I believe in the power of thoughtful, intentional design that serves people's real lives, not just their Instagram feeds.

I also value the importance of process and craftsmanship. Having experienced both sides of the industry – working for others and now running my own firm – I understand how crucial it is to honour every stage of the design journey. Each phase deserves attention and care because the end result affects how people live their daily lives.

My belief in collaboration and genuine partnership with clients comes from my own experience of feeling truly heard and understood. I infuse this into our client relationships because I know how transformative it feels when someone really sees your vision and helps you achieve something beyond what you imagined.

Finally, I bring a sense of optimism and possibility to every project. I genuinely believe that thoughtful design can enhance people's wellbeing and happiness, and that belief energises everything we create.

My biggest piece of advice to aspiring designers is this: develop your own authentic voice and have the courage to pursue it, even when it feels risky.

Early in my career, I learned valuable lessons working with other firms, but the real transformation happened when I made the decision to establish Bouchard Design Collective and commit fully to my own vision. This award win is proof that staying true to your design philosophy – even when it means taking the harder path of independence – can lead to recognition and success that feels genuinely meaningful.

Don't rush the process. Invest time in developing a comprehensive approach to your work. Our design process didn't happen overnight – it evolved through experience, mistakes, and constantly refining what works best for clients. The designers who succeed long-term are those who understand that great design is about so much more than beautiful objects; it's about creating spaces that truly enhance people's lives.

Find your niche and own it completely. For us, it's luxury residential, boutique hospitality, and sports entertainment spaces with a focus on modern-contemporary aesthetics and biophilic design. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, we became experts in what we're passionate about, and clients seek us out specifically for that expertise.

Build genuine relationships, not just networks. The referrals that have grown our business come from clients who felt truly heard and understood throughout our process. Treat every project as a partnership, not just a transaction.

Finally, never stop learning and seeking inspiration from unexpected places. Some of my best design solutions have come from the most unlikely sources. Stay curious, stay open, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate.

Trust your instincts, invest in your craft, and don't be afraid to take the leap into independence when you're ready (and trust me, you might never feel ready, so you might just have to take that leap of faith anyway!)

Oh man, this is a tough question to answer! For the residential world, if I could collaborate with any designer, I would choose Jeremiah Brent. His approach to creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and deeply personal resonates strongly with the philosophy we've developed at Bouchard Design Collective.

What I admire most about Brent's work is his ability to blend modern-traditional aesthetics with warmth and livability – something that's central to our own design approach. He has this incredible talent for incorporating organic materials and natural elements in ways that feel effortless and authentic.

Brent's residential work demonstrates a deep understanding of how families actually live in their spaces, not just how they want them to photograph. This attention to real-life functionality while maintaining luxury and beauty is something I strive for in every Bouchard Design Collective project. His ability to create spaces that evolve with his clients' lives mirrors our comprehensive six-phase process, where we consider long-term livability alongside immediate impact.

I'm particularly drawn to his collaborative approach with clients and his genuine investment in understanding their stories and lifestyles. This philosophy of true partnership, rather than simply executing a designer's vision, has been fundamental to our success and referral-based growth.

What would make our collaboration exciting is that we both believe in the power of thoughtful curation over excess. Brent's work shows that luxury isn't about filling spaces with expensive objects, but about selecting each element with intention and purpose.

Given that this award win represents my first recognition as an independent business owner, I'd be fascinated to learn from his journey of building a respected design practice while maintaining creative authenticity and strong client relationships.

Over on the hospitality side of things, if I could collaborate with any designer, I would choose Kelly Wearstler. Her fearless approach to mixing unexpected elements while maintaining sophisticated luxury perfectly aligns with what I strive to achieve at Bouchard Design Collective, but she takes it to levels that constantly inspire me.

What draws me to Wearstler's work is her mastery of creating spaces that feel both timeless and completely refreshed. She has this incredible ability to incorporate organic materials, bold textures, and biophilic elements in ways that feel effortless and intentional rather than forced. Her understanding of how to balance the maximalist aesthetics (which in and of itself is a tricky thing to do) with natural warmth is something I deeply admire.

I'm particularly fascinated by her approach to hospitality design. Since boutique hospitality is one of our specialisations at Bouchard Design Collective, I would love to learn from her process of creating spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming. Her hotel projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can create emotional connections with guests.

The question I wish people would ask me is: "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond its visual impact?"

This question gets to the heart of what I believe separates truly exceptional design from simply beautiful spaces. At Bouchard Design Collective, success isn't just about creating Instagram-worthy interiors – it's about fundamentally improving how people experience their daily lives.

I measure success through the stories clients share months after we complete their projects. It's the family who tells me their new living space has transformed how they connect with each other, or the hospitality client whose guests consistently comment on how welcoming and relaxed they feel in the environment we created together.

Success is when our biophilic design elements aren't just aesthetically pleasing, but actually improve air quality and create a sense of calm that clients notice in their stress levels and sleep quality. It's when the organic materials we've carefully selected age beautifully and develop character over time, rather than looking dated after a few years.

I also measure success through functionality that stands the test of real life. Our design process is designed to anticipate how spaces will be used, not just today, but as clients' lives evolve. When a family grows, when entertaining needs change, when seasons shift, the spaces we design should adapt gracefully.

Perhaps most importantly, I measure success by whether clients feel the space truly reflects who they are. The best compliment I receive isn't "this is beautiful" – it's "this feels like home" or "this space feels like us."