Aubrey O’Brien: Purposeful Design, Personal Spaces

 

Aubrey O’Brien is an award-winning interior designer and international artist known for creating thoughtful, custom environments that tell a story. With a design philosophy rooted in optimism, craftsmanship, and individuality, she leads her namesake studio in producing spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

Every project led by Aubrey O’Brien begins with the belief that design should never be one-size-fits-all. Whether she’s working on a private residence, a branded commercial space, or designing custom furniture, her focus remains the same: to create something deeply personal, unique, and enduring.

An Early Start in Design and Construction

Raised in a family of interior designers and custom builders, Aubrey was introduced to the world of design at a young age. Surrounded by blueprints, building sites, and creative conversations, she developed an intuitive understanding of how spaces are shaped — not just physically, but emotionally.

This foundation sparked her love for craftsmanship. Over time, Aubrey explored hands-on techniques like woodworking and welding, studying under skilled artisans to deepen her relationship with the materials she uses in her work. These early experiences continue to influence her today, as she approaches design with both a conceptual vision and a maker’s sensibility.

A Design Education Grounded in Excellence

Aubrey earned her BFA in Interior Design from the Ringling College of Art and Design, where she was recognized as a Presidential Scholar. Her education emphasized both creative innovation and technical precision, preparing her to work across disciplines and scales.

Early in her career, she contributed to high-impact projects with global reach. At The Walt Disney Company, she helped shape immersive resort environments under the direction of renowned Imagineer Wing T. Chao. This opportunity introduced her to the power of storytelling through design — a principle that continues to guide her work.

A Multifaceted Career Across Industries

Aubrey’s career has taken her through a variety of creative landscapes — from luxury residential interiors and hospitality to fashion and product design. She’s worked with architecture firms in New York, collaborated with fashion brands during runway seasons, and participated in artist residencies in Shanghai and Venice.

In 2015, she established Aubrey O’Brien, Inc., a design studio dedicated to creating timeless, highly customized interiors. Since then, her work has been featured in homes, offices, and public spaces that celebrate individuality and craft. Her clients range from first-time homeowners to entrepreneurs, brand leaders, and creatives looking for something beyond the expected.

Design Services with a Personal Touch

Aubrey’s studio provides a full range of services, including interior design, space planning, custom furniture design, art direction, and styling. Known for her thoughtful approach, she takes time to understand each client’s vision, values, and lifestyle before translating that insight into physical form.

Her projects often include custom-built elements — from shelving and dining tables to feature walls and branded installations. These pieces aren’t just functional; they carry the signature of craftsmanship and personal storytelling that define her work.

Sourcing is another area where Aubrey’s expertise shines. She seeks out unique materials, rare finds, and vintage pieces that add richness, texture, and character to every space. She also makes a point to guide her clients through the process, explaining each selection and design choice so they feel confident, informed, and connected to the outcome.

Beyond Interiors: Art, Mentorship, and Teaching

In addition to her design practice, Aubrey O’Brien is an accomplished artist whose creative work spans sculpture, painting, installation, and performance. Her artistic explorations deepen her understanding of form, emotion, and space — elements that influence her interior projects in subtle, meaningful ways.

A committed educator, she has also served as an adjunct professor, teaching interior design fundamentals and history. She mentors students and emerging designers, sharing not just skills but a perspective rooted in purpose, integrity, and exploration. Her belief in the next generation of creatives is central to her philosophy of giving back.

Inspiration from Two Coasts

Aubrey currently splits her time between New York City and Sarasota, Florida — two places that offer contrasting, yet complementary, inspiration. In New York, she’s energized by the city’s architecture, culture, and pace. In Sarasota, she finds space to slow down, reflect, and create with a sense of calm.

This duality allows her to balance bold ideas with quiet intention — a hallmark of her work. It also reflects her understanding that design should not only be visually compelling, but grounded in how people actually live and move through their environments.

A Design Philosophy with Heart

At the core of Aubrey O’Brien’s work is a belief that design should be personal, purposeful, and rooted in authenticity. She doesn’t follow trends or repeat formulas. Instead, she listens carefully, explores deeply, and creates spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them.

Her approach is collaborative, transparent, and always grounded in craft. Every decision — from materials to layout to finishing touches — is made with intention. The result? Environments that are not only beautiful, but lasting, functional, and full of life.

Aubrey’s work reminds us that design is more than decoration. It’s a process of discovery — of who we are, what we value, and how we want to feel in the spaces we call our own.