Exploring Life & Business with Andrea DeRosa of Avenue Interior Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea DeRosa.

Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was fortunate to grow up in a home where creativity was nurtured and individuality encouraged, instilling in me the confidence to take risks and pursue my own path. Early in my career, I joined one of Los Angeles’s leading design firms, where I became deeply immersed in the world of hospitality design, and where I first met my future business partner, Ashley. We quickly bonded and formed a lasting friendship. Though our careers took us in different directions, we remained closely connected within the industry. When the opportunity to collaborate arose, our entrepreneurial drive and aligned aesthetic vision made partnering a natural and seamless next step.

In 2009, amid an industry downturn, we decided to partner and build something different, a studio where designers would thrive, rooted in collaboration and creativity rather than competition. We set up shop in a small space at Venice and Abbot Kinney, and from the start, our studio has been defined by a drive for authenticity, a spirit of curiosity, a commitment to craftsmanship, and the belief that every space should tell its own story. Rather than chasing a single aesthetic, we let each project emerge with originality, a philosophy that continues to resonate with our clients.

More than a decade later, our studio continues to grow and evolve. Reflecting on what we have built together is both humbling and inspiring, and we remain deeply grateful to the clients who first placed their trust in us, as well as to all those who have allowed us to bring their projects to life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating the realities of business ownership comes with many challenges, and often the most positive developments can prove the most demanding. For us, rapid growth was both our greatest opportunity and our steepest hurdle. In 2015, our team was just five people supported by a handful of consultants. Only a few years later, we had expanded to 14 in-house designers and a network of eight external collaborators. By 2022, our studio had grown to more than 30 designers working across multiple states, a testament to both our expanding reach and the strength of our collective vision. That kind of growth was as exhilarating as it was daunting.

The intensity was heightened by the timing, since we were simultaneously entrusted with highly confidential, high-profile projects for major new clients while learning to lead and organize a much larger studio. It was uncharted territory that required us to safeguard our culture and uphold our standards of excellence even as we scaled quickly. What sustained us through that period was a strong core team who believed in our vision and remained steadfast as we navigated this transformative chapter together.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Avenue Interior Design, we are guided by the belief that every space should express its own authentic story. What distinguishes our work is not adherence to a singular aesthetic or passing trend, but a commitment to originality. Rather than imposing a predetermined style, we allow each project to evolve naturally, shaped by our clients’ narratives, the character of the architecture, and often the inspiration we gather from our travels around the world.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Our definition of success has evolved over time. Today, it means having the clarity to say no and the discernment to seek out clients who are true partners. Equally important, it means cultivating a company culture where our team can thrive, both within the studio and beyond it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://avenueid.com/
• Instagram: avenue.id__

Image Credits
Madeline Tolle