Hidden Gems: Meet Gabrielle Dromy of Zenteriors Design Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Dromy.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Gabrielle Dromy, and I founded Zenteriors Design Center with my cousin, Brooke Maimin. We were both working at separate design firms when one day we looked at each other and said, “We could do this ourselves.” As I like to say, we’ve always had a throw-us-against-the-wall-and-we’ll-stick mentality — and that leap of faith became Zenteriors Design Center.

Being ready to start something on your own isn’t a feeling — it’s a choice. We chose to bet on ourselves.

We officially launched in November 2022. Headquartered in Woodland Hills, our work extends far beyond it — across Los Angeles, throughout the nation, and as far as Sydney, Australia. What started as instinct and ambition quickly turned into real momentum. In our first year alone, we completed 12 homes, refining our systems and building trust with every client. From being commissioned to work on Red Bull’s headquarters to designing private residences across LA and beyond, we proved to ourselves that we weren’t just capable — we were disciplined and prepared.

Now entering our third year, we have over 30 completed homes under our belt, each project sharpening our voice, strengthening our leadership, and deepening our impact.

Zenteriors Design Center is family-run and women-led, built from the ground up with resilience, clarity, and heart. And if there’s one thing that defines our journey so far, it’s that we’re only just getting started.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
They say a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor — and I believe that.

It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting a company at 23 while growing quickly in a demanding industry meant we were building creative vision and business infrastructure simultaneously. Design was only one layer. Alongside the creative work, we were negotiating agreements, protecting budgets, coordinating teams, and making strategic decisions that shaped the direction and long-term health of the company. Navigating that in real time meant operating at a high level from day one.

We stepped into a construction industry that is still largely male-dominated, and from the beginning, we operated as leaders. As young women managing job sites and significant budgets, we understood that clarity and preparation set the tone. Advocating for the design was never difficult for us — it’s part of who we are. We focused on guiding decisions clearly and maintaining forward motion at every stage.

There were moments of rapid growth and high stakes that stretched us. But pressure clarifies standards. It pushed us to think longer-term, refine how we operate, and elevate our expectations of ourselves and the people around us.
Every challenge refined us.

Looking back, the road wasn’t effortless — but it built the foundation we stand on today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Zenteriors Design Center is a full-service interior design studio specializing in high-end residential projects and select commercial spaces. We oversee every layer of a project — from spatial planning and architectural detailing to custom millwork, furnishings, material sourcing, and full construction coordination. Headquartered in Woodland Hills, our work spans across Los Angeles, throughout the nation, and as far as Australia, including corporate environments like Red Bull’s headquarters.

The name Zenteriors reflects our philosophy. To us, “Zen” isn’t about minimalism — it’s about intention. We create spaces that feel grounded, balanced, and deeply aligned with the way our clients live. Every decision is purposeful.

I believe design is thinking made visible. Proportion, light, material transitions, and circulation aren’t decorative choices — they’re structural ones. The way a space flows and functions ultimately determines how it feels over time.

What truly sets us apart is how we navigate the process. Construction can be technical, emotional, and overwhelming. We act as both creative directors and strategic partners — translating complexity into clarity, protecting the integrity of the design, and guiding our clients through every decision with confidence and direction.

We also bring energy to the experience. We often say we’re the fun part — because while we’re meticulous behind the scenes, we make the journey collaborative and inspiring. Our strong relationships with contractors, developers, and vendors allow us to move projects forward with momentum while preserving the creative vision.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that Zenteriors has grown through reputation. Referrals, repeat clients, and long-term partnerships have fueled our expansion. That tells me we’re not just designing beautiful spaces — we’re building trust.

At the end of the day, our work isn’t about trend or spectacle. It’s about creating environments that elevate daily living, feel intentional, and stand the test of time.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve always had a clear view on risk. I like to say, “Be regular and ordinary in your life so you can be violent and original in your work.”

What I mean by that is this: structure creates range. When your foundation is steady and intentional, you earn the ability to push creatively without losing control. Brooke and I run our business with clarity and direction, which allows us to take bold design risks without being reckless.

Starting Zenteriors at 23 was a significant leap. We left stable positions at established firms to build something of our own without guarantees. There was no built-in pipeline — just belief in our vision and the willingness to execute relentlessly. It wasn’t impulsive. It was deliberate.

In the early days, we made sure we were visible. We walked into room after room introducing ourselves to real estate agents, developers, general contractors, and anyone connected to property and investment. We attended broker opens and development meetings. We understood that design sits at the intersection of real estate, construction, and lifestyle — so we built relationships across all three. Instead of chasing isolated projects, we positioned ourselves around long-term opportunity.

That visibility was a risk in itself. We were putting ourselves forward before we had the scale or portfolio we have today. But showing up compounds.

We’ve taken creative risks as well — advocating for stronger architectural moves, pushing layouts beyond what feels comfortable, and guiding clients toward decisions that elevate a space long-term. Originality requires conviction. But conviction without structure is chaos.

For me, risk isn’t about gambling. It’s about alignment. When preparation meets opportunity, what looks bold to others simply feels like the next step.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zenteriorsdesigns.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenteriorsdesigncenter/

Image Credits
Photography by Tim Hirschmann
Photography by Third Wall Photography