Whether you need advice on picking beautiful pieces, a second opinion on layouts and project plans, or a color consultation, The Expert has got you covered. See: Interior design tips – decorating secrets for the world’s top experts The brainchild of LA-based designer Jake Arnold (opens in new tab) and entrepreneur Leo Seigal, The Expert (opens in new tab) is a virtual platform that connects clients directly to interior designers from around the world for one-one-one video consultations, providing highly sought-after access and advice from designers who otherwise would be less accessible. The idea was formed during lockdown in 2020, when Seigal and Arnold saw an opportunity to bring top interior designers directly into people’s homes virtually without the typical high budgets and scopes needed to consult with and hire most designers. Leo explains: ‘The Expert is a virtual platform that seeks to connect more people with the world’s most sought-after design experts via one to one video consultations. By eliminating traditional barriers such as project budget, location and scope constraints, access to top tier designers becomes a lot more democratic. ‘Many of our clients have long been pinning, bookmarking and saving the work created by our growing roster of 80+ designers. Through The Expert, they can stop endlessly poring over an inspiration image or idea, and instead go directly to the source for answers, guidance and feedback that are tailored to their needs.’
The Expert: How does it work?
The Expert offers services with 75 global design talents, including Arnold himself (LA), Leanne Ford (Pittsburgh), Brigette Romanek (opens in new tab) (LA), Amber Lewis (CA), Robert Stilin (opens in new tab) (NY), Martin Brudnizki (opens in new tab) (London) and Danielle Siggerud (opens in new tab) (Copenhagen). Sessions are booked in 55-minute increments directly via a calendar feature on the site, ranging from $300-$2,500 USD, with some offering a condensed ‘mini’ 25 minute session. The scope can be as simple as needing advice on sourcing the last few furniture pieces to make a room come together, to deciding on art and decor, paint colors and lighting, or top level design advice surrounding a full-scale home renovation project.
The Expert: Top designers
Of course, all of the designers on board are top quality, but we’ve picked out a handful that we think you’ll love below.
The Expert: Jake Arnold
Jake is the founder of The Expert, and you can book in with the man himself for a relaxed yet high-level design consultation. The work of Studio Jake Arnold is known for being bold and impactful yet comfortable and liveable. Jake has worked with a host of big-name stars to create beautiful and exciting spaces, including Aaron Paul, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Rashida Jones, Dan Levy, Sophia Bush, Julianne Hough. A photo posted by on You can also see how he brought a client’s space to life through a consultation on The Expert in the top pic. Jake says: ‘I’m consistently blown away by how much we’re able to accomplish during a one hour consultation. The clients come prepared with a backlog of questions, oftentimes the things they have been struggling with for some time. Being able to provide them with answers, suggestions, and a clear path forward is super rewarding.’ See: Celebrity interior designer Jake Arnold reveals his secrets for styling the perfect living room
The Expert: Leanne Ford
An American designer from Pittsburgh, Leanne Ford (opens in new tab) is known for her ‘white on white’ signature aesthetic. Her work has features in countless magazines, and she currently stars in Restored by the Fords on HGTV, along with her brother and contractor Steve Ford, which follows the siblings as they turn some of Pittsburgh’s most dated buildings into magazine-worthy homes. Her look is easy minimalism and warm modernism. A photo posted by on
The Expert: Becki Owens
A south California-based designer, Becki Owens (opens in new tab)’ style is rooted in the SoCal cool: clean and coastal, light-filled and liveable. She has her own lighting collection with Hudson Valley Lighting, signature home scents with Pura and a furniture and accessories collection in HomeGoods retailers in the US. A photo posted by on
The Expert: Amber Interiors
Known for her distinct layered, lived-in, laidback California style, Amber Lewis (opens in new tab) is the founder of Amber Interior Design. Natural elements, organic textures, colorful textiles and light-filled rooms are looks that distinguish her style and products in her retail stores, Shoppe Amber Interiors. A photo posted by on Amber says: ‘You may or may not have heard about all the hype of a new interior design consultation platform called @theexpert. It’s pretty much brilliant, and the ultimate way for some super talented designers to offer consults to, well… just about anybody!!! ‘I’ve always dreamed of a way to offer my design advice to everyone who’s DMed, commented, or emailed, so I am pleased to announce that I have officially jumped on board with @theexpert to offer 1:1 design consultations!’
The Expert: Sarah Sherman Samuel
A interior designer to the stars (she famously styled Mandy Moore’s mid-century home to perfection), Sarah Sherman Samuel (opens in new tab) is known for effortlessly combining styles to create distinctive spaces that are relaxed but edited and modern but warm. A photo posted by on A photo posted by on She splits her time between Los Angeles, California and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her holistic design approach covers interiors, textiles, furniture and decorative arts. Sarah says: ‘I’ve been having so much fun doing the 1 to 1 consultations over on @theexpert… meeting more of you over Zoom and helping with your homes and projects, I just opened it up to mini sessions as well. ‘If you’ve ever wanted my help with a design dilemma or need another set of eyes on project plans or are looking for my advice on specific pieces to purchase for your space, you can find me there and book a session.’
The Expert: Jean Stoffer
Jean Stoffer Design (opens in new tab) offers a timeless aesthetic that defies trends to create environments that are exciting yet relaxing and comfortable at the same time. The firm has received multiple awards, and redesigning old homes is a particular passion. A photo posted by on A photo posted by on See: Living room ideas – clever ways to decorate living spaces Jean took to Instagram to share the news she’s on The Expert, saying: ‘I have news for you!! If you have ever wanted my help to weigh in on your proposed plans, speak to a design dilemma you are facing, or get specific design or product information, I have a solution that I am SO excited to offer you! ‘As of this very moment, I am on @theexpert. Yay! You can show me your space on Zoom and I’ll answer your questions and give suggestions to help you make your space one you will cherish for years to come.’ Visit The Expert (opens in new tab) to find out more and book a consultation. A photo posted by on
