Trish Sheats | Women of Impact 2025

TRISH SHEATS

President and Principal Designer

Trish Sheats Interior Design

After graduating from the University of Texas with an interior design degree, I focused on high-end residential design. I started my design firm in Austin, while my husband was in law school, and I continued in the field while raising three sons. As my company began to grow, I developed an internship program for young women in high school and college, so they could learn firsthand about residential interior design. I have written recommendations and “gone to bat” for these ladies, and I am proud that many have joined the field.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

As long as I can remember, I have loved design. If you can believe it, I remember drawing floor plans and rearranging furniture with my friends on playdates as a little girl. I specifically chose UT because of its renowned interior design program, which is where I fell in love with technical aspects, as well as the creative details and layering that are so important to me.

Biggest challenges in my career

My biggest challenge has been managing the continued growth of the company, while remaining true to who I am as a designer and involved in all aspects of each project.

My first job and what it taught me

As a junior designer with Sherry Hayslip in Dallas, I learned the importance of investing in things you can have for the long run, like antiques and beautiful rugs. I’ve always wanted my projects to transcend a certain time or trend and truly believe a home is timeless if it is filled with the things you love.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Gill Children’s Services.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Every day looks different! I love my clients and the precious girls that work for me.

Best career moment so far

The Kips Bay Show House is a nonprofit that exists to raise critical funds for local organizations. Designers are selected from all over the country to create a room in the Show House. In 2024 I served as a vice chair and designed the living room, which I called “Le Salon du Champagne.” The beauty of a showhouse for designers is getting to be our own client! If I could dream it, I could do it. This allowed for unbridled creativity and collaboration with wonderful vendors that helped bring my ideas to life.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Excel.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

I take a very hot bubble bath and read every night before going to bed.

Best advice I ever received

When I did my first Kips Bay Show House in 2020, I was told to not hold back… the money you spend will be worth it. This gave me the freedom to achieve a new level of creativity. The funny thing about it is my first boss, Sherry, was the one who gave me that advice! She also designed the room next to me in that year’s show house.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

The tiny details and layering absolutely make a difference. And when you find an antique, rug, or piece of art you love — buy it because you will never find it again.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

I get a Coke Zero with lemon and Sonic ice.

IN THE DETAILS