Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Bowers.
Hi Avery, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to how spaces tell stories and how design can capture memory, emotion, and identity all at once. I grew up surrounded by creative women, immersed in the interiors world. Both my mother and grandmother are interior designers, and my grandmother founded MILIEU Magazine, an international shelter publication headquartered in Houston. From them, I learned to value craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and the beauty of building something meaningful.
Since starting my career, I’ve had the opportunity to intern with design firms including Meg Lonergan Interiors, Shannon Bowers Designs, and Kathryn M. Ireland. I’m now pursuing my MFA at the New York School of Interior Design, while working part-time with the architecture and interiors firm McAlpine House. Additionally, I work on staff as MILIEU’s Associate Editor and curate my own online shop, Maudie.
At 24, it already feels full-circle, merging the editorial and design worlds I grew up in, while creating my own path. I’m so grateful for each of these experiences and excited for what’s ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In May of 2024, just months before moving to New York, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was treated by an incredible team at Baylor in Houston and underwent a total thyroidectomy and neck dissection, followed by radioactive iodine treatment.
That same year, my grandmother was battling pancreatic cancer. We actually learned that she was in remission the very week that I was diagnosed with my cancer. Watching how she managed her health, while continuing to lead the magazine, with such grace and perseverance inspired me to move forward through my own recovery. Thankfully, we are both now in remission, which is a blessing that I’ll never take for granted.
It was the most difficult season of my life but also taught me resilience and perspective in ways that I never expected. That chapter really shaped how I now approach life moving forward, with more gratitude, purpose, and appreciation for what truly matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My background bridges the worlds of editorial and interiors, with my work rooted in an appreciation for intentional, timeless design.
As Associate Editor at MILIEU Magazine, I help craft both digital and print features that highlight interiors, artisans, and architects from a variety of backgrounds. Through conversations and gatherings, I’m continually inspired by passionate people who are devoting their creativity to bring more beauty into the world.
Alongside my editorial work, I’m pursuing an MFA at the New York School of Interior Design. The program’s broad curriculum in design software, materials, lighting, and construction has deepened my understanding of design as both a craft and a discipline.
Working part-time with McAlpine House since moving to New York has also been a meaningful part of my journey. My boss, Ray Booth, and the entire New York team have been wonderful to work with, and I deeply admire their commitment to creating interiors and architecture that evoke genuine emotion.
A few years ago, I also launched Maudie, an online collection of vintage and bespoke home pieces. The shop reflects my love for spaces that feel collected and thoughtfully layered – where every object tells a story.
Working in both the editorial and design spheres has given me a unique perspective on how spaces and storytelling intersect. What connects these experiences is a shared intention: to celebrate and create interiors that feel inviting, meaningful, and enduring.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Having a growth mindset has been essential. Specifically, Dr. Carol Dweck’s book Mindset really resonates with me. Her theory explores the importance how we respond to challenges by asking what can be learned and improved, rather than viewing difficulty as a limitation. That perspective carried me through my recovery and continues to shape how I approach both work and life. Embracing change with that mindset keeps me grounded, optimistic, and forward thinking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maudiecollection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averybowers/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avery-bowers-0b0433225/
- Other: https://milieu-mag.com
