Courtney Harris shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Courtney, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, a normal day for me is a mix of creativity and strategy. I still spend time sketching, sourcing, and pulling together design concepts, but my days are also filled with meetings, site visits, and conversations about scaling. Since I’m transitioning from luxury residential into larger corporate and commercial projects, I’m balancing the intimacy of working one-on-one with clients with the complexity of managing bigger teams and timelines. Every day feels like a blend of designing, problem-solving, and building relationships that will help me take my business to the next level.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Courtney Harris, the founder and lead designer of CSH Interiors (cshinteriorsdesign.com). My background is in fashion design, and I’ve carried that foundation into creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. For years, I specialized in luxury residential spaces, focusing on closets, custom storage, and home environments that truly reflect my clients’ lifestyles. What makes my brand unique is the fusion of fashion, art, and interiors—every project is approached with a couture mindset, tailored to the individual or the organization.
Right now, I’m in an exciting season of growth. I’m expanding CSH Interiors from luxury residential into large-scale corporate and commercial projects. That shift allows me to take the same detail-oriented, highly personalized approach I perfected in private homes and translate it into environments that impact entire communities and workforces. For me, design has always been about transformation—whether that’s one closet, one home, or an entire building, my mission is to create spaces that inspire how people live and work.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my experience, what breaks the bonds between people is a lack of trust—whether that’s through poor communication, not following through, or putting profits before people. In design, relationships are everything. Clients invite you into their homes, their businesses, and their vision, so if they can’t trust you, the bond is gone.
What restores those bonds is doing right by people—showing up with integrity, being transparent, and always keeping your word. I’ve found that when you treat people well and truly listen, they not only come back, but they refer you to others. In fact, many of my biggest opportunities have come from referrals, and that’s because at the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel. For me, success is built on relationships first, design second.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches you lessons that success never can—it strips away all the distractions and shows you who you really are. In my darkest times, I’ve learned resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to my values. Those moments challenge you to face yourself, your limits, and your priorities in a way that success simply doesn’t. Success can feel rewarding, but it doesn’t test your character. Hardship does—and it’s those experiences that ultimately shape the kind of designer, business owner, and person I’ve become.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire people who lead with integrity, humility, and a willingness to do the work, no matter their title. In my business, I’ve had to wear every hat—sometimes I’m the CEO making big decisions, other times I’m the janitor on a job site. The people I admire most are those who show up fully in every role, who don’t let ego get in the way, and who treat everyone with respect. Character, to me, is about consistency in how you act, whether no one is watching or everyone is.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people often misunderstand that what I do isn’t just decorating—it’s building homes, communities, and neighborhoods that stand the test of time. My focus is on creating spaces that are safe, practical, and functional, designed to be enjoyed now but also passed down for generations. My legacy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about leaving something enduring and meaningful for the city of Houston, something that improves lives and becomes part of the community’s history.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cshinteriorsdesign.com
- Instagram: @courtneydesignshouston
