Life & Work with Jody Cornelius of Friendswood, TX

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody Cornelius.

Hi Jody, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Jody Cornelius is a Friendswood, TX, based Interior Designer with more than 20 years of experience creating thoughtfully layered, highly personalized spaces. With a deep passion for color, texture, and the art of mixing materials, Jody’s work reflects a balance of beauty, function, and individuality never driven by trends, but by the homeowners who live and work in the spaces she designs. Jody has a diverse background in the furniture and construction industries that gives her a rare, comprehensive understanding of the design process from concept to completion. This foundation allows her to seamlessly lead both residential and commercial projects with confidence, precision, and an eye for detail. Jody holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, is a state licensed Interior Designer and proud member of the American Society or Interior Design (ASID).

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I began my career in the interior design industry in a fast paced world of retail furniture, an environment known for long hours, relentless performance expectations and high sales demands. As a first time professional at the age of 23, it was both challenging and formative. The pressure was intense, but it became the foundation on which I build an unshakable work ethic, resilience and a determination to excel at my craft.

Those early years required a grit. Success depended not only on the design talent, but on discipline, stamina and the ability to perform at a high level everyday. After many years in retail, I decided to go more into the construction side of design. Along the way, I worked through many challenges. Rather than allowing those challenges to define my experiences, I chose to view them as a part of the process, a lesson meant to refine my character and skills. I believe that every step in the life carries purpose. By staying true to my values and approaching each obstacle as a learning opportunity, I learned to navigate both the highs and the lows with grace and clarity. I trusted that my perseverance, integrity and self awareness would ultimately strengthen me for a greater purpose. The early chapters were just part of the journey in interior design, they expand my capabilities and allowed me a sharpened perspective and wisdom that is irreplaceable.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the heart of my approach is real design for real life. I want to create interiors with personality. I want to create spaces that you can live in with meaning and feel connected to them. I listen first and then design with intention and care to achieve a thoughtful balance of beauty, function and authenticity that genuinely enriches my clients lives.

What does success mean to you?
For me success is measured in integrity and growth. I value staying true to my principles, approaching every challenge as an opportunity to learn, and continuously work on my craft. Each project that pushes me creatively, strengthens my clients trust, and elevates my ability to achieve great design. Ultimately, I define success as leaving my clients with a space that inspires, comforts and enriches their daily life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rheadeandesign.com
• Instagram: rheadeandesign
• Facebook: rheadeandesign