In Conversation with Suzanne Kasler
Renowned interior designer Suzanne Kasler opens up about life and legacy
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: You are a titan in design communities across the states, but there was a time when you were just starting out. What inspired you to begin a career in interiors?
Suzanne Kasler: I have always had a passion for houses, first imagining them in my mind and then translating them into reality. My love for design was influenced early by my grandparents, who inspired a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. I grew up in a military family, moving every two years. We didn’t have the kind of childhood home that you spend your entire young life in, but every summer, I would go stay with my father’s parents at their home in Indiana. I was surrounded by meaningful collections of antiques, handmade quilts, and china. Spending time with them in their house really established my idea of home and how it can be layered, personal, and timeless. I think these experiences are where my deep desire to make the kind of home that creates family memories comes from.
AH&L: You’ve graced the pages of AH&L many times over the years, and even the projects deep in our archives continue to feel fresh. What’s the secret to crafting timeless interiors?
SK: Timeless interiors begin with a strong architectural foundation. It’s the architectural envelope that really elevates a space, and when a room feels balanced and connected to its architecture, it naturally stands the test of time. From there, the design unfolds. I like to start with strategic moments of color and pieces that resonate with the client. Each piece is selected for longevity rather than for the moment.
AH&L: Learning and evolving never stops. What was one of the most influential lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
SK: Having the right business model in place gives the designer the ability to focus on design and creativity. Starting a business with strong organization and tools like Studio Designer creates a foundation that lets the design work unfold.
AH&L: You have had so many wonderful brand collaborations. How did your career lead you into product development?
SK: As a designer, I’m always collecting and sourcing beautiful pieces, many of which are special and one of a kind. This realization inspired me to begin creating products. The foundation of my collections is that I design for designers. The pieces I create can be used again and again, and designers can truly make them their own. My first collection was with Hickory Chair, where I felt I could bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of proportion. Designing furnishings naturally led to additional collaborations with Visual Comfort & Co., Ballard Designs, La Cornue, Lee Jofa, and Mirror Home. Each collection has given me the opportunity to thoughtfully translate my designs into enduring, timeless pieces.
AH&L: You’ve published four books, all of which reside on our AH&L office shelves and in homes across the country. What impact do you hope each has on those who read them?
SK: My books are not only meant to inspire, but to offer a way to share design concepts with clients and architects. Each book is truly a collaboration, sharing the story of our work as it evolves over time. The entire team comes together through the creative process, and it becomes a celebration of the beautiful work created by our fabulous team!
AH&L: Your daughter is recognized as one of our Futures of Design. How does it feel to have your next generation breaking barriers and carving her own path in this industry?
SK: I am so proud of my talented daughter and of the passion and love she has for this industry. Watching her approach design with her own perspective and talent has been incredibly special.
AH&L: What design philosophy has served you well and guided you throughout your career?
SK: Stay authentic to what you love.
AH&L: Your firm is a mainstay of the Atlanta design community. Tell us what legacy you hope Suzanne Kasler Interiors (SKI) will leave.
SK: To inspire.
AH&L: Between new projects, new collaborations, books, and more,
what’s next at SKI?
SK: I have started my fifth book with Rizzoli, which will launch in Fall 2027. At the same time, we continue to immerse ourselves in wonderful client projects while expanding my existing collections. suzannekasler.com
A Day in the Life
Mondays with Suzanne Kasler
6:30 A.M. Working out with my trainer is my favorite way to start the week! On the way to the office, I stop for a grande nonfat latte, extra hot, from Starbucks.
8:30 A.M. I love the days I am in my office at The Galleries of Peachtree Hills. Mondays always begin with meetings with my team.
10 A.M. The morning is spent meeting with our design, marketing, and procurement teams. We review schemes and refine details for current projects. We often enjoy a working lunch and order from Cafe at Pharr.
1:30 P.M. In the afternoon, I often head to an architect’s office for a team meeting with one of my designers to review floor plans and furniture layouts. These collaborative conversations are always an important and inspiring part of the process.
4 P.M. Back at the office, I meet with my product designer, Kate. We spend time sketching and reviewing concepts for my collections with Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort & Co., Ballard Designs, Lee Jofa, La Cornue, and Mirror Home.
6 P.M. This meeting often unfolds into dinner at Anis Cafe & Bistro, where we continue brainstorming new concepts and outlining next steps for upcoming collection launches.
8 P.M. Home is my other favorite place, where I spend time with my husband, John. I end the day catching up on an episode of “Palm Royale.” It is the perfect close to my favorite day of the week!
This is the third installment of AH&L’s Futures of Design. To learn more about the class of 2026, visit atlantahomesmag.com/futures-legends.