Meet Our Founder. Hear Our Story.

Destini Harris, a K-12 educator turned interior designer, has always been driven by a powerful belief: the environment where we learn and live directly impacts our ability to thrive. With over 18 years of experience serving students in Title 1 schools—where the majority come from low-income households—Destini witnessed firsthand how classroom aesthetics, organization, and design could shape a student’s success. She knew that if students loved being in the room, they would be more likely to engage and learn.
 
Her dedication to creating welcoming spaces was so strong that during teacher report weeks, she often found herself decorating her classroom instead of preparing lesson plans—only to worry the night before the first day of school, “What are we going to do tomorrow?”
 
In 2022, Destini transitioned to interior design, but quickly realized that true fulfillment in her new career could only come from transforming the homes of those closest to her heart: low-income students and their families. The pandemic highlighted the dire need for better living spaces, as many students were forced to learn from home in environments filled with clutter and chaos. Having visited many of her students’ homes during her time as an educator, Destini understood the profound effect these environments had on her students’ ability to succeed in school.
 
In 2023, while working with a business coach, Destini shared her dream of providing home makeovers for low-income students. Her coach’s advice? Don’t wait—start the nonprofit now.
 
And so, Giving Back by Design, Inc. was born in late 2023, officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
 
Destini passionately believes that when our living spaces are thoughtfully designed, we feel better and can perform at our best. Everyone—regardless of income—deserves a home they can be proud of, a space that inspires them to thrive.
 
If you share this vision, we invite you to join us in this transformative mission!

We Believe...

We Create Beautiful Living Spaces

01.

— Our Mission

To use interior design as a means to promote increased productivity, well-being  and overall positive mindset of students and families who need it the most.

02.

— Our Vision

To elevate the human experiences of families in need through the aesthetic experiences in their homes to improve cognitive function, creativity and overall happiness.

03.

— Our Values

  • Empathy and Compassion
    We approach every project with deep empathy, understanding that the spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. We are committed to creating environments that reflect the dignity, worth, and potential of each individual and family.

  • Access and Equality
    We believe everyone deserves to live in a space that inspires pride and fosters personal growth, regardless of their income. We strive to bridge the gap between economic disparity and design excellence by making interior design accessible to those who need it most.

  • Community Empowerment
    By transforming living spaces, we empower people and families to create a foundation for success, both academically and personally. Our work is rooted in the belief that a strong community starts with a strong home.

  • Collaboration and Impact
    We believe in the power of working together to make lasting change. By partnering with local communities, organizations, and volunteers, we aim to maximize our impact and create sustainable, positive outcomes for families and students.

Meet the Team

United in the belief that a well-designed home can inspire growth, build pride, cultivate potential, and create opportunities.
Destini Harris - Founder & President
Hollie Roberson - Treasurer
Felicia Maye - Secretary
Kayon Montaque - Board Member
Melissa Scholfield - Board Member
Robyn Goldsmith - Board Member

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