Celebrating the Women of eggersmann USA
At eggersmann USA, our designs are more than just physical spaces— they are reflections of the talent and dedication from an incredible team. This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate the women across our company— their passions, perspectives, and the stories that inspire their work. Whether in front of our clients or working behind the scenes, precision, empathy, and creativity are at the heart of our brand and every space we bring to life.
Being a woman in design is about more than skill—it’s about embracing resilience, intuition, and the courage to trust your own voice. It’s about learning from challenges, embracing your strengths, and using your experiences to guide both your work and your perspective.
This year, we asked the women of eggersmann USA to answer three questions:
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What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
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What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
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Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
Their answers reveal not only their professional insights but also the personal stories, values, and role models that guide them. From lessons of resilience and self-belief to admiration for mentors and loved ones, their reflections show how their experiences as women influence their creativity, their vision, and the way they lead.
Alexi Knight
Showroom Manager, Los Angeles
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
I would tell my younger self to trust her voice and not be afraid to use it. As a woman, especially working on construction sites or in male-dominated environments, there will be moments when people try to steamroll you or assume you don’t have the authority in the room.
I’ve learned that it’s important to stand firm in what you know to be true and insist that your voice is heard. Confidence doesn’t have to mean being the loudest person in the room, but it does mean advocating for your ideas and standing behind your expertise. Over time, people respect that clarity and conviction.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
To me, being a woman in design means having a strong sensitivity to the emotional side of a space. Design isn’t just about materials, layouts, or aesthetics—it’s about understanding how people want to feel in their homes and how they experience their day-to-day lives. I think women often bring an intuitive ability to listen, interpret those feelings, and translate them into a physical environment.
In residential design, especially, you also end up wearing a lot of hats. At times you’re a bit of a marriage counselor, helping couples navigate different opinions and priorities for their home. And often you become a trusted friend throughout the process. Renovating or building a home can be stressful and very personal, so part of the role is supporting clients, listening carefully, and guiding them toward decisions that feel right for everyone.
In the end, the goal is to create spaces that don’t just function beautifully, but truly reflect how people want to live, gather, and unwind in their everyday lives.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
A woman who has always inspired me in both my work and my life is my mother, Susan Knight. From a very young age, she taught me the value of getting out there and making things happen—quite literally by sending me door to door selling Girl Scout cookies. It wasn’t just about selling cookies; it was about learning confidence, persistence, and how to connect with people.
Those lessons stayed with me. She taught me to be genuinely excited about what I do, to always be truthful with clients, to be persistent with contractors when necessary, and most importantly, to always follow through on what I say I’m going to do. Those values have shaped the way I approach both my career and my relationships with the people I work with every day.
Andrea Villamarin
Designer, Houston Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
To be ok with saying no if I don’t want to do something, and that I don’t need to be pleasing everyone to be accepted. To be more confident in myself and to value my time because it’s precious.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
I feel privileged as a woman designer because I get to design spaces to make people happy, help them to live better, create beautiful spaces, and make dreams come to life.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
The woman I admire most is my mom. She has a wonderful ability to understand people’s reactions and ways of thinking. Whenever I need advice on how to handle or say something to someone, I ask her for her perspective. She is very neutral and never takes sides; she is objective and balanced. That quality of hers inspires me to better understand my clients’ points of view and personalities, which helps me get along with them much better.
Annie Zamani
Designer, Los Angeles Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
I’d tell her that her empathy and intuition aren’t ‘weaknesses’ to be hidden in professional settings. They are actually her greatest superpowers for building connections and solving problems.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
It’s about fostering an ego-less environment. Women in design often lead through synthesis, gathering diverse viewpoints and weaving them into a cohesive, functional vision.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
Zaha Hadid: A pioneer in architecture who shattered the “glass ceiling” in a male-dominated field with her bold, fluid designs.
Brittany Krueger
Technical Designer, Dallas Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
When I was a young woman, I always wondered when I would feel like a real adult woman, and the answer is 36.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
For me, I believe it is important to have as many unique perspectives in design as possible. It’s what drives progress. What do I need from this space as a woman, as a mother? How can I make this space better for other women?
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
As I get older, I can tell how much my own mother has inspired my style. She has always played with balancing modesty and glam in her home, and I see that a lot in everything I do. I think it gives a lot of my own design choices a layer of whimsy that is unique to us.
Courtney Hatt
Technical Designer, South Florida Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
I would tell her to chase her passions unapologetically and to see as much of the world as possible. The experiences you almost talk yourself out of — the trip, the pivot, the risk — are often the ones that shape you most. You’ll regret the moments you shrink yourself far more than the moments you change direction. Being a woman means you will sometimes be told to be practical, agreeable, or safe. Be bold instead. Trust your instincts. They are sharper than you think.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
To me, being a woman in design means embracing complexity. Women are multifaceted in how we perceive the world — emotionally intelligent, observant, intuitive, and strategic all at once. Design is fluid and malleable; it responds to culture, behavior, and human need. I believe women have a unique ability to influence and shape that force because we often approach problems holistically. We consider experience, feeling, and function together. That layered perspective brings richness and humanity into the work.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
I’m most inspired by the women I have worked alongside — clients and colleagues of different ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds. That diversity creates a vibrant, dynamic environment. Seeing how each woman navigates leadership, creativity, family, ambition, and identity in her own way reminds me that there is no single model for success. Their range of perspectives makes the workplace more colorful, collaborative, and expansive.
Dana McManus
Director of Marketing
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
As I watch my daughter grow, I think about this often. I would tell my younger self to stop caring about what other people think and to focus on what truly matters to you. Confidence doesn’t come from approval. The right people will respect your ambition, your sensitivity, and your creativity. Trust your instincts, honor your intuition, and understand that you can build a career, a family, a vision, and still be fully yourself. The sooner you let go of comparison, the sooner you step into your true self.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
To me, being a woman in design means bringing emotion into a very technical industry. Design is precise, architectural, and strategic, but it is also deeply personal. Women have natural ability to feel how a space functions beyond the floor plan. How it supports family life. How it holds conversation. How it hosts holidays, homework, chaotic mornings, and late-night gatherings. It’s about understanding that a kitchen or living area is not just cabinetry and materials. It’s where memories are made.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
Easy. My mom. As CFO of eggersmann USA, she and my dad built this business from the ground up. I’ve watched the sacrifices, risks, and relentless work it took to create the company we’re all so fortunate to be part of today. That alone inspires me beyond words. She leads with strength, patience, and kindness, and somehow balanced building a business with always showing up for our family. I am endlessly proud of her and will always aspire to be like her.
Erika Clifford
Showroom Manager, South Florida
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
Take every opportunity that comes your way, there is nothing you can’t accomplish!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
Being able to add a soft feminine touch while still having the ability to lead and run the show.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
I have always been inspired by my grandmother’s strength and resilience throughout her life. She survived the holocaust as a child and built her own businesses as an adult. She also always taught me how important it is to balance hard work with family and fun!
Gabriela Espinoza
Designer, Dallas Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
What I would tell my younger self about being a woman is trusting in your own intuition and leaning in on what feels right to you. Trusting in your ability to become and being unapologetic for what you have to bring to the table.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
As a Latina in design, I honor where I came from, and with that, I bring resilience, warmth, and energy to the spaces I create. I learned that through my culture and my upbringing, learning to embrace generations of creativity, strength, and soul.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
My mother has been my strongest advocate, my example, and an integral part of the woman I’ve become. She is a warrior, learning to be an entrepreneur all while taking care of her 6 young kids. I got to see her grit, love, and resilience, and that became the foundation of how I design and lead in today’s design world.
Jeremee Sto Domingo
Technical Designer, New York Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
You are unique and we all have imperfections. Be self-confident, you have the capability to overcome life’s challenges.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
Being a woman in design means being open-minded and a problem solver.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
My mom. She inspires me through her unwavering love and support. She taught me to be diligent and determined to achieve my goals.
Katy Rakowski
Marketing Strategist
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
I would tell her that being a woman is one of life’s greatest blessings. That the hardships she will face will help shape her into the woman she is meant to become, so she should stay strong and always believe in herself. Challenges build character, strengthen values, and teach you some of life’s most important lessons. I would remind her that her empathy is one of her greatest superpowers and to never lose it. To be confident and invest in herself!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
Being a woman in the design industry is one of the best choices I’ve made! I chose this industry because of the impact you can make on someone’s life. Getting to be a part of something as personal as someone’s home is a really special experience. Whether it is their first home, a home they are building as their family is growing, a “start over” home, a home in a new city- it should be a space that is safe, comfortable, and expressive to that person no matter where they’re at in life. I think the fact that us women can tap into our emotional and creative sides to make someone’s dream come to life is incredible and so inspiring!
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
One of my greatest inspirations is my mom. She has taught me to be strong and patient, to trust in God’s plan for me, and she is always my biggest cheerleader. She believes in me even when I struggle to believe in myself. I have watched her overcome some of the hardest challenges she’s faced as a woman, and that has been a big part of what helps me push through my own. She is an example to me that being your most authentic self attracts who and what is meant for you in life. I also want to give a shoutout to another woman who inspires me: my aunt Molly. She is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. Despite everything she’s been through in her personal life, she never fails to show up for the people she loves, and I can count on her for anything. She’s an example of the kind of friend I want to be, the kind of worker I want to be, and the kind of woman I aspire to become.
Kelly Lafosse
Showroom Manager, Laguna Niguel
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
You are stronger than you think.
There are days and situations you think you can’t handle what is in front of you, but you will handle it anyway. Strength often shows up quietly.
Being soft and being strong are not opposites.
You can cry and still be powerful. You can be nurturing and still fierce.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
For me, it means bringing both technical precision and emotional intelligence to the table. Luxury homes must perform at a high level, but they also need to feel intuitive and personal. My lived experiences and perspective allow me to bridge those two worlds seamlessly.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
My mom, Pam. My mom moved through the world with a rare gentleness. She truly saw life through rose-colored glasses, not because she ignored hardship, but because she chose hope. She believed in people, in goodness, and most of all, in me. She was my greatest supporter and my friend. We traveled together, laughed together, and shared conversations that have stayed with me all my life. She taught me not to stress the small stuff, that most worries aren’t worth carrying.
When I faced breast cancer, she became my guiding light. Even though she is no longer with me, watching how she had navigated her own cancer with grace, dignity, and strength gave me courage. Her journey showed me how to face my treatment with resilience, hope, and calm. In a very real sense, she taught me how to survive.
Kyndal Trigg
Technical Designer, Dallas Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
Don’t allow anyone to make you feel like you’re too confident by possessing an unwavering, deep-seated belief in yourself and your potential.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
To have an open opinion and creative voice when it comes to helping re-imagine spaces means a lot to me. I love working with my colleagues and their clients. For them to put their trust in me to make their dreams a reality is what makes my job so fun and fulfilling!
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
My amazing mom of course! There’s no other person in this world that inspires me to be the courageous, unstoppable, fearless Christian woman that I am because she is all of those things and more. She raised me to speak up and out without hesitation and regardless of the situation. Every day I strive to not only be the powerful and magnetic woman that demands your attention when she walks into a room, but also the compassionate and nurturing mother she has always been to me.
Leslie Hodge
Showroom Manager, Houston
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
I would tell my younger self to hang tight… things get better as you get older.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
It’s great working in an industry where women dominate! I love to be surrounded by strong, talented, smart and interesting women.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
I’m inspired by all women. We face so many obstacles and are built to handle pain in a way that no man will ever fully understand. We’re naturally strong.
Lorena Iazzetta
Technical Designer, South Florida Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
Be like a chameleon. Being chameleonic means having the ability to seamlessly adapt to the different contexts life presents you with at any given moment. Being flexible to address any topic without losing coherence. Just as a chameleon changes to match the colors of its surroundings, I can adjust depending on mine. The chameleon also prioritizes self-protection; having that ability to flow with chaos instead of resisting it is very similar to how a chameleon blends into a branch to avoid being detected by a predator.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
In the world of design, being a woman often means being a bridge-builder. Design is everywhere, and is fundamentally about understanding and empathy. How someone else experiences the world and making it better for them.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
The most important women in my life are my grandmother and my mother. I admire them so much because they raised me in a loving home. They taught me vital keys to success in life: self-respect, resilience, perseverance and frugality. They used to say “after all of this, everything else comes as a bonus.” I owe my education, success, and where I am now to both of them.
Micky Mey
Designer, Houston Showroom
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
Stand strong, prove your worth.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
The design industry is considered a women’s field; however, it does align with other industries like builders and architects that cater to mostly men. When I started out 17 years ago, even though we are in an era where men and women are supposed to be treated equally, it’s really not the case. I’ve been in many situations where women are looked down upon when it comes to being in the field. I have to work a bit harder just to be seen and acknowledged.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
I have to say my mom. When we came over to the US in 1992, we resided in Washington State. My mom and dad used to wake up at 4am to go pick fruits and vegetables in the field to earn cash. They were in their 60’s with a language barrier, so it was hard to get any job. After being on the farm all morning, they would drive around picking pinecones to earn additional money. The day didn’t end until 4 or 5pm and my mom, after a full day of labor, managed to have food on the table for us every day after school without hesitation or complaints. She used to say to my brothers and I, “as long as you guys have an education and a career for a sustainable life, that’s all that we want”. Now that I have 3 little kiddos of my own, I respect the maternal love that my mom gave us growing up. Even though I gave her such a hard time, she always has my back. I remember when I wanted to move to New York on my own for a job, not knowing anybody or having any family there. My dad did not agree and suggested staying closer to home. My mom had to step in and persuade him, and that’s how I got to grow, be independent, and experience the hardships of life. Sometimes I think I should have listened to my dad… just kidding! I am what I am today because my mom believed I could do everything I set my heart and mind to. Thank you mom.
Sandra Soltoff
CFO, eggersmann USA
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
Love yourself first. Trust your inner voice.
Never apologize for setting boundaries.
Take the risks. Failures are lessons that will serve you later in life.
Life is too short, so reach out of your comfort zones.
Above all, don’t sweat the small stuff. Take the time to enjoy the journey, laugh out loud, be silly & have fun!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
The design industry encompasses construction, architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. These are all industries where women are carving out space and defining their own success.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
The Marketing Director of the Architects & Designers building in New York, inspired me on day 1 to get involved and meet my building neighbors who share the same client. She would encourage me to network and learn as much as possible about my follow designers, architects, suppliers and manufacturers. Knowledge is power!
Wanda Anglin
Marketing Specialist
What would you tell your younger self about being a woman?
Intuition is your friend… and intelligence. They are sometimes unexplainable, but worth following blindly.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in design?
Women in design can flip the sometimes negative connotation that we are emotional. We are empathetic, giving us an advantage when our desire is to design for others’ visions and dreams.
Who is a woman that inspires you in your work or in your life and why?
Oh so many! Especially women who were underestimated or taken for granted. One that comes to mind is Hedy Lamarr. Celebrated for her beauty and film career, she was often overlooked as an inventor simply because she was a woman. Yet alongside composer George Antheil, she developed an innovative “frequency hopping” system—technology that allowed radio signals to jump between channels in a synchronized pattern to prevent interception. Their “Secret Communication System,” designed to aid the Allies during World War II, was initially dismissed by the U.S. Navy. Years later, however, it became clear just how groundbreaking their work was. Today, wireless technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi trace back to Lamarr’s invention. When I feel overlooked, I think of women like her—those who were ignored in their time, yet went on to change the world.
Exceptional design begins with exceptional people—and the women on our team exemplify that every day. We are so grateful for the women who make our company stronger, our designs bolder, our work meaningful, and the women who made us into the people we are today.
Stay connected with our team of incredible women!
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