about ami

"One-liner about the type of people AMI aligns with."

(For interior designers in Fairfield, Connecticut looking for a community.)

(For homeowners looking for an interior designer.)

Instead of imposed signature look or magazine-perfect pressure...

It always starts with people, never a formula — not a signature look handed down, not a magazine's idea of "perfect," but the life you're actually living.

That belief guides everything here. It's why the homes we design are made to be lived in, not just looked at, shaped in a way that brings you joy & comfort everyday. And it's why we created the Fairfield Design Collective, because good design grows out of real relationships. Homes or community, the principle never changes: real life, real people, and spaces that feel like home.

We're guided by principles that fit the rhythm of your days and feels unmistakably yours.

Insert list of magazine features here.

read my story

I'm Alison — the designer behind the studio, and the person you'll actually be working with. My path here wasn't a straight line, but every turn taught me the same thing: a home isn't about a look, it's about the life being lived inside it.

Through Alison McGovern Interiors, I design homes (and the occasional boutique hospitality or office space) for people who want rooms that fit real life. And through the Fairfield Design Collective for interior designers I founded, I bring local Connecticut designers together to share, support, and grow. Different rooms, different tables, same belief: it's always about people, and the spaces and connections that make life feel like home.

About Alison

My trainings

After a brief stint in the publishing and fashion worlds, I decided to take the leap and go back to school to study interior design. I was newly married and ready to want a shift professionally as well as personally.

The career pivot into design

My trainings

Trained at Parsons School of Design in New York. "After graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York, I began my career in hospitality design before transitioning into residential interiors when I launched my own business." She notes "twenty years working in the New York metro area exposed me to a wide range of design styles and client needs, which shapes how I approach every project.

Training and early career

My trainings

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Launching My business (2006)

My trainings

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The pause and rebrand

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Where the studio is today

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Fairfield Design Collective — Application
About you
Your location
Your work
Fit & motivation
A few details

Thank you for your interest.

We're so glad you're here. Alison will personally review your application and reach out soon. The Collective is all about designers coming together to share, support, and grow, and we can't wait to learn more about you and your work.

Meet Alison

Send your application by filling out the form below:

Collaborative. Supportive. Connected.

Fairfield Design Collective

Beauty you can actually live in, designed for the way your days really flow.

Comfort

Your home should feel unmistakably like you, shaped around your life rather than a look handed down.

Belonging

A true partner from first idea to final detail, guiding you with no surprises along the way.

Trust

Values we live by:

client reviews:

- client name

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- client name

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- client name

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With the design approved, I handle all the details: sourcing, ordering, and tracking every piece, and coordinating with vendors and trades to keep everything moving smoothly. When it is time, I schedule and manage delivery and installation, then add the finishing touches that make the space feel polished and personal. Once every last detail is in place and the project is wrapped up, your home is finally ready for the life you will live in it.

03 / Your Home Comes Alive

From there, I put together a clear plan and bring the vision to life through layouts, materials, finishes, and lighting. We refine it together over a round or two, and I share costs along the way, so nothing is ever a surprise and nothing is ordered until you love it.

02 / We Design Around the live you live

This first step is a two-way street. Over a short discovery call and an in-home consultation, you will get a feel for me and how I work, and I will get to know you, your home, and how you want to live in it. It is as much about building a comfortable, honest relationship as it is about the space, because the best projects grow out of a real connection.

01 / We Get to Know Each Other

Our Signature Process

I'm based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and work with clients throughout the area. I also design homes across the country when a need arises.

It begins with a short discovery call to make sure we're a good fit, followed by a paid on-site consultation where I take basic measurements and get a feel for your space. From there, I put together a proposal and develop the design. Once it's approved, I handle all of the sourcing, ordering, delivery, and installation from start to finish, with your sign-off before anything is purchased.

I charge hourly, with a retainer collected at signing that's applied toward your final invoice. You don't need an exact number to begin, but a general sense of your investment range is helpful, even a broad one, so I can guide the project in a direction that makes sense for you.

I typically focus on one or two rooms at a time, so every client gets my full attention. I also work with clients building new homes, guiding floor plan decisions and finish selections alongside their builder.

Absolutely. If you only need help with a specific space or decision, like styling a room, choosing paint and finishes, or refreshing a single area, I offer a flexible 10-hour package called a Design Block for $1,500, valid for six months. It's a lower-pressure way to get expert guidance exactly where you need it, and a lovely way to experience working together before taking on a larger project.

Frequently Asked Questions
Before we begin

Our process begins with understanding what actually brings you joy and comfort. And then we'll design your home in a way that lets those feelings live in every corner.

Create Space for What Matters