My name is Stephanie Rowells (pronounced like Powells with an R,) and I am the owner/lead designer of mhj DESIGN (named for my awesome kids!) - I am a native of Durham, North Carolina and an honors graduate from North Carolina State University. After college I made a 17-year move to other parts of the country where I was excited to meet new people, learn different things, and make my own way in the world. But, I am happy to again call North Carolina my home, now living in Raleigh with my husband and two children where I can watch my family grow surrounded by the same Southern charm and way of life that molded me. I have been involved with interior design since 2002 when I took on my first home renovation project in Atlanta. Doing double-duty as the designer and project manager, I learned a great deal about construction when I tried my hand at sheet rocking, sanding and staining floors, painting, and electrical installations ... just to name a few! But, as much as I loved renovating those gorgeous homes in Atlanta's older neighborhoods, I was also mom to two very young kids. So, I chose to move into the last house we renovated and stay at home with my kids for their pre-grade school years. During this time I began my own graphic design business primarily creating invitations for weddings, showers, and parties; and I was honored to have one of my designs featured in "Atlantan Brides" magazine. As I made my move back to Raleigh, I found that I was eager to get back to work and started searching for something that would let me put my design interests to good use. I was fortunate to find an opportunity with a local homestaging company where I acted as lead designer for staging in both new construction and re-sale homes. In this position I was also able to work with individual homeowners making selections for renovations, furniture shopping, and re-designing their current living spaces using their furniture and accessories. After several years of working with clients from the Triad to the Outer Banks, and everywhere in between, I was presented with an outstanding opportunity to make the move to one of the area's most exclusive custom home building companies. There I have spent the last few years focusing on the many exciting phases of new home construction on million dollar+ projects. From framing to the finished product, I have been able to assist homeowners with all of their interior and exterior finish selections, as well as personal shopping for furniture, rugs, and artwork. Throughout the recent years of gaining invaluable experience in the design and development field, I have also indulged my love for graphic design by teaming up with some of the area's most talented specialists in the world of wedding planning: from event planners, to photographers, to bakers. Through these wonderful friendships I have earned referrals working with local brides where I have been able to create one-of-a-kind statement pieces of hand-crafted invitations and wedding accessories. And, of course, I have been hard at work making memorable keepsake invitations for my kids. (I just can't help myself ... I love it!) I am extremely grateful to have worked with so many amazing local clients and professionals. Working with clients starting in the idea phase, and staying with them all the way through to the end of a project, is tremendously satisfying. I am a firm believer in collaboration and working as a team to provide the highest quality design and service. I look forward to hearing about your project, finding inspiration, and making your ideas a reality!