Mary Douglas Drysdale Interior Design

Mary Douglas Drysdale traces her love of design to a childhood in Charlottesville, where she was surrounded by the classical architecture of Thomas Jefferson. “We spent a good amount of time on the University of Virginia grounds and, even as a kid, I was amazed by the great beauty and balance that surrounded me,” she recalls. Later, three years spent in Paris as a young adult immersed in the city’s art scene further inspired her career.

She founded Drysdale Design Associates in the early 1990s; today, the firm’s portfolio ranges from simple decoration to complex renovations. “We like to keep our team to just four or five people who love what we do,” she notes.

Drysdale is known for her original style that bridges traditional and modern aesthetics. She and her staff are trained in architectural and interior design, with technical knowledge of kitchen and bath design and millwork. Once they define a client’s goals, they pull together a lookbook, agree upon a budget and timeline and rely on open channels of communication. “Our mission is to innovate, inspire, be transparent and make it fun,” explains Drysdale, who is lead designer on every project. “We try to exceed expectations.”

Among many honors, Drysdale was recently named ASID’s Monument of Design winner. In 2026, Modern Luxury awarded her firm Best Flagship Design Studio. Her work has been published in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Aspire, Home & Design and Luxe Magazine.

See more at HandD.com/MaryDouglasDrysdale