Meet Diane Landers | Owner & Principal Designer at Glass House Design Houston

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Landers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I’m a mom of two daughters, 10 and 11, and even though they don’t totally get it yet, they’re the reason this whole thing started. Life had gotten hectic—work, traffic, deadlines—you name it. I was working at a wonderful design firm, but I was commuting almost two hours a day and missing all the good stuff: doctor appointments, soccer practice, the random mid-day school calls (which, let’s be honest, always went to my husband). One day I realized, this isn’t the version of motherhood I envisioned.

Interior design has always been in my DNA—and I knew I was damn good at it—so I decided to bet on myself and start my own firm. It definitely wasn’t the easy route (I probably work harder now than I ever did before), but it’s the most rewarding decision I’ve made. I get to do work I love, create beautiful spaces for incredible clients, and still be the one who shows up for my girls. That balance—however messy it can be some days—is worth everything.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Glass House Design Houston was built on the belief that great design should feel both elevated and deeply personal. Our work goes beyond creating beautiful spaces—we design homes that reflect the people who live in them. Every project begins with understanding how our clients truly live, and then crafting an environment that feels effortless, timeless, and intentional.

What sets us apart is our ability to marry sophistication with livability. We create polished interiors that still feel warm and welcoming—because real life happens in these spaces. Whether it’s a full-home renovation or a single transformative room, our goal is always to bring clarity, efficiency, and beauty to the process.

I started Glass House Design Houston at a time when life felt anything but balanced. I was a mom commuting two hours a day, juggling family and career, and realizing that something had to give. Taking the leap to start my own firm wasn’t the easy choice—but it was absolutely the right one. Like any creative entrepreneur, I am still learning to trust myself, set boundaries, and handle the “business” side of creativity. But these challenges shape the firm’s values today—grace under pressure, transparency, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things, with intention. I want the world to know that Glass House Design Houston was built on heart and hard work. We’re not just designing homes—we’re elevating the way people live in them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is such a fun and dynamic city. Here are a few of my favorites things to do-

– Spend a day at the Museum of Fine Arts.
– Take a docent led tour through the Rienzi taking some time to sit quietly in their gardens.
– Walk around Hermann Park making sure to stop at the Japanese Gardens and the McGovern Centennial Gardens.
-Explore Memorial Park and have lunch at Tiny Boxwoods.
– Dinner one night at BCN Taste & Tradition
– For design lovers- shop at Kuhl Linscomb, Area, Found, and Shabby Slips.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to give a huge shoutout to my husband, Marc. He’s been my steady voice through all the ups, downs, and curveballs life throws our way. He’s the one reminding me—usually right when I need to hear it most—that I can do absolutely anything I set my mind to. Every business owner needs that one person who believes in them even on the messy days, and he’s that person for me.

Website: https://glasshousedesignhouston.com/

Instagram: @glasshousedesignhouston.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/diane-landers

Facebook: Glass House Design Houston

Other: Pinterest- Glass House Design Houston

Image Credits
Elizabeth Joy Sanders Michael Hunter