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

Hi Karen, what do you attribute your success to?
“The most important factor behind the success of my brand is the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries and approach each challenge with fresh, imaginative perspective. I don’t just solve problems—I reframe them. By combining strategic thinking with bold, original design solutions, I create work that not only meets functional needs but also emotionally resonates. This mindset has allowed my brand to stand out, build trust, and consistently deliver value in unexpected and memorable ways. I have only ever worked by referrals and they continue to happen effortlessly.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“My career has been anything but linear—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I started out with a deep love for design and art, but a practical outlook. I have a finance background with an MBA, and after a 10+ year career in that, decided to pivot to do what I loved. What really propelled me forward and what I learned early on was the realization that great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s successful execution depends on solving problems in original, human-centered ways. I’ve always been someone who thinks a little differently, sees connections others might miss, and leans into the unconventional—that’s what sets my work apart.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to that vision, even when it would have been easier to follow trends or play it safe. Building a brand rooted in creativity, curiosity, and strategic storytelling hasn’t been easy. There were definitely moments of doubt—clients who didn’t ‘get it,’ projects that didn’t go as planned, and times I questioned whether thinking outside the box was really worth it. But every challenge taught me resilience, clarity, and the importance of trusting my voice.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Authenticity is magnetic. When you do the work that genuinely lights you up—and when you’re brave enough to bring your full perspective to the table—you attract the right clients, the right collaborators, and the right opportunities.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m here to create more than just beautiful things. I’m here to design experiences, ideas, and solutions that inspire, connect, and endure. Creativity is my language—and I use it to tell stories that matter. about the individuals I design for. Hence, the brand tagline : Bringing Design to Life.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
“Day 1: Arrival & Artful Welcome

Check-in: Stay at Hotel ZaZa Museum District or Thompson Houston—both with luxe, art-forward vibes.
Lunch: Kata Robata – creative Japanese cuisine with top-notch sushi.
Afternoon: Explore The Museum of Fine Arts Houston—don’t miss the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, an architectural gem with stunning natural light and spatial design.
Dinner: March – a tasting menu journey through Mediterranean flavors with striking interiors.
Nightcap: High & Dry Rooftop Bar for views, cool cocktails, and downtown lights.

Day 2: Nature + Neighborhoods

Morning: Wander through Buffalo Bayou Park, rent a bike or just take in the skyline views and public art. I especially love riding on the Bayou trail. My favorite sculpture is the Tolerance Statues by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.

Brunch: Flora Mexican Kitchen with its unexpected flavor combinations – i.e. Trio Ceviche and the glass chandelier treehouse feel.
Afternoon: Stroll Montrose, pop into Menil Collection, Cy Twombly Gallery, and Rothko Chapel.
Dinner: Rosie Cannonball – wood-fired Mediterranean with thoughtful decor and shareable plates.
Evening: Catch a performance or live jazz at Cezanne or The Heights Theater.

Day 3: Global Flavors & Local Creativity

Breakfast: Tout Suite—a cool industrial café with amazing pastries and coffee.
Day Trip: Head to Chinatown/Asiatown—do a dumpling crawl or explore Viet-Cajun crawfish joints like Crawfish & Noodles.
Snack Stop: Snowy Village for Korean bingsu or Banh Mi Houston.
Dinner: Xin Chao – modern Vietnamese-Texan fusion in a chic indoor-outdoor space.
Evening: Drinks at Anvil Bar & Refuge, Houston’s pioneer craft cocktail bar

Day 4: Architecture & Ideas

Morning: Tour Rice University campus—its architecture is stunning, including the James Turrell “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace.
Lunch: Local Foods in Rice Village—healthy, fresh, stylishly casual.
Afternoon: Head downtown to visit POST Houston, a reimagined USPS building with bold architecture, global eats, and rooftop views.
Dinner: Le Jardinier at the Museum of Fine Arts—fine dining in a greenhouse-like space.
Evening: Art crawl in East End or Sawyer Yards—industrial-chic artist studios, galleries, and murals.

Day 5: Design & Discovery

Morning: Coffee at Common Bond then shop and gallery-hop in The Heights—check out Manready Mercantile, High & Dry, and vintage shops.
Lunch: La Lucha – Southern Gulf Coast meets fun, retro glam.
Afternoon: Visit Houston Botanic Garden or Mercer Arboretum for peaceful natural beauty.
Dinner: Theodore Rex – intimate, inventive, and always surprising.
Evening: Stargazing or cocktails on your hotel rooftop.

Offbeat & Edgy Houston

Breakfast: Blacksmith – minimalist design, maximalist coffee.
Morning: Check out Project Row Houses and 3rd Ward for culture, community art, and bold storytelling. Smither Park is especially fun.
Lunch: Street to Kitchen – James Beard Award-winning Thai with heat and heart.
Afternoon: Shop for home and design finds at Kuhl-Linscomb or Montrose Collective
Dinner: Nancy’s Hustle – Euro-American with a moody, modern bistro vibe.”

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?
“There are so many people who’ve played a role in shaping my journey, but if I had to dedicate my shoutout, it would be to to those early clients who, despite my lack of formal training at the time in design, encouraged me to trust my instincts and push boundaries. Early in my career, I was lucky to have the opportunity to flex my design aesthetic and project management muscle in fairly large remodels from the ground up that had to have enduring character. That lesson stuck. I I want to extend the shoutout to E. Harvey and D. Rafte, my first clients who believed in my unconventional ideas—who saw potential in the unexpected and unconventional. Their support gave me the freedom to take creative risks and build a brand rooted in originality, curiosity, and an international flair.”

Website: https://www.karenhaug.net

Image Credits
Dena Rafte – Rafte Photography, www.raftephotography.com
Patrick Bertolino – www.Pebtx.com

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