ABOUT US
photo courtesy of Susanne Hayek
Annsley Strong
Co-Founder/Lead Designer
"If you believe your personal space should be a respite from the chaos of life, then it should also be about what makes you happy.” Since 1984, Annsley has been helping clients pinpoint these aspects for themselves. Construction and remodeling projects demand coordination of the vision and goals of clients, architects, contractors and local planners. Her projects reflect the challenges of different climates, her clients’ needs for interior-exterior solutions and her love of light. She is known for finding a beautiful solution to enhance a practical vision.
A painter who graduated with a History of Art degree, Annsley went to the New York School of Interior Design. After five years in investment management at Fidelity and Wells Fargo, she moved to Los Angeles, returned to design school, and started her family. Strong Studio Designs is now a blend of interior design, redesign and home staging. In 2006 she was joined in the business by her daughter, Courtney and they became HSE (Home Staging Experts) and GREEN-certified. Their projects warm the homes of repeat clients, rented apartments and homes for sale.
Courtney Strong Thomas
Co-Founder/Lead Designer
"I don't believe design is limited to people with big budgets. We have transformed spaces on as little as $300." Building on her Home Staging Expert (HSE) certification and attendance at New York City's Parson's School of Design, Courtney brings a new perspective to Strong Studio Designs, helping to expand its services into home staging and redesign. "Your home should be your sanctuary, but, often, with a multi-functional purpose, it's hard to know where to start, how to organize or if it's within budget reach. That's where we come in." Courtney, a communications graduate from New York University, comes from a strong, focused background in both business and design. In 2001, she co-founded the New York-based company, New York Movie Tours, Inc. and while co-managing day-to-day operations for her tour company, she pursued her passion for design at Parsons. For the last 5 years, she has expanded her expertise by staging homes for sale in the La Canada/Pasadena area, redesigning apartments for better use of space and style and coordinating interior design concepts for projects big and small. "Design changes don't have to be overwhelming or include a huge remodel. Sometimes the simple ideas are the hardest to incorporate because you see the space as it's been functioning for years and not how it might work differently. We bring fresh, creative eyes to every project. Every space has great potential at every price range."
