About Alyssa | Founder, Evora Interiors
I design interiors that measurably improve how you live and work. Using neuroaesthetics and science-backed methods, I solve problems—lighting, layout, stress, air quality—so your space supports health, focus, and daily performance.
My Approach
I’m a designer, not a decorator. I use evidence-based design to reduce cognitive load, improve circulation and daylighting, quiet unwanted noise, and choose materials that support well-being. The goal: spaces that look great and deliver measurable outcomes—better sleep, fewer headaches, higher productivity, and less stress.
Background & Credentials
Degree:
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CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, Appalachian State University
Experience:
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5 years applying evidence-based design—studying how light, color, acoustics, and spatial flow affect performance and well-being
Ongoing Professional Development:
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Actively studying neuroaesthetics, universal design, and trauma-informed design; engages in continuing education, research reviews, and practitioner workshops to translate new findings into project standards and specifications
Strength in Continuous Learning:
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Instead of fixed certificates, Alyssa prioritizes staying current with peer-reviewed research and industry best practices, testing strategies in real projects and refining approaches through post-occupancy feedback
What the Research Shows
“Architects and designers have a greater ability to improve public health than medical professionals.”
— Dr. Claudia Miller, UT School of Environmental Medicine, San Antonio
“Our brains are not passive observers of beauty; they are active participants in how we perceive and connect with the world. Surround yourself with beauty—it shapes who you are.”
— Dr. Ajan Chatterjee, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics
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"When the body feel safe, the mind can rest."
— Rose Tanjoco, Interior Designer
Core Specializations
Health-First Materials
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Low-VOC finishes, natural fibers, and durable surfaces that support clean air and reduce maintenance
Ergonomic Layouts
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Circulation and furniture placement designed around how you actually move and work
Indoor Air Quality
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Ventilation strategies, filtration, and material selection to reduce allergens and VOCs
Human-Centered Lighting
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Layered lighting (task, ambient, circadian) to cut eye strain and support focus and sleep
How I Work
Discovery — Clarify the problem before designing the solution
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We start by identifying your goals, budget, and pain points—glare, poor circulation, noise, clutter, stress—so the design solves real problems, not imagined ones.
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Research & Strategy — Measure what matters
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I assess daylight, electric lighting, flow, acoustics, thermal comfort, and cognitive load, then create a design brief with measurable targets (e.g., reduce reverberation time, improve task lighting to 500 lux, increase daylighting penetration).
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Design & Execution — Translate research into buildable plans
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Floor plans, lighting plans, finishes, specifications, and technical documentation that align project scope, prevent rework, and give contractors clear direction. I coordinate vendors, manage procurement, and provide site oversight to maintain quality and timelines.
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Follow-Up — Validate outcomes and optimize performance
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Post-project check-in to measure results—sleep quality, focus, satisfaction, IAQ metrics—and make adjustments as needed to ensure the space delivers long-term.
Why Hire a Designer (Not a Decorator)
Designers work upstream to solve structural and functional problems using evidence-based design. We partner with architects, engineers, and contractors to shape how a space works—its flow, safety, comfort, and performance—long before furniture arrives. Decorators enhance the finished space with style; designers define how it functions and meets code.
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Space planning and circulation:
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floor plans, clearances, and adjacencies that reduce bottlenecks, decision fatigue, and fall risk; improve accessibility and wayfinding.
Lighting design:
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daylighting, task/ambient layers, and controls that cut eye strain, support circadian health, and boost mood and productivity.
Acoustic strategy:
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assemblies, zoning, and finish selections that lower stress, reduce fatigue, and improve concentration.
Material health:
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low-VOC, durable, cleanable finishes that improve indoor air quality, reduce allergens, and minimize maintenance.
Technical documentation:
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elevations, specifications, and construction documents that align scope, prevent rework, and deliver predictable results.
Code and ADA compliance:
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clearances, egress, and accessibility integrated into layouts to ensure safety, legality, and inclusive use.
Systems and storage:
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cabinetry, millwork, and workflow-focused organization that keeps spaces simple to use and easy to maintain over time.
Coordination and leadership:
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collaboration with architects, engineers, and builders to resolve structural, MEP, and detailing issues before construction, reducing risk and cost.
What Happens When You Hire a Decorator for a Designer Problem
Decorators excel at styling finished spaces—but they aren't trained to solve structural, functional, or code issues. Hiring one for a designer problem doesn't just limit results; it creates new problems:
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You love the look, but the space doesn't work
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Beautiful furniture in a layout that feels cramped, blocks natural flow, or makes daily tasks harder than they should be.
Code violations surface later
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Missing ADA clearances, improper egress, or unsafe configurations that get flagged during inspections, resale, or liability reviews.
Lighting that looks good but feels bad
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Fixtures chosen for style create glare, shadows, or inadequate task lighting—leading to eye strain, headaches, and poor focus.
Materials that degrade or off-gas
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Finishes selected for aesthetics trap moisture, release VOCs, or require constant upkeep, impacting air quality and long-term cost.
Expensive rework
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Changes that should have been caught in planning now require demo, re-permitting, and budget overruns to fix after construction.
Contractor confusion and scope creep
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Without technical drawings or specifications, builders interpret intent differently, causing delays, errors, and misaligned expectations.
If your project involves construction, layout changes, lighting systems, code compliance, or material performance, you need a designer upstream, not a decorator after the fact.