​ This Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only the emotional bond that connects us to the women who gave us life, but also the ways in which the maternal experience enriches interior design. More than just assembling beautiful spaces, architect-mothers infuse their projects with a sensitivity that blends empathy, care, and functionality—transforming spaces into true homes. What follows is a reflection on this intimate connection between motherhood and the creation of humanized environments, illustrated by the journeys of professionals who combine maternal experience with architectural practice.

Motherhood redefines the concept of home as a refuge and a source of affection. Designing with a mother’s perspective means anticipating daily life, balancing safety, comfort, and practicality. In this context, seemingly simple details take on emotional value, complementing the décor and welcoming those who inhabit the space.

“My mother taught me, through simple gestures, that a home goes beyond walls. It’s a place of affection and care for others.” — Norah Carneiro

The maternal gesture is the foundation of hospitality. According to architect Norah Carneiro, motherhood awakened essential skills for interior design—empathy, patience, active listening, and presence—resulting in projects deeply aligned with each family’s unique needs.

For Ieda Korman, the maternal legacy of autonomy is a fundamental element in her work. Raised in a household that valued freedom of expression, she brings into each space the possibility of multiple individual identities:

“I learned from my daughters, now in their 40s with careers ranging from architecture to advertising, and yet we’re united by the shared joy of diverse thoughts and ideas.” — Ieda Korman

In her compositions, Ieda creates spaces that embrace a wide range of personalities and behaviors, ensuring that every user finds both refuge and identity. Her technique harmonizes with fluid elements, creating settings that adapt to family rhythms—just as her mother’s life story inspired her to do.

Motherhood sharpens the focus on daily functionality paired with emotional care. This is reflected in spaces that are not only comfortable and welcoming but also secure, offering solutions that promote physical well-being without sacrificing coziness. Architect Fabiola Constantino emphasizes how anticipating the unexpected has become second nature. Her work exemplifies the union of aesthetics and utility, highlighting finishes that withstand heavy use while adding sophistication. For Fabiola, it’s this blend of real life and beauty that makes a project truly complete.

“Designing with kids taught me to create Plan Bs and Cs for every room. Every piece of furniture is built to last and serve different stages of family life—without losing elegance.” — Fabiola Constantino

To Tracy Motley, motherhood brings purpose and continuity to her professional endeavors. As head of Impressions Design Group in Houston, she has turned her studio into an extension of her family, blending generational perspectives to produce timeless designs.

“Motherhood completely transformed how I see design, especially when it comes to creating spaces that truly feel like home. Becoming a mom opened my eyes to how much an environment can influence not only the physical, but also the emotional well-being of everyone who lives there. It’s about creating a haven—a place where every corner welcomes and sustains life, whether in quiet moments or during the hustle of daily routines.” — Tracy Motley

Alongside her daughters—Alli Ryan Winter and Delaney Gruman—Tracy enriches each project with varied perspectives, drawn from decades of family tradition in design. Her work shows that truly human-centered design is born from shared experiences and mutual care.

Rita Diniz highlights the importance of slowing down and paying attention. To her, every home should tell stories and support daily life, redefining beauty through affection.

“Personally, it was a chance to experience a love that transforms everything. Professionally, it gave me a more attentive ear and a deeper sensitivity to understand what people really need in a home.” — Rita Diniz

Inspired by her own mother’s attentive eye, Rita values the simple details that turn a house into a refuge, reminding us that true comfort is born of small acts of affection.

For her, design is, above all, an ongoing act of care—where maternal empathy guides the creation of vibrant spaces capable of evolving with each stage of family life. “If I had to define the perfect family home in one word, it would be ‘affection.’ Because that’s what makes any space perfect. It can be big or small, colorful or neutral—if it holds affection, it becomes a home.”