Meet Adrienne Rynes, Collective Design’s President of Interior Design. Recently named an Influential Woman of Design by Luxe Magazine, Adrienne brings more than a decade of experience and a passion for creating spaces that enhance the way people live. In this interview, she shares her journey, the values that set Collective Design apart, and her vision for the future of design in mountain communities.
Q: Describe Collective Design. What sets you apart in the industry?
Adrienne: Collective Design offers integrated interior design and architecture services. While our business is design, our greater purpose is to enhance the lives of others. That focus—on people and connection—is what truly sets us apart, not only in the industry but in culture at large.
Q: Did you always want to work in the design industry?
Adrienne: Subconsciously, yes, but my career began elsewhere. I studied business and communications with a minor in art history, then worked as a consultant in Washington, DC, and later as a marketing director. It wasn’t until I built my own home in Massachusetts that I discovered how deeply I loved the process of design. That experience inspired me to return to school and ultimately launch my own interior design business.
Q: Who were the mentors that shaped your path?
Adrienne: Two women stand out. My grandmother taught me to love the arts—she took me to countless ballets, museums, and performances that opened my eyes to creative expression. Later, Diana Holman of WomanTrends mentored me during college. She showed me how to analyze cultural trends and understand the deeper values behind them, especially as they relate to women. Both of them reinforced my belief that design is ultimately about people and culture, not just materials.
Q: Which female icons inspire you most in your work?
Adrienne: Before interiors, I loved fashion design. Culture and history have always shaped style. Dorothy Draper pushed the boundaries of interiors with bold color, and Coco Chanel famously said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” That philosophy carries into my work—true luxury is found when design is as functional as it is beautiful.
Q: What’s your vision for Collective Design’s future?
Adrienne: My goal is to push progressive design in mountain markets—to lead the communities where we work and leave a legacy of thoughtful, lasting impact. Our greater purpose remains simple: to enhance the lives of others.
Q: What energizes you most in your workday?
Adrienne: Tuesdays. That’s when our entire team—designers from Summit County, Denver, and the Vail Valley—are all together in the office. The energy is electric. When we’re sourcing, scheming, and sharing ideas as a collective, creativity is at its highest.
Q: Can you share a project that reflects your style and approach?
Adrienne: A recent Breckenridge project stands out. We incorporated reclaimed materials from our client’s childhood region—a detail that brought their personal history into the design. While mountain modern isn’t typically associated with reclaimed materials, weaving in that history made the home truly theirs. For me, it’s always about creating spaces that are unique, meaningful, and rooted in story.
Q: What does the future hold for women in design?
Adrienne: I believe women will increasingly lead—not just participate—in shaping the vision of design. During a trip to Tuscany, I learned about honeybees: while the male bee is important, it’s the female worker bees who create the sweetness. That metaphor has stuck with me. Women in design are creating the sweetness—defining the vision and leaving a lasting mark.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Adrienne: I couldn’t be more grateful for the team at Collective Design. They’re my inspiration and my passion. Right now, I feel like I’m at an all-time high in my career—loving what I do and who I get to do it with.
Adrienne’s leadership reflects Collective Design’s greater purpose: to create spaces that are intentional, personal, and lasting.
Interested in talking more with Adrienne about design, leadership, or your next project? Let’s continue the conversation.
