May 3-6, 2027 in Sonoma, California
Early access to Haven 2027 opens this November. Join the waitlist to be first in line.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
We’re reimagining the business of design, one studio at a time. Haven brings together ambitious designers and accomplished industry experts for four days of honest conversation, meaningful connection, and fresh perspective.
Step beyond the day-to-day of running your studio and rethink what success looks like. This is your opportunity to sharpen the way you think, strengthen the way you operate, and surround yourself with people who raise the standard of what's possible.
Over four days, you'll explore the essential elements of building a remarkable design business, from becoming a stronger CEO to creating demand, increasing profitability, and shaping a studio that supports the life you want.
In our sessions, you'll get an inside look at the strategies, decisions, and hard-won lessons behind successful studios. You'll leave with greater clarity, a stronger foundation, and a renewed confidence for what's next.
Creating the systems, processes, structure, and rhythm that keep your firm moving.
Understanding your numbers, refining your pricing, and driving sustainable profit.
Creating a seamless client journey that builds trust and lasting relationships.
Strengthening your brand, expanding your reach, and attracting ideal clients.
Stepping into your role as CEO and cultivating a culture that supports your vision.
Understanding what drives client decisions and becoming their first choice.
Strengthening vendor relationships and building a valuable industry network.
Elevating how you present your ideas and communicate your creative vision.
Dedicated time for small-group Q&As, candid insight, and advice from speakers.
TOPICS WE'LL COVER
The Sessions
THE EXPERIENCE
Where Conversations Flow
Our sessions are designed to be as engaging as they are insightful.
Digital presentation materials are provided and you're welcome to bring a laptop to take notes, explore ideas, and work through concepts as they're shared.
Beyond the classroom, we'll step into the Sonoma sunshine for our breakouts and open Q&A to bring the conversation outdoors.
BECKY MARR
“Haven was honestly one of the most inspiring and clarifying experiences I’ve had in business.”
Beyond the education, being surrounded by talented, driven women in the industry pushed me creatively and helped me think bigger about what I want my business and brand to become. I left feeling energized, motivated, and much more confident in my direction.
LUCIA WILSON
“I honestly feel like crying. I don’t think anyone really knows the impact this retreat has had on my life.”
I think my life will be forever changed because now I feel equipped to pursue my own Interior designer business. I hope to continue learning from this community, which has been so welcoming and supportive of someone new to the industry. I came in with imposter syndrome and left feeling like I belong.
Kelsey Stephenson
“This retreat was pretty darn close to perfection.”
I'm all about the details, and the crew at Haven did not forget about even one detail when executing this retreat. I was so impressed with the seamless execution and thoughtfulness that went into every single selection... the swag gifts, the tablescapes, the floral arrangements, the hotel selection, and the schedule of events.
IN THEIR WORDS
OUR HOME IN SONOMA
Tucked into the heart of Sonoma wine country, MacArthur Place is a place where considered design meets warm California hospitality. With its lush gardens, inviting spaces, and relaxed sophistication, the property offers a beautiful backdrop for inspired conversations, shared experiences, and time well spent in good company.
EXPLORE THE VENUE
THE HIGHLIGHT REEL
The Experience, In Motion
Our home in SONOMA
Tucked into the heart of Sonoma wine country, MacArthur Place is a place where considered design meets warm California hospitality. With its lush gardens, inviting spaces, and relaxed sophistication, the property offers a beautiful backdrop for inspired conversations, shared experiences, and time well spent in good company.
Explore the VENUE
OUR HOME IN SONOMA
The Setting
Gain an inside look at how successful design businesses really operate, with candid insight and actionable strategies from the people behind them.
At Haven, the conversations extend well beyond the sessions. Our speakers remain with us throughout the retreat, offering opportunities to connect over meals, ask questions, and exchange ideas in a more personal setting. And often, it's these unscripted moments that leave the greatest impression.
Meet our 2027 panel. These respected industry leaders are approachable, refreshingly honest, and willing to share the lessons behind their success.
Melissa Baran
Regarded as a forward-thinking leader in the design industry, Melissa Baran founded Haven with a commitment rooted in fostering a sense of community, expertly curating and showcasing exceptional content and nurturing meaningful connections between like-minded creatives and their clientele. As the Founder of the Haven Workshop, her dedication to empowering and educating designers and home industry creatives has made her a pivotal figure in the field. Having hosted hundreds of designers, Haven's retreats are now widely considered an essential experience for those seeking to thrive in the ever-evolving world of design and innovation. Melissa will share insights for building a healthy social and marketing strategy with a focus on aligning your messaging with your values, amplifying your impact, and growing sustainably.
Dates: May 3-6, 2027
1:00 pm Event Check-In at MacArthur Place
Welcome, Mingle, Sips & Snacks
1:30 pm Speaker Introductions
1:45 pm Operational Flow with Kristin Hildebrand
3:00 pm Pricing & Profitability with Renee Bush
4:15 pm Break Before Cocktail Hour & Dinner
6:00 pm Welcome Dinner at Layla Restaurant
Monday, May 3rd
Breakfast
9:00 am Client Experience with Danielle Chiprut
10:30 am Establishing Creative Authority with Kim Lapin
12:00 pm Lunch on Burris Lawn
1:00 pm The Art of Design Presentation Breakout
2:30 pm Social Strategy with Melissa Baran
3:45 pm Studio Leadership with Kristin Hildebrand
Evening: Explore Sonoma with New Friends
Tuesday, May 4th
Breakfast
9:00 am Brand Strategy with Renee Bush
10:30 am Behind the Build with Danielle Chiprut
12:00 pm Lunch on Burris Lawn
1:00 pm Attracting Clients & Press with Jessica Burke
2:00 pm Open Forum: Small-Group Q&As
4:30 pm Break Before Cocktail Hour & Dinner
6:30 pm Farewell Dinner on West Lawn
Wednesday, May 5th
7:30-11 am Breakfast at Layla Restaurant
8:30 am Professional Headshots with Jessica Burke
Open Time: Final Reflection with Peers
12:00 pm MacArthur Place Check Out
Retreat Concludes & Farewells
Thursday, May 6th
*Schedule is subject to minor adjustments as we finalize the details.
ON THE AGENDA
Dates: May 3-6, 2027
When you join us, you'll receive our Strategy Workbook, a 200+ page resource available in both print and digital formats.
Thoughtfully structured to help you examine every aspect of your business, this comprehensive resource includes audits, guided exercises, and new ways of thinking to bring greater clarity, confidence, and direction to your next chapter.
THE WORKBOOK
Where Ideas Take Shape
A Culture of Generosity
Deeper Connections
Expert Access Throughout
Authentic Atmosphere
The Vibe Check
What Sets Us Apart
A closer look at what’s included, from the insights that move your business forward to the exceptional hospitality and every thoughtful detail woven in.
*Accommodations and transportation not included.
EXPLORE OUR REELS
THE HIGHLIGHT REEL
The Experience, In Motion
Corine Maggio
“My business is by all metrics in great shape and yet this has been life-changing.”
I was always excited to partake in the retreat, but I never thought I would take away as much as I have. I hoped to leave with one or two ideas but instead I have a whole notebook full. I am so appreciative.
You'll be surrounded by 30–35 professionals at different stages of their careers, with diverse backgrounds and studio sizes.
From emerging designers to well-established pros, dynamic discussions and collective learning inspires growth for all.
Structured primarily for interior designers, Haven also welcomes professionals in related fields, including architecture, styling, and design-build. Our sessions remain focused on the business of design, with perspectives that enrich the conversation.
We're building a stronger design community, one connection at a time.
From welcome dinners and fireside chats to nightcaps and conversations that linger long after the evening ends, some of the most memorable moments happen between the sessions. It's where the people you meet become the people you turn to.
IT STARTS HERE
Around the Table
12
Retreats Hosted Since 2019
424
Design Professionals Enrolled to Date
35
Pages in Your
Strategy Workbook
Attendees Hosted
Per Retreat
200
Choose Your Ticket Option
DESIGN DUO
PAY OVER TIME
PAY IN FULL
Most Flexible
DESIGN DUO
PAY OVER TIME
PAY IN FULL
BEST FOR TEAMS
DESIGN DUO
PAY OVER TIME
PAY IN FULL
A CLOSER LOOK
We're happy to help. Reach out through the chat portal in the bottom-right corner of this page, and our team will be in touch. Alternatively, you can send us a message through our contact page, or book a call with our team here.
Have additional questions?
IN THEIR WORDS
THE ARCHIVES
READ THE FAQ
Explore the Details
TALK TO ALUMNI
Schedule a call with a designer who's been there
Accommodations
Travel Details
Explore the Venue
Curated Local Guide
MacArthur Place FAQ
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Mark Your Calendar: May 3-6, 2027
BACK TO TICKETS
Not at all! In fact, the early stages of building your studio can be one of the most valuable times to learn from those who've been in your shoes. Our retreat offers an opportunity to establish a strong foundation, gain insight into how successful design businesses operate, and make more informed decisions as you grow.
Through candid conversations, actionable strategies, and direct access to experienced industry professionals, you'll gain valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead. You'll also connect with designers at various stages of business, building relationships and a network of support that extend well beyond the retreat.
Even the most established design businesses benefit from fresh thinking. Haven brings experienced designers into conversations that challenge familiar approaches, uncover opportunities for improvement, and offer new perspectives on running a successful studio. Our sessions explore the decisions, systems, and strategies behind thriving design businesses, from refining operations and strengthening profitability to leading teams and planning for long-term growth.
Just as valuable is the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow studio owners and industry leaders. The range of experience in the room creates a dynamic where everyone has something to contribute and learn.
Tickets for our May 3–6, 2027 retreat are $5,750, with Early Access pricing of $4,750 available beginning November 9 for those on our list, ahead of the public launch in January. For added flexibility, we offer 5-month and 12-month payment plans. Our Design Duo option offers $2,500 in total savings when two designers from the same studio register together during Early Access.
Interested in joining us? Sign up for Early Access to receive ticket details, exclusive pricing, and registration updates directly in your inbox.
Your four-day Haven experience includes nine core business sessions, two interactive breakouts, and access to our speakers throughout the retreat. You'll also receive our 200-page Strategy Workbook, digital session materials, a client proposal template, and a professional headshot.
All meals, snacks, and beverages are thoughtfully provided by the culinary team at MacArthur Place, along with curated gifts and special touches throughout your stay. Beyond the sessions, you'll have opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships with fellow designers, and stay connected through our private IG group long after the retreat concludes.
Accommodations are not included in your retreat ticket. However, we've partnered with MacArthur Place to offer Haven attendees an exclusive preferred room rate, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
While you're welcome to stay elsewhere, approximately 85–90% of our attendees choose to stay on property, enjoying the convenience of being just steps away from our sessions, shared meals, and evening gatherings.
Room reservation details and booking instructions will be provided following registration. We encourage booking early, as availability at our preferred rate is limited.
Yes! Our Design Duo ticket option offers special pricing for two attendees registering together, making it an ideal opportunity for studio partners or team members to experience Haven alongside one another.
For studios interested in bringing three or more attendees, we also offer group registration options. Please reach out to us on our chat portal on the bottom left of this page to discuss availability and details.
Additional information about Design Duo pricing will be shared when Early Access opens in November.
Absolutely. We've welcomed design professionals from all over the globe and love the perspectives they bring to our community. While our retreat is based in California, the strategies, insights, and conversations throughout the retreat are relevant to designers working in a variety of markets.
If you're traveling internationally and have questions about the experience or how specific sessions might apply to your business, our team is always happy to help.
You bet! We've had attendees receive Haven tickets as gifts in the past, and we're happy to help coordinate the experience. You can register using the recipient's name and email address, and we'll send them everything they need to prepare for the retreat. If you'd prefer to keep it a surprise, simply contact us on our chat portal on the bottom left of this page before purchasing, and we'll help arrange the details discreetly.
Haven is intentionally intimate, bringing together approximately 30-35 design professionals for a more personal and engaging experience. Our smaller group size creates space for candid conversations, thoughtful discussions, and genuine connections with fellow attendees and speakers.
Unlike larger conferences, you'll have opportunities to interact directly with our speakers throughout the retreat, from sessions and shared meals to informal conversations in between.
Yes! This is one of the things that truly sets Haven apart. We intentionally curate a group of speakers who are not only willing to share openly and honestly, but who are present with you throughout the entire experience (no quick cameos or brief meet-and-greets). Our panel experts will be with us from check-in through the farewell dinner, joining for their sessions, breakouts, and group meals.
You’ll also have the chance to connect with them in small groups during our open forum Q&A on day three. There’s ample time to engage, ask questions, and walk away feeling genuinely supported and inspired. We can’t wait for you to meet this incredible group of industry-leading women. Their talent is matched by their generosity, and they believe in community over competition just as deeply as we do.
The connections you make at Haven begin well before the retreat and often continue long after. In the weeks leading up to the event, you'll be invited to join a private Instagram group with your fellow attendees, giving you an opportunity to introduce yourself and begin building relationships before arriving in Sonoma.
After the retreat, your group remains a place to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another. Our alumni also stay connected through design markets, informal meetups, virtual conversations, and ongoing friendships. We'll provide a shared attendee contact list to make staying in touch even easier.
Our sessions are designed to encourage open conversation, shared learning, and meaningful participation. Most are approximately 90 minutes and bring the full group together, creating an opportunity to learn directly from our speakers while exchanging perspectives with fellow designers.
Rather than traditional lectures, our sessions combine candid insights, real-world strategies, and interactive discussions. The range of experience in the room adds another dimension to the learning, with both emerging and established designers contributing valuable perspectives.
You'll also participate in smaller breakout sessions, including a dedicated design presentation workshop and our Open Forum, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with speakers in an informal, small-group setting and ask questions specific to your business.
Of course! Once you register, you'll receive access to the Haven Portal, featuring a curated guide to Sonoma and the surrounding area. From favorite restaurants and wineries to local shops, our recommendations are thoughtfully selected by our team and trusted local friends to help you make the most of your time in wine country.
Once you register, you'll be directed to your Haven Portal, where you'll find everything you need to prepare for the retreat. This includes your attendee registration form, MacArthur Place accommodation details, a planning checklist, and other important information to help you get ready for Sonoma.
You'll also receive a confirmation email within one business day with a link to your portal, so you can easily revisit these resources as the retreat approaches.
Yes. Prior to the retreat, you'll receive a form to share any dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences, along with your meal selections. We work closely with the culinary team at MacArthur Place to thoughtfully accommodate our attendees' needs and ensure everyone can enjoy the dining experience throughout their stay.
If you have specific concerns or more complex dietary requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our team in advance so we can discuss your needs.
Early Access for our May 3–6, 2027 retreat opens in November 2026, ahead of our public registration launch in early January 2027.
We invite you to join our Early Access list to be among the first to receive ticket pricing, registration details, and the opportunity to reserve your place before registration opens to the public. All Early Access announcements and instructions will be shared directly via email.
Since 2019, Haven has brought the design community together for 12 retreats, each with its own stories and lasting impressions. As we prepare for our 13th gathering, take a look back at some of the moments that have shaped Haven.
Cortney McClure
Amy Switzer
Meghan Evans
Judith DeMasters
FROM OUR ALUMNI
Reflections on Haven
Read more
Read more
Find your rhythm, and your people.
Haven is the kind of getaway that reconnects you to your purpose, so your next season of business unfolds with ease. Step into a retreat that nourishes both your business and your well-being, surrounded by a community that reminds you you’re not in this alone.
GOOD THINGS AWAIT
See You There
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
You can reach out to us on the chat icon on this page or fill out the form below.
Additionally, you can book a call with our team here, or email us directly at info@thehavenlist.com.
Your message has been sent and we look forward to connecting with you very soon! Please allow 7-10 business days for us to respond. If you need to get in touch directly for any urgent needs, please email info@thehavenlist.com. In the meantime take a peek below and explore:
TAKE ME THERE
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