September 21-24 in SONOMA, CA
Enrollment is now open for our Fall 2025 retreat! Less than 10 tickets remain—grab your spot while you still can.
VIEW TICKET OPTIONS
We're reimagining the —one studio at a time. This is your opportunity to learn from influential industry experts, grow your business with a smart strategy, and gain a support system of like-minded designers who will become lifelong friends. From emerging designers to well-established pros, the Haven Workshop is intentionally tailored for all levels of growth.
Ready to make this the year that you refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and build the business you’ve always imagined? Join us in Sonoma this fall.
business of design
An idyllic autumn RETREAT in SONOMA at
Enjoy a laid-back learning experience that feels like a well-deserved getaway. Our upcoming fall retreat this September 21-24, 2025 will be set at the design-forward MacArthur Place, an award-winning Sonoma hotel, spa & culinary destination set on a magnificent estate in the heart of wine country.
EXPLORE THE HOTEL
ENROLL TODAY
An idyllic autumn RETREAT in SONOMA at
Enjoy a laid-back learning experience that feels like a well-deserved getaway. Our upcoming fall retreat this September 21-24, 2025 will be set at the design-forward MacArthur Place, an award-winning Sonoma hotel, spa & culinary destination set on a magnificent estate in the heart of wine country.
EXPLORE THE HOTEL
ENROLL TODAY
BUILD A SMART BUSINESS WITH AN iNTENTIONAL STRATEGY
You'll walk away with a clear, actionable plan to refine your systems & processes for a streamlined workflow.
Learn to confidently raise your rates and create a pricing structure that will work for you business model.
Identify and attract your ideal design clients who trust your creative expertise and refer like-minded clientele to you.
Kelsey Stephenson
This retreat was pretty darn close to
I am all about the details, and the girls at Haven did not forget about even one detail when executing this event. I was so impressed with the seamless execution and thoughtfulness that went into every selection....the swag gifts, the table scapes, the floral arrangements, the hotel selection, the schedule of events.
perfection.
Yaileen Obregon
“It’s so important to in your business in this way.”
There's one thing to purchase masterclasses and learn virtually but it's an entirely new experience when you have these speakers in front of you sharing their knowledge and then being able to connect with them one on one during the retreat is really special. Plus the setting was absolutely incredible.
invest
THE FALL 2025 PANEL
You'll learn from top experts in the design industry who will candidly and authentically share their wisdom with heart, and provide the knowledge needed to strategically grow your business. You'll have exclusive access to all of our speakers during sessions, meals and Q&As throughout the event. Simply put, you'll experience conversations that feel just like chatting with a trusted friend.
Ashley Montgomery Design
Haven Founder
Light & Dwell
AEF Interiors
Tandem
Interior Photography
Ashley Montgomery is the Founder and Principal Designer of Ashley Montgomery Design, a Toronto-based studio specializing in high-end residential and boutique commercial interiors. With over 15 years of experience and dual degrees in Interior Design and Hospitality, Ashley is known for her distinctive, collected style that blends organic materials with timeless warmth. Her work has been widely recognized in leading publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, House & Garden, Dwell, Domino, and House & Home. Ashley will share her perspective on profit-driven pricing, a strategic client experience and how she leads her firm with both clarity and heart.
ASHLEY MONTGOMERY DESIGN
Aymee Kuhlman is the Founder and CEO of Light & Dwell, a nationally recognized design studio known for its timeless, intentional spaces. With a background in education and entrepreneurship, Aymee blends creativity with strategy to lead a studio rooted in values, team culture, and meaningful client relationships. She believes great design starts with understanding people and creating homes that reflect how they truly live. With a focus on creative leadership, Aymee will explore how she approaches company culture, team-building & studio growth, reflecting on nearly a decade of building Light & Dwell from the ground up.
LIGHT & DWELL
Ali Faulkner is the Creative Director of Orange County-based interior design studio, AEF Interiors. Ali and her team take seamless processes and pair them with thoughtful design to provide an exceptional experience and final product for their clients. With a longstanding professional background in hospitality and consulting, Ali's ability to refine her firm's systems and hone in on smart strategy have brought her youthful business rapid growth and success. Ali will unpack the essentials of business success—from building solid vendor partnerships to implementing clear processes that drive excellence at every level.
AEF INTERIORS
Renee Bush is the Founder of Tandem, a boutique agency specializing in strategy and design for interior designers. Working with her clients to address the conflict that often arises in the space between creativity and structure in business, Renee helps create a sharp vision and builds systems that work in tandem with the design process, instead of trying to control it. Offering services from strategy to brand design, she has worked with design firms including Studio McGee, Light & Dwell, Boxwood Avenue, High Street Homes, Susannah Holmberg Studios and many of Haven's past workshop alumni. As a business-minded problem solver, Renee understands the interior design industry, knows how to get straight to the heart of any issue, and always has a creative solution up her sleeve.
TANDEM
A professional photographer for over a decade, Jessica fell in love with photographing interiors while working on the marketing and branding side of a prominent interior design firm in San Francisco. With her experience and understanding of the interior design business, coupled with a meticulous eye for styling a frame, she has a unique and compelling perspective on photographing spaces. Jessica will be exploring how to attract clients and press with your portfolio and the ins and outs of thoughtful interior photo shoots.
INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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Featured Design: Ashley Montgomery, shot by Lauren Miller
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This isn’t just education—it’s transformation. Through guided conversations, expert-led sessions, and focused reflection, you’ll uncover new opportunities and shift from overwhelmed to aligned.
Melissa Griffin
“It was the deep breath I didn’t know I needed. The Haven Workshop wasn’t just an OOO moment. It was immersive, intentional, and surprisingly grounding. It gave me space—literal and mental—to zoom out from the day-to-day chaos of running a design business and actually think about where I’m headed. I walked in hoping to get inspired. I walked out with a clearer vision, a stronger sense of self as a business owner, and a whole toolkit of systems, strategies, and mindset shifts I started applying even before I returned to the office. Also, being in a room with other women who are building creative businesses at different stages? That was everything. No ego, no gatekeeping—just a community of women showing up fully and generously. It felt collaborative, not competitive. If you’re craving clarity, momentum, or just want to feel seen in this wild world of interiors, go. Block your calendar, book the flight, and say yes. It’s not fluff—it’s fuel.”
Event-Wide Access to 6 Top Industry Experts
9 Core Sessions with Our Speakers
Engaging Q&A Breakout Session with Our Panel
Design Presentation Breakout Session
150-Page Strategy Workbook
Access to Session Digital Materials & Sample Proposal
Workshop Experience Set at MacArthur Place
All Group Meals, Snacks & Sips
Expertly Curated Wines & Culinary-Inspired Cocktails
Thoughtful Gifts & Surprises Woven Throughout
Signed Copy of Rebecca Atwood's New Book 'The Harmonious Home'
Professional Headshots with Our Photographer
A Community Atmosphere and Chance To Build Your Network
Access to Private Retreat Social Community Group
HERE'S WHAT YOUR TICKET COMES WITH
*Accommodations, airfare and transportation not included.
HERE'S WHAT YOUR TICKET COMES WITH
Event-Wide Access to 6
Top Industry Experts
9 Core Sessions with Our Speakers
Engaging Q&A Breakout
Session with Our Panel
Design Presentation
Breakout Session
150-Page Strategy Workbook
Access to Session Digital
Materials & Sample Proposal
Workshop Experience Set
at MacArthur Place
All Group Meals, Snacks & Sips
Expertly Curated Wines & Culinary-Inspired Cocktails
Thoughtful Gifts & Surprises Woven Throughout
Signed Copy of Rebecca Atwood's New Book 'The Harmonious Home'
Professional Headshots
with Our Photographer
A Community Atmosphere and Chance To Build Your Network
Access to Private Retreat
Social Community Group
*Accommodations, airfare and transportation not included.
Corine Maggio
“I was always excited to partake in the retreat, but I never thought I would take away as much as I have. My business is by all metrics in great shape and yet this has been life-changing. I hoped to leave with one or two ideas but instead I have a whole notebook full. I am so appreciative.”
YOU'RE IN
In today’s blooming design landscape, talent alone isn’t enough. You need a business strategy as beautiful as your portfolio, systems that support your growth, and a community that gets it. When you join us, you’ll gain insider insight from top industry leaders, build meaningful connections, and walk away with the tools and confidence to scale with intention.
This isn’t a conference—it’s a reset. A business retreat designed to help you do what you do best, even better.
SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2025
1:00 pm Event Check-In at MacArthur Place
Welcome, Mingle, Sips & Snacks
1:30 pm Speaker Introductions
1:45 pm Session One
3:00 pm Session Two
4:15 pm Break Before Happy Hour & Dinner
6:00 pm Welcome Dinner at Layla Restaurant
Sunday, September 21st
Breakfast
9:00 am Session Three
10:30 am Session Four
12:00 pm Lunch on Burris Lawn
1:00 pm Design Presentation Breakout
2:30 pm Session Five
3:45 pm Session Six
Evening: Explore Sonoma with New Friends
Monday, September 22nd
Breakfast
9:00 am Session Seven
10:30 am Session Eight
12:00 pm Lunch on Burris Lawn
1:00 pm Session Nine
2:00 pm Interactive Q&A Breakout
4:30 pm Break Before Happy Hour & Dinner
6:30 pm Farewell Dinner on West Lawn
Tuesday, September 23rd
Breakfast at Layla
Professional Headshots
Peer Collaboration & Goal-Setting Worksheets
Noon – MacArthur Place Check Out
Workshop Concludes & Final Goodbyes
Wednesday, September 24th
*Schedule subject to slight changes.
Unlike larger conferences, our workshop is designed to be more focused and intimate, with around 35 attendees—allowing for deeper connections and quality time with our speakers.
From sessions to meals to breakouts, our speakers will be with us from check-in through the farewell dinner—no quick cameos! You'll have plenty of time to engage with our experts and walk away feeling fulfilled.
Most of our alumni describe the Haven Workshop as genuine, authentic and transformative. The vibe: you'll feel like you're in a room full of friends where you can honestly and openly engage.
Photo: Tim Lenz for Light & Dwell
11th
Workshop Since Our Launch in 2019
355
Design Professionals Enrolled To Date
7,988
Top Experts
On Our Panels
Miles Traveled by Our Furthest Attendees
36
Select the ticket option that works for you:
“The Haven Workshop was full of heart, generosity, talent and creativity. The support and encouragement was incredible and what I learned was worth 5x the cost of the workshop.”
Brooke Sevenau
Plan Your Trip
We have a discounted room rate at our venue, MacArthur Place. Planning to stay with us at the hotel? Booking details will be sent to you after you register. Available rooms at the discounted rate are on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have questions about making a reservation, reach out to our team at workshop@thehavenlist.com. Tickets do not include accommodations expense.
If you're flying in, you have a few options! The closest airport to MacArthur Place is Santa Rosa Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. The venue is only 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, 25-30 minutes from the Santa Rosa area, and approximately 1½ hours from the San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento airports. You can find more detailed info on the MacArthur FAQ page below.
Planning to join us? Here's some helpful info on accommodations and travel to help you plan out your trip before and after you enroll. Once you're registered, we'll send along more info! Shown below is our beautiful venue, MacArthur Place.
Bessie Seeley
“Attending The Haven Workshop 6 years after my first Haven Workshop was so meaningful. The space, the speakers, and the community were all thoughtfully curated to foster genuine connection, creative growth, and clarity. I walked away with actionable insights, renewed confidence in some tough business decisions I've been pondering, and a network of incredibly talented designers who truly understand the journey. I highly recommend it whether you are just starting out or years into your business journey—a truly unforgettable experience!”
Have an actionable plan to refine your systems & processes for a streamlined workflow.
Be able to confidently create a pricing structure that will work for you business model.
Identify and attract your ideal design clients who trust your creative expertise and refer clientele to you.
Have a clear and precise marketing strategy that communicates your distinct brand story.
Have a trusted network of like-minded designers to connect with for support.
Feel confident with your growth strategy plan and fresh business goals.
Yes, especially if you're just starting out. The early years of business can be some of the most challenging, which is exactly why now is the ideal time to invest in the right tools, strategies, and community. When your entrepreneurial toolbox is only half full, reaching your goals (and building a profitable, sustainable business) can take much longer.
The Haven Workshop is designed to give you a head start. You'll gain actionable insights from industry experts who openly share the behind-the-scenes of how they built their businesses, plus guidance that’s grounded, strategic, and real-world tested.
And just as valuable? You’ll build relationships with like-minded designers who are walking a similar path—connections that often turn into lifelong friendships and a support system that extends far beyond the workshop itself.
If you’re ready to grow with intention, now is the perfect time to begin.
This workshop isn’t just about the basics. It’s designed to stretch and challenge even the most experienced designers. Our sessions are thoughtfully tailored to help well-established pros like you rethink your approach, refine your systems, and unlock new pathways for growth.
We go beyond foundational strategy to explore advanced ideas, elevated processes, and creative business models that can help you scale with intention, whether you're aiming to streamline your operations, increase profitability, or move confidently toward seven-figure revenue.
And just as important? The opportunity to connect with other ambitious, high-level designers. Our attendees bring a range of experience, and the learning goes both ways. Even our speakers are excited to learn from one another. You’ll be part of a room where insight, innovation, and openness are shared freely.
Have questions? We’re happy to chat! Just reach out using the portal in the bottom left corner of this page.
Haven Workshop tickets are $5,590. Have a custom discount code provided by the Haven team? Or a speaker discount code? Make sure to apply your code at checkout to receive the discount. Reach out on our chat portal to the bottom left of this page with questions.
Interested in paying over time? We have 5 and 12-month payment plan options available for our Fall 2025 event. This is a more accessible option for those who wish to pay over time.
Additionally, we have a Design Duo ticket option available for groups—ideal for studio partners and leadership or operational roles. Use the code DESIGNDUO for $2k off total for two. For groups of three or more, please reach out to our team at workshop@thehavenlist.com or on the chat portal to the bottom left of this page to coordinate discounted group registration.
The Haven Workshop is a four-day retreat designed to support designers at all stages of business. Your experience includes meals, snacks, and sips from the MacArthur Place culinary team; 9 core sessions; 2 dynamic breakout discussions; event-wide access to 6 top industry experts; and an unparalleled opportunity to network with a welcoming group of like-minded designers. You’ll also receive a 150-page Strategy Workbook, digital session materials, a sample client proposal, thoughtful gifts and surprises throughout the retreat, a professional headshot with Jessica Burke, and lifetime entry into our private community group for ongoing connection and support.
While accommodations aren’t included in your ticket, we’ve partnered with MacArthur Place to offer a special discounted rate exclusively for Haven attendees (available while rooms last). This gives you the flexibility and freedom to choose how and where you stay—whether solo, with a friend, or offsite. On average, about 90% of our attendees stay at MacArthur Place to fully immerse themselves in the experience, soak in the beautiful property, and enjoy the ease of being just steps away from each day’s events. Booking information will be shared with you upon registration, and rooms at the discounted rate are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions about your stay or the discounted rate? Reach out anytime at workshop@thehavenlist.com or via our chat portal.
We sure do! Empower your leadership and align your vision with our Design Duo ticket option, which gives you $2k off total for two team members—ideal for studio partners and leadership or operational roles. Use code DESIGNDUO for the reduced rate. For groups of three or more, please reach out to our team at workshop@thehavenlist.com to coordinate discounted group registration.
You bet! We've had the pleasure of hosting attendees from all over the globe. The topics and strategy we cover can be applied to design firms near and far. Have questions about specific sessions and how they might apply to you and your business? Reach out to our team at workshop@thehavenlist.com or click on the chat portal on the bottom left of this page.
Absolutely! We’ve had attendees receive workshop tickets as meaningful gifts in the past. You can register using their name and email, and we’ll send them the next steps. If you’d like it to be a surprise, just email us at workshop@thehavenlist.com before completing your purchase—we’re happy to help coordinate it discreetly.
Unlike larger conferences, the Haven Workshop is intentionally designed to be intimate and focused. You’ll be learning alongside a welcoming network of around 35 attendees, allowing for deeper connections and meaningful time with our speakers. Peek at the next question for insight on how our panel experts will be present throughout the entire retreat experience.
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!). Ashley, Aymee, Ali, Melissa, Renee, and Jessica 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 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 only by their generosity, and they believe in building community over competition just as deeply as we do.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Haven Workshop is that the experience doesn’t end when the retreat does—it continues long after. Our alumni stay connected through design markets, in-person meetups, Zoom calls, and more. We also create a private Instagram group for each event, giving you a space to continue the conversations, share wins, ask questions, and support one another in your business journeys. You’ll gain access to your group in the weeks leading up to the retreat so you can begin forming connections before you even arrive. We’ll also provide a shared contact list to make staying in touch seamless.
Each session runs between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the topic, and is presented to the full group of attendees. This shared format fosters a true sense of community and allows for collective learning, where attendees gain insight not only from speakers but from one another. Sessions are thoughtfully designed to offer value to both well-established pros and emerging designers alike.
Our audience tends to be evenly balanced in experience with roughly 30% with 1–2 years, 40% with 3–5 years, and 30% with 5–10+ years in the industry. The common thread? Everyone comes with the shared goal of growing their business with a smart strategy and fresh perspective.
On day two, we’ll break into small groups for the design presentation breakout session. Then on day three, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our speakers in a more personal way during an interactive, small-group Q&A.
Yes! Once you register, you’ll gain access to our digital hub, which includes a curated list of favorite local spots and recommendations—personally selected by our team and trusted local friends.
Once you register, you’ll be directed to a page with all the event details and next steps—including the attendee registration form, booking information for MacArthur Place, and a planning checklist. You’ll also receive a confirmation email within 1-2 days with access to our digital workshop hub for easy reference anytime.
Mark your calendar! Early Access tickets for the Fall 2025 Haven Workshop launch Thursday, May 15th. General admission opens June 2nd.
Prior to the event, we’ll send you a form to select your meals and note any allergies, dietary needs, or preferences. We work closely with the culinary team at MacArthur Place to ensure every guest enjoys thoughtfully tailored, delicious meals and beverages throughout the retreat.
In celebration of its September release, each attendee will receive a signed copy of Rebecca Atwood’s newest book, The Harmonious Home—a beautifully crafted guide to creating thoughtful, balanced spaces inspired by colors, patterns, and textures found in the natural world. Rebecca's third book is filled with beautiful homes and includes expert advice from celebrated interior designers. It’s a meaningful takeaway to continue your creative momentum long after the workshop ends.
FROM OUR PANELS
TAKE A LOOK inside
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hear MORE from our alumni about
Cortney McClure
Amy Switzer
Meghan Evans
Judith DeMasters
Raising your rates with confidence.
Leveraging strategies for seamless project management.
Mapping out an effective plan to optimize and refine your processes for a streamlined workflow.
Consistently attracting your ideal client with intentional marketing and a strong referral system.
Building a trusted network of design professionals who can provide the support and community that foster growth.
Investing in yourself and valuing the long-term success of your business.
Schedule a Call
WITH OUR ALUMNI
Want to hear firsthand from someone who's experienced our workshop? We’ll arrange a call with one of our alumni to help you make an informed decision. We understand this is a significant investment for your business, and we want you to be confident it's the perfect fit. Our alumni will discuss their experience, the sessions they found most impactful, and what they've applied to their business since.
Email workshop@thehavenlist.com to schedule your call.
You're committed to growing your career—now let your company invest in it, too.
Are you a designer working at a firm and believe this experience could support your growth? You may be eligible for professional development funding. Many attendees have successfully attended the Haven Workshop with the support of their employer. Our pre-written letter makes it simple to request support and explain how the Haven Workshop will support your role, contribute to team growth, and bring back real value to your organization through new strategies, insights, and connections.
Whether your company offers professional development funding or simply appreciates initiative, this template gives you a clear, confident way to make the ask.
Are you a brand interested in sponsorship opportunities?
PARTNER WITH US
PARTNER WITH US
Have additional questions? You can reach out to us on the chat icon on this page or fill out the contact form below!
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:
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