Each year, the editors of Architectural Digest embark on a cross-country pilgrimage, seeking out the vanguard of American design. This dedicated exploration culminates in the annual unveiling of "New American Voices," a curated selection of emerging talents who are not only defining the present but also architecting the future of how we live. For 2026, AD proudly spotlights nine distinct firms, each demonstrating a profound ability to reimagine residential spaces and influence design discourse across their respective regions and beyond. These luminaries, representing the diverse geographic and stylistic tapestry of the United States, are presenting innovative visions for homes that are not only aesthetically compelling but also functional, sustainable, and infused with a fresh, vital energy. They are, unequivocally, the names to watch now.
The selection process for New American Voices is a meticulous undertaking, involving extensive research, site visits, and in-depth interviews with designers, architects, and tastemakers across the nation. The criteria emphasize originality, a distinct point of view, a commitment to craft, and a demonstrated impact on the built environment. The 2026 cohort, representing a significant shift in design sensibilities, reflects a growing emphasis on personalized narratives, a deep respect for artisanal traditions, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and client well-being. This year’s honorees have collectively demonstrated an exceptional capacity to imbue spaces with meaning, function, and enduring beauty.
Dyali: Crafting Cultural Narratives in New York City
Rahul Ghera, the visionary behind Dyali, embodies a rich fusion of global influences that inform his distinctive design approach. Born in Queens to an Indian father and a Nigerian mother, Ghera’s upbringing was a vibrant immersion in diverse cultural traditions. This multicultural foundation was deeply influenced by his family’s successful embroidery business, which operated with roots in both New York City and Mumbai. This experience instilled in him a profound understanding of how intricate craftsmanship can serve as a powerful vehicle for creative expression, evident in his previous work on fashion for Todd Oldham, textiles for the home, and costumes for Broadway.
"A technical skill set makes creativity more empowering," Ghera states, reflecting on his formative years. This ethos guided his academic and professional trajectory. He pursued a master’s degree in architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), further honing his technical acumen. His early career included valuable experience at Ralph Lauren, a brand synonymous with American style and quality, and later in the esteemed offices of AD100 Hall of Famer Annabelle Selldorf. These experiences provided him with a robust understanding of both commercial design sensibilities and high-caliber architectural practice.
Since launching his firm, Dyali, in 2020—a name thoughtfully chosen in homage to his great-grandmother, a celebrated embroidery matriarch—Ghera has leveraged his multifaceted expertise to spearhead transformative residential projects in the bustling metropolis of New York City and beyond. His portfolio includes the meticulous redesign of a compact 550-square-foot studio, demonstrating his ability to maximize space and functionality, as well as the ambitious undertaking of combining four separate apartments into a cohesive and elegant whole.
"For me, the dialogue between architecture and interiors is so critical," Ghera emphasizes. "They are always in conversation." This philosophy translates into projects where the structural framework and the interior detailing are not treated as separate entities but as integral components of a unified design vision. His work is characterized by a keen attention to detail, a sophisticated palette, and an ability to create spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal. The success of Dyali underscores the increasing demand for designers who can navigate complex urban environments while infusing spaces with cultural resonance and individual stories.
Matthew Tsang: The Art of Transportive Design in Austin
Matthew Tsang’s design philosophy centers on creating environments that transcend the ordinary, offering a genuine escape from the routines of daily life. "A space should be transportive," Tsang asserts. "I want a room to feel like an escape from everyday life." This immersive approach is deeply rooted in his own diverse professional background, which spans the nuanced artistry of floristry and the dynamic atmosphere of the hospitality industry.
"Flowers taught me composition and scale; plants taught me about beauty; restaurants taught me flow and atmosphere," the Austin-based designer explains. These seemingly disparate experiences have coalesced into a design practice that prioritizes sensory engagement and emotional resonance. As a member of the prestigious AD PRO Directory, Tsang has garnered acclaim for his work on both eateries and residences across the country since establishing his firm in 2014.
Hallmarks of his projects include seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, the incorporation of sculptural forms that command attention, and the thoughtful curation of objects sourced from around the globe. These elements contribute to a design language that feels both curated and collected over time. Notably, Tsang also infuses his projects with pieces from his own furniture line, Tissilent—a clever play on the silent "T" in his surname—and his botanical studio, Tree Things. This integration of his own creations further personalizes and enriches the spaces he designs.
At the core of Tsang’s practice lies a profound appreciation for the wabi-sabi sensibility, an aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection and transience. "I am deeply inspired by Asian design principles," he shares, citing concepts such as "restraint, calmness, intentionality." These principles, he notes, have exerted a significant influence on design philosophies worldwide, including within the United States, and have undeniably shaped his own creative output. His ability to blend these philosophical underpinnings with a contemporary aesthetic positions him as a significant voice in the current design landscape.
Garance Rousseau: A Harmonious Blend of European Elegance and California Cool
Garance Rousseau’s design work possesses an innate ability to synthesize classic Continental élan with the relaxed "joie de vivre" characteristic of California living. This effortless fusion is a direct result of her unique upbringing, having been born and raised between the sophisticated environs of Los Angeles and the historic grandeur of Versailles. This dual exposure has imbued her with a sophisticated understanding of diverse aesthetic traditions.
A recognized phenom within the AD PRO Directory, Rousseau pursued studies in industrial design and fine art at Parsons in New York City. Her foundational experience includes brief but impactful tenures in the offices of AD100 mainstays Kelly Wearstler and Waldo Fernandez. These experiences provided her with invaluable exposure to leading-edge design practices and client management. Three years ago, she launched her namesake studio, and has since achieved remarkable traction.
Rousseau’s burgeoning portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, including a prestigious Fifth Avenue apartment overlooking Central Park, a charming Hudson Valley cottage commissioned by a prominent Broadway and film actor, and a serene musicians’ retreat nestled in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Los Angeles. She also designed a distinctive Swedish-inflected farmhouse, painted a striking cherry red, for a science fiction writer in the Hollywood Hills. This eclectic mix highlights her adaptability and her capacity to imbue each project with a unique narrative.
"I take an intuitive approach. I always start with the architecture and ask what the house wants," Rousseau explains, underscoring her preference for vintage furnishings and meticulously crafted custom details. This client-centric and site-specific methodology ensures that each design is deeply responsive to its context and inhabitants. Her guiding principle is that "a great home should reflect nothing so much as the people who live there." This commitment to creating deeply personal and resonant spaces has quickly established her as a rising star in the design world, bridging geographical and stylistic divides with her signature blend of sophistication and warmth.
Marshall Neve: A Curated Symphony of Global Treasures in New York City
A visit to Marshall Neve’s compact yet treasure-laden apartment in New York City’s Chinatown offers an immediate and profound insight into his discerning eye and eclectic tastes. His collection is a testament to his broad aesthetic vision, featuring an array of unique objects including an African Bwa butterfly mask, a curated selection of antique duck decoys, a whimsical Victorian bamboo book grabber, and a vintage Japanese fireman’s jacket. This eclectic mix is not random but rather a deliberate compilation of pieces that resonate with him personally.
"I love English furniture and silver, Japanese and Chinese things, folk art, Americana. I’m not chasing any one lane or look exclusively," Neve articulates, defining his approach as one that prioritizes quality and aesthetic appeal over stylistic categorization. "I’m interested in great furniture, art, and objects, so I like to keep the backgrounds laid-back and quiet—no big statements with wallpaper and fabrics." This strategy allows the carefully chosen objects to take center stage, creating a dialogue between the artifacts and the space they inhabit.
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Neve spent time working in advertising and social media before a pivotal move to Manhattan sparked an epiphany regarding his passion for interiors. His formal education in the field unfolded over five years of dedicated experience within the offices of the renowned AD100 firm Redd Kaihoi. This period provided him with invaluable mentorship and exposure to high-level design execution.
Currently, Neve is engaged in completing an East Village apartment for actor-writer Benito Skinner, a project that is anticipated to showcase his signature blend of historical references and contemporary sensibility. His ability to integrate diverse cultural artifacts and furniture styles into cohesive and compelling interiors positions him as a designer with a unique ability to craft spaces that tell stories and reflect a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history.
Pat Austin Design: Embracing the Unpredictable in Portland
The work of Pat Austin Design, an AD PRO Directory firm based in Portland, Oregon, is consistently characterized by an element of surprise—an intriguing artisanal flourish here, a daring eruption of color and pattern there. Even the firm’s name is an homage, a thoughtful tribute by founding partners Candace Cohu and Ally Hasche to the late artist Pat Austin, wife of the celebrated rosarian David Austin, who famously named a rose varietal in her honor. This evocative name hints at the creative spirit that infuses their design endeavors.
While the firm demonstrates a remarkable versatility, adeptly navigating a variety of design languages—from a Craftsman bungalow in Tacoma to a contemporary home in Seattle and a Spanish Revival villa in Los Angeles—their interiors consistently exhibit a shared set of principles. These include a profound respect for bold forms, meticulously refined finishes, and a sophisticated command of tone and texture. This consistency, despite stylistic diversity, speaks to their core design philosophy.
"We really respect the architecture, but at the same time we’re interested in the tension of the unpredictable. Nothing in design should be an easy cut and paste," states Cohu, articulating their commitment to avoiding formulaic approaches. This dedication to originality and thoughtful experimentation ensures that each project feels fresh and uniquely tailored to its clients and environment.
In 2022, the duo, pictured at their Portland office, joined forces with Max Pluenneke to establish Patty Studios, an atelier dedicated to the creation of fine carpets handwoven in Nepal. This expansion into artisanal textile production further underscores their commitment to craft and their desire to control every element of the design process. "We have no desire to become a big mogul firm," Hasche remarks regarding their aspirations, "But we have big goals, big dreams." This ambition, coupled with their innovative spirit, positions Pat Austin Design as a significant force in the contemporary design landscape, pushing boundaries and redefining aesthetic possibilities.
Insides Studio: Layered Personalities and Historic Charm in Freeport
Kacee Witherbee, the founder of Insides Studio, frequently encounters a particular request from her discerning clientele: "We don’t want it to look like we hired a designer." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates her specialty: crafting layered, deeply personal spaces that feel organically evolved and authentically lived-in. Since launching her firm in 2022, this Georgia-born talent has cultivated a reputation for her ability to seamlessly blend a reverence for the past with sophisticated, contemporary decorating techniques.
Witherbee’s academic background in historic preservation from the College of Charleston provided her with a foundational understanding of historical contexts and architectural integrity. This knowledge was further enriched by the invaluable decorating tricks she acquired while working under the tutelage of industry veteran Richard Keith Langham. This unique combination of historical appreciation and practical expertise informs her distinctive design approach.
Currently, Witherbee, a former art director and production designer, brings her vision to life through a range of creative applications. She might upholster sofas for a Maine living room using her client’s grandmother’s cherished kilims, or design custom bubblegum-pink shades for a Murano-glass chandelier in a Brooklyn brownstone. These bespoke touches infuse spaces with personality and a narrative depth that resonates with her clients.
At her own 18th-century home in Maine, Witherbee showcases her design philosophy in practice. The ever-so-slightly imperfect architecture and a collection of prized objects, such as an antique memory jar crafted from broken china, contribute to an intangible quality of effortless charm that her clients so admire. "Little touches," Witherbee explains, "give a home real emotion and life." This focus on the nuanced details and the emotional resonance of a space underscores her ability to create environments that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful and conducive to well-being.
Blessed Little Bungalow: Joyful Maximalism from Atlanta
Amber Guyton, the creative force behind Blessed Little Bungalow, recalls her upbringing in rural South Carolina with a touch of wistful reflection: "I didn’t know interior design could be a job." Yet, even then, her innate talent was evident. "I was always moving furniture, stenciling borders, and repainting walls." This childhood passion foreshadowed a career dedicated to transforming spaces.
After pursuing studies in journalism and advertising, Guyton’s journey into professional design began organically. While renovating a 1940s San Antonio bungalow, her mother posed the pivotal question: "When are you gonna do this for real?" What started in 2016 as a home-renovation blog and a decorating side hustle evolved into a full-time occupation by 2021.
Today, the AD PRO Directory member, pictured at her Atlanta home, oversees projects across Georgia and beyond. Her burgeoning career is marked by a new line of bedding, a recently completed television pilot, and the highly anticipated release of her first book, Soulful Maximalism (Rock Point), slated for October 6. In this publication, she distills her signature approach—bold, upbeat, and color-forward—into four foundational pillars: joy, culture, layers, and intention.
"Some people hear maximalist and think it’s a dirty word," she muses, addressing a common misconception. "There is a way to be maximalist and keep things balanced." Her primary objective is to inject happiness into every room she designs. "Everyone deserves to love where they live," she asserts, advocating for the universal accessibility of good design. "Interior design is for everyone." This inclusive ethos, combined with her vibrant and optimistic aesthetic, is making Blessed Little Bungalow a leading name in contemporary design, championing the idea that homes should be joyful extensions of their inhabitants’ personalities.
Hayley Bridget Interiors: Romantic Refinement in New York
"I really like to be in control of everything," confesses Hayley Cavagnolo, the founder of Hayley Bridget Interiors. This desire for comprehensive oversight extends from the initial conceptualization of a project through to the final placement of clients’ personal items, including even the organization of a home at the project’s conclusion. While her process is undeniably rigorous, the resulting spaces are characterized by a romantic sensibility, a harmonious blend of soft, organic hues, patinated antiques, and elegantly edited vignettes.
Since launching her firm in 2021, following seven years of invaluable experience working with design luminary Michelle R. Smith, Cavagnolo, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), has applied her "traditional yet refined" approach to projects across the United States and internationally. Currently, her focus is concentrated on the greater New York City area. Recent projects include a sophisticated refresh of a Brooklyn townhouse for Alice Russotti of Porta, and she currently has seven projects in various stages of development.
"I love pairing modern elements with classical design," she states, highlighting her ability to create dynamic juxtapositions. "I like layers, but nothing too fussy." This balanced approach ensures that her interiors feel curated and elegant without appearing overly ornate or complicated. Her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to infuse spaces with a sense of timeless romance have quickly established her as a sought-after designer for clients seeking both sophistication and comfort in their homes.
Kelsey Sundberg: Narrative-Driven Spaces in Los Angeles
When Kelsey Sundberg embarks on a new project, her initial and most crucial step is to deeply understand the homeowners and their lives. She probes their daily rituals, identifies the objects they hold most dear, and seeks to grasp the essence of their personal narratives. "I’m more interested in how spaces are experienced than how they look," Sundberg explains, a sentiment that underscores her human-centered design philosophy. Her studies in weaving at RISD provided her with a unique perspective on texture, materiality, and the inherent storytelling capacity of handcrafted objects.
After five years honing her skills in the office of AD100 maestro Pam Shamshiri, Sundberg launched her own practice in 2022, driven by a desire to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply evocative and personally resonant. "I’m drawn to objects that feel tactile and grounded," she adds, indicating her preference for materials and forms that connect occupants to their surroundings in a tangible way.
Her narrative-driven process often leads her to explore the archives of Los Angeles’s public libraries, seeking inspiration from historical precedents. "Spaces of the past," she observes, "can help identify how you want to feel in a room. Then, I massage that into something that makes sense for you and your house." This methodology ensures that each design is a thoughtful interpretation of historical influences tailored to contemporary living.
This approach was evident in her work for fashion designer Lela Becker’s home in Pacific Palisades, where Sundberg created a vibrant, groovy reimagining of Lee Radziwill’s iconic tented sitting room, originally designed by Renzo Mongiardino. Whether contributing to the rebuilding of a dream house as part of the fire relief initiative Collective or outfitting a hotel in the Lake Tahoe area, Sundberg’s overarching goal remains consistent: "it’s about creating spaces that feel alive and have a memory." Her ability to imbue spaces with narrative and emotional depth marks her as a significant emerging talent in the design world.
These nine firms represent the forefront of American design, each bringing a unique perspective, a deep commitment to craft, and an innovative vision for the future of residential living. Their work, as showcased in Architectural Digest‘s 2026 New American Voices feature, not only elevates the aesthetic landscape but also enriches the lives of those who inhabit the spaces they create, demonstrating that design is, at its core, about fostering connection, comfort, and a profound sense of place.
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