CARLA SMITH

FOUNDER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carla Smith is a well-respected and sought-after designer known for delighting her nationwide clientele for almost 30 years.Every project begins with understanding a client’s lifestyle and expectations, and then co-creating a customized design plan that complements existing architecture.Known for creating one-of-a-kind design elements, Carla creates spaces with a personalized ambiance unique to each client.Her years of experience working with architects, tradesmen, and installers ensure smooth project coordination and management from start to finish. Delivering on-time is an important part of the client experience.

Carla’s work has been photographed in prominent design magazines and featured on an Emmy Award television show. Carla was a finalist in Sub Zero’s Great American Kitchen contest and she was selected to work with DuPont chemists to create new color options for Corian surfaces. Carla has been a contributor for The Huffington Post on kitchen trends and designs along with her tips on home decor. Carla served on the Board of Directors of the Teen Impact Affiliate of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and has been invited to speak at the West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference.

Carla lives in Beverly Hills with her husband Alan.

Originally from Western New York, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from Villa Maria College in 2007. During her time in school, she traveled to Toronto, Montreal, and Pittsburgh for an in-depth study of the different architecture and design within each city. Melissa completed an internship at the Daltile Gallery in Manhattan, and remained in New York City where she held a position in high-end residential construction management. This career shift proved to be invaluable as it enabled her to better understand the trades and ultimately how designs become a reality. She quickly learned that with the right planning, anything is possible.

Melissa has been working with Carla Smith at Hub of the House since she moved to Los Angeles in 2011. She lives in Toluca Lake with her husband Tim, her daughter June, and her cat Kiki.

MELISSA BANNING

PARTNER
SENIOR DESIGN DEVELOPER
PROJECT COORDINATOR