Brittany Cooper

After high school, North Carolina native Brittany Cooper hightailed to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in the arts. While in college at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, she discovered not just a passion for interior design, but also an appreciation for the California aesthetic—one based on an organic connection with the outdoors. In the year of 2012, Brittany opened five women’s boutiques in the Southeast region. Now back in her home state of North Carolina, Cooper founded Rathell Designs where she and her design partner Riley Scout Walker bring a Biophilic touch to both residential and commercial design. From greenery and nature scapes to water features and natural materials, the Rathell team creates comfortable, memorable, and inspiring spaces. “Biophilic design is a technique that brings nature into your home to create a sense of healing and peace,” Cooper says. “It’s about creating an oasis where you can forget everything else that’s going on in the world.” Home staging, too, is a popular service in North Carolina’s fast-paced real estate market. The Rathell team approaches these projects with sensitivity, understanding that emotions are at play as clients prepare to sell their homes. “Our method is always ‘less is more,’ and we educate clients before jumping in,” Cooper says. Fast forward to a few years later, Cooper has created a platform and division of design with Rathell Designs. Brittany is beyond proud and thankful for all the success that has accrued over the last few years. Even so, the design process is an intimate one, and Cooper acknowledges the challenge and privilege of working in clients’ innermost spaces. “I love what I do every day, and we love that people enjoy the experience through it all. Good design takes time,” Cooper concludes.