ALL ABOUT THE BANDD

SARA MALEK BARNEY, ASID

Founder + Principal Designer

Sara is the mastermind behind the design. Since its establishment in 2017, BANDD/DESIGN has successfully executed over 160 residential projects, many of which have been recognized and published around the world. High-quality, approachable design is the driving force behind everything BANDD touches. In conjunction with her passion for interior design, Sara launched BANDD/DEVELOPMENT 2021 from a growing love for renovating and building beautiful homes and spaces throughout the Austin and Southern California areas, as well as nationwide. In late 2023, Sara founded and launched The Designer Alliance, a growing network of design professionals who gather together in the spirit of celebrating the design industry as a whole.

Prior to launching BANDD/DESIGN, Sara spent the first phase of her professional career in Los Angeles, working in the fast-paced entertainment and sports industries, as an executive at companies such as SXSW, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her experience helps her deliver timeless, unique designs to her projects.

Sara, a University of Texas alum, has degrees in Corporate Communication and Interior Design. Some of Sara’s accolades include being named to the inaugural class of Fortune Magazine‘s Most Powerful Women {Next Gen}, one of Austin Monthly‘s Women to Watch for multiple years, one of the top 3 interior designers in the Austin area, and being nominated for an International Design & Architecture Award and HGTV‘s Designer of the Year. Additionally, she is a member of the Design Leadership Network, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and the Female Founder Collective. 

Sara is a mom to two spirited, hilarious teen girls and she splits her time between her hometown, Austin, and sunny Los Angeles.

  • Favorite part of being backstage at BANDD: Working alongside some really talented badasses. I’m so lucky!
  • Favorite part of the design process: Install day! Nothing like seeing the fruits of your labor IRL.
  • Design principle you swear by: No. Schluter. Ever.
  • Best meal you’ve ever eaten: A 9-course experimential Japanese tasting at Itacho in Los Angeles in 2003.
  • Favorite Movie quote: “A gun rack…a gun rack? I don’t even own *a* gun. Let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do…with a gun rack?” – Wayne’s World.
  • Karaoke go-to song: Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield.
  • If you weren’t working in design, you’d be: Backup dancer for Dua Lipa and/or boyband historian.

MEET THE BANDD MATES

At BANDD/DESIGN, we believe that design should feel effortless, interesting, and purposeful. We have bases in Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles, California but we find inspiration from everywhere – our travels, art, fashion, culture, and even our kids (of the furry and human variety!).

Click our photos to learn more about us.

ARIELLE MYRICK

Lead Designer + Project Manager

Arielle was born and raised in New Jersey. Her journey as a designer took root in her hometown of Princeton, a town that epitomizes both tradition and innovation. From there, Arielle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI), where her studies also included a minor in Visual Arts (Sculpture). The School of Architecture was where her design perspective evolved, allowing her to grasp spatial dynamics, material intricacies, and innovative structural concepts. This academic program shaped her capacity to seamlessly integrate aesthetics with intention, a skill that would guide her future endeavors. Currently, she is an interior designer who combines her education and surroundings to create functional and visually appealing spaces that match clients’ preferences and needs.

  • Favorite part of being backstage at BANDD: Getting to work so closely with incredibly creative people, who also love to have a good time!
  • Favorite part of the design process: I love the excitement and energy that comes at the start of a new project.
  • Design principle you swear by: Visual hierarchy. It’s such a simple tool, and yet it’s so impactful.
  • Best meal you’ve ever eaten: I’m a Jersey girl, so I’m going to have to say eating a pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich with my grandmother while overlooking the beach as a kid.
  • Favorite Movie quote: “Magic is really very simple. All you’ve got to do is want something and let yourself have it.” – Halloweentown
  • Karaoke go-to song: “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind
  • If you weren’t working in design, you’d be: Working in the social sciences. I’d switch my focus from people’s external worlds to their internal worlds.

JENEA HOUSTON

Design Assistant

Jenea’s passion for design began at a young age, especially during home renovations with her mother, which transformed a shared hobby into a gateway to the world of interior design. This early exposure sparked her desire to delve deeper into the field.

Pursuing interior design full-time has been one of her most rewarding decisions. Jenea graduated from Texas Tech University with dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and Interior Design. She thrives on collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life, understanding the profound impact that design can have on both spaces and their inhabitants. Recognizing the responsibility that comes with design, she is committed to innovative approaches that blend aesthetic appeal with functionality.

  • Favorite part of being backstage at BANDD: This supportive environment offers endless learning opportunities and fosters personal growth. The collaborative atmosphere encourages creativity and innovation, allowing me to refine my skills and expand my knowledge continuously.
  • Favorite part of the design process: The beginning when we develop a comprehensive plan to bring the client’s vision to life. It’s an exciting time of brainstorming and creativity, laying the foundation for a successful project.
  • Design principle you swear by: Balance is absolutely key, this rings true regardless of the project!
  • Best meal you’ve ever eaten: I grew up eating soul food. So I have to say my mom’s baked macaroni, nothing comes close to this!
  • Favorite Movie quote: “Treat everyday like Christmas” -Elf
  • Karaoke go-to song: “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey
  • If you weren’t working in design, you’d be: I would run a seasonal gift box and greeting card business. It would allow me to share my passion for holidays and gift-giving. The joy of creating seasonal gifts and helping others celebrate special moments truly excites me.