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 145 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.

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 past 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 in 2019. Her work has been shared globally and she has been featured in dozens of media outlets. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Female Founder Collective.

Favorite part of being backstage at BANDD: Working alongside so many 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 Megan Thee Stallion 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.

Click our photos to learn more about us.

MEGHAN KARDOW

Design Director + Senior Designer

Meghan is a native Texan, growing up in Houston, who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of Texas and her Master’s of Interior Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona.

Her love of design was born through her passion for art from a very young age. This interest in art history took her to study fine arts in college, concentrating on drawing and painting. Interior Design was always a passion on the side, and after college, she relocated to Los Angeles to study Interior Architecture. She lived in Los Angeles for 5 years where she immersed herself in the design community, joining ASID and working for several LA residential designers. To Meghan, design should have a personality that goes beyond functionality. Your home should truly reflect both who you are and how you will live in the space.

Favorite part of being backstage at BANDD: Working with this team is the best part of my day. This group of smart, funny, creative, strong, badass women make work more fun everyday.
Favorite part of the design process: The installation. Seeing something we have drawn or mocked up for a client come to life is the best, and having a client excited to see their finished space makes it worth it.
Design principle you swear by: It all comes back to proportion and scale. Making sure your pieces are well proportioned in the space and with each other.
Best meal you’ve ever eaten: The traditional Cuban dinner my family has every year for Noche Buena. I look forward to it all year!
Favorite Movie quote: “If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit next to me.” – Steel Magnolias.
Karaoke go-to song: Truth Hurts by: Lizzo (could almost do it without the prompter)
If you weren’t working in design, you’d be: Own a winery in Napa. You get to drink the wine you make right?

KAITLIN DAILEY

Design Assistant

Kaitlin was originally a fashion merchandising major, but found that she wanted a more creative outlet – and that’s where interior design found her. She graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. She’s always loved that the cornerstone of interior design is psychology, and the ability to help influence others through their space is what really drew her to the profession. Her insane perfectionism and attention to detail has made her successful in the design world, but most importantly, she loves having a creative outlet that helps other people.

Favorite part of being backstage at BANDD: Getting to work with super cool people and be part of such a creative community!
Favorite part of the design process: Install day – it’s always so satisfying to see your tireless efforts come to life in front of you. It makes all of the time and effort so worth it.
Design principle you swear by: Contrast – I’m a big proponent of designing with a lot of color and I love the challenge of pairing contrasting colors and tones. Don’t be afraid of lots of color!
Best meal you’ve ever eaten: Valentine’s Day special at III Forks – I could literally feel my heart radiating joy because the food was so good…
Favorite Movie quote: “You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choos. I saw it.” – The Devil Wears Prada
Karaoke go-to song: “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
If you weren’t working in design, you’d be: I want to work in the otter exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Dubai Aquarium. My whole life is dedicated to meeting an otter in person.

ARIELLE MYRICK

Design Assistant

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.