My mission in life is not merely to survive, but the thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.
— Maya Angelou

About Megan

My goal with each new project is to bring a space to life by truly listening to homeowners, collaborating closely with contractors, and offering my own unique perspective. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, budgets, and styles — experiences that have helped me refine what I love most and how I can best serve my clients.

My passion for design began early. As a child, my interest in gardens, architecture and design started with frequent visits to the LA Arboretum, obsessively watching “This Old House with Bob Villa” and observing how different spaces made me feel. That curiosity led me to study architecture and art history in college, followed by more than a decade working as an interior designer in Los Angeles. During that time, I managed a variety of projects, from residential remodels to exclusive hotel bars and pool cabanas.

Along the way, I discovered a new creative outlet through taking evening classes in “lost wax” jewelry design and then launching my own line inspired by nature and architecture. When my husband and I moved to Ojai and then welcomed our two boys, I took a step back from work to focus on being home with them. That pause gave me the space to reconnect with what truly inspires me: being outdoors, tending our garden, and creating spaces that feel alive and rooted in their surroundings.

My growing interest in native plants and herbalism opened up a whole new world of design possibilities, inspiring me to become a certified California Native Plant Landscaper and landscape designer. Returning to interior design — now with a deeper appreciation for how the indoors and outdoors can harmonize — has been incredibly fulfilling.

I believe a home should reflect the needs, dreams, and lifestyle of the people who live there. Whether it’s an initial design consultation, presenting drawings and ideas, meeting with contractors, or finalizing details, I love guiding homeowners through each step of the process.

If you’d like to talk about your project or learn more about how I work, I’d love to hear from you.

Email: meganriderdesign@gmail.com