A Luxury Retreat at the Intersection of Design, Wellness, and Community
crafted for interior designers ready to elevate both their work and well-being
gathering in charleston, south carolina | may 04-07, 2026
The mission
Cultivating Our Creative Landscape
The Design Field is a luxury wellness retreat in Charleston, South Carolina created exclusively for interior designers longing to nurture their creativity and grow their business with intention.
Over four transformative days, The Design Field guides designers through our Root to Rise journey — featuring immersive design education, hands-on workshops at Charleston’s premier showrooms, inspiring keynote sessions led by industry experts, and restorative wellness experiences.
This retreat equips us with tools to reconnect with our craft, establish sustainable business and wellness practices, and find clarity in both profitability and our artistry.
The destination
Charleston, South Carolina
Set in Charleston’s emerging design district, we offer more than just inspiration, we provide a lived experience.
Step inside designer showrooms, engage with vendors and partners in their own environments, and connect directly with tastemakers and artisans who share our design philosophies and sensibilities.
The harvest
The Seeds You Sow, The Growth You Reap
This retreat is an investment in both your business and personal wellbeing. You’ll leave with stronger systems, deeper clarity, and the creative energy to expand your work with purpose and confidence.
✓ creative renewal
Step away from the screens and back into tactile creativity. Through hands-on workshops, inspiring showroom experiences, and design exploration, rediscover the joy of creating with intention and intuition.
✓ community + connection
Join a like-minded collective of designers who value collaboration over competition. Build meaningful relationships and find ongoing support from a community that truly understands the creative journey.
✓ business growth
Gain insider strategies from renowned design experts. Learn how to refine your systems, elevate your client experience, and grow a brand that’s both profitable and deeply aligned with your values.
✓ inspiration in place
Set within Charleston’s vibrant design district, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes access to showrooms and leading makers, experiencing firsthand the city’s unique blend of heritage and innovation.
✓ holistic wellness
Restore balance through guided wellness practices that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. From yoga and meditation to mindset coaching, these sessions help you return home with clarity and purpose.
✓ lasting transformation
This is an investment in both your professional and personal growth. You’ll leave with new tools and actionable steps, to lead your business and your creativity from a place of confidence and power.
the host venue
The Dewberry
Historic Roots. Modern Elegance. A Designer’s Haven.
Set in the heart of downtown Charleston, The Dewberry is a striking blend of Southern heritage and modern sophistication. The hotel offers a deeply inspiring atmosphere that mirrors the spirit of the retreat itself: grounded in tradition, elevated with intention – where beauty and experience converge.
design-centric environment
The Dewberry offers a setting that speaks directly to the sensibilities of our design community. Its thoughtful midcentury-modern interiors, locally sourced art, and vintage design details create an atmosphere that feels both refined and inspiring. Every space reflects Charleston’s unique blend of heritage and innovation, making The Dewberry the ideal backdrop for a luxury interior design retreat where creativity, connection, and craftsmanship converge.
at the heart of charleston’s design scene
Ideally situated in downtown Charleston, The Dewberry offers easy access to the city’s emerging design district. Its central location places us steps away from leading showrooms, artisan vendors, and cultural landmarks making it the perfect home base for our immersive, on-the-field retreat experience.
visit the dewberry
the Details
What Awaits You in the Field
Every detail of The Design Field is thoughtfully curated to offer both inspiration and restoration. Your ticket includes access to an immersive four-day itinerary designed to nurture your creativity, expand your professional network, and reconnect you with the heart of why you create.
01. four days of immersive programming
Step into a thoughtfully curated itinerary that blends design education, creative workshops, and inspiring keynote conversations led by today’s most respected voices in the industry. Each day is guided by our “Root to Rise” philosophy helping you ground your creative purpose, explore new ideas, and rise renewed in both your business and your artistry.
02. exclusive showroom access
Gain behind-the-scenes access to Charleston’s premier design showrooms from heritage brands to emerging makers. Experience tactile learning through interactive demonstrations, meet local artisans, and discover curated collections that deepen your understanding of materiality, craftsmanship, and sourcing.
03. wellness + restoration sessions
Because creativity thrives when we feel whole, we’ve thoughtfully integrated wellness experiences that restore both body and mind. From sunrise yoga and guided meditation to intentional reflection sessions and transformative business-wellness coaching, each moment is designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and realign. You’ll leave feeling grounded, centered, and creatively renewed ready to bring that sense of balance back into your design practice.
04. curated dining + community gathering experiences
Connect with fellow designers over beautifully hosted dinners, intimate networking events, and editorial-style gatherings set against Charleston’s most inspiring backdrops. Each meal is an experience in itself crafted to nourish conversation, community, and collaboration.
step into the field
Join Us May 2026 in Charleston — Reserve Your Plot
Experience a retreat where creativity takes root and community flourishes. The Design Field is a transformative four-day gathering where design, wellness, and community grow in harmony. From intimate conversations with leading designers to curated showroom explorations and restorative wellness sessions, every detail is thoughtfully cultivated to nourish both your professional growth and personal renewal.
The Hosts
Meet the Founders
“We created The Design Field as the retreat we wished existed. One that is immersive, wellness-driven, and a true sanctuary for designers to reconnect with their craft, rebalance their daily rhythm, and regain their community.”
Caity Smithson
FOUNDER + EVENT DIRECTOR
@maeproperinteriors
Joannah Harbeck
FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR
@sundaymorning_interiors
The Design Field was born from a shared vision between Caity Smithson of Mae Proper Interiors (Iron Mountain, MI) and Joannah Harbeck of Sunday Morning Interiors (Monterey Peninsula, CA). What began as conversations about the gaps in traditional design conferences soon evolved into a clear idea to create something more intimate, restorative, and designed to truly serve the well-being of interior designers.
Together, they imagined a retreat that feels immersive and holistic, where wellness is as central as business strategy,
and where designers can step away from the digital hustle and back into an analog world of hands-on learning, exclusive showroom tours or “adult field trips”, and meaningful connections.
With their blend of masterful strategy and soulful intention (classic Capricorns), Caity and Joannah have shaped an experience designers crave: a beautiful sanctuary to elevate their craft, grow their business, and return home renewed, clear, and deeply connected long after Charleston.
The Speakers
Meet Your Guides
Our speakers bring a balance of creative insight, business strategy, and soulful wisdom to inspire meaningful growth.
the sessions
Conversations that Shape the Field
Our keynote sessions bring together leading voices in design for honest, inspiring dialogue. Each conversation offers a glimpse into the philosophies, challenges, and creative processes that shape their work and ours. Through shared stories and practical insight, these sessions invite you to see your own practice with renewed clarity, purpose, and possibility.
01. brand building: strategy from the ground up
Define your brand with intention. Learn how to craft a visual identity, voice, and message that attract your ideal clients and reflect your authentic creative vision.
02. designing the ideal client experience
From onboarding to proposals, refine every client touchpoint to create a seamless, elevated journey that builds trust, loyalty, and long-term success.
03. visibility + workflow: where presence meets process
Discover how to align your marketing, systems, and workflow for consistent visibility that feels purposeful—not performative.
04. profit + confidence: building clarity in your financials
Gain confidence in the business side of design. Learn to price for profit, manage budgets with clarity, and establish financial systems that support your growth.
05. finding clients that fit
Learn how to attract clients who align with your values, style, and process —and where to invest your time and energy for meaningful results.
06. design presentation through inspiration + aspiration
Elevate your presentations through storytelling and visual narrative. Incorporate custom and vintage pieces that add depth, soul, and individuality to every project.
07. social strategy: building presence with purpose
Develop a social media strategy rooted in authenticity and alignment, transforming your online presence into a reflection of your creative essence.
08. value as your foundation
Anchor your business in clarity and intention by defining the values that guide your decisions, partnerships, and leadership style.
09. the work within: reframing thought + reclaiming power
Go inward to break through limiting beliefs, reframe self-doubt, and cultivate the mindset that allows creativity and confidence to flourish.
The JOURNEY
Our Path from Root to Rise
Each day of the retreat is intentionally curated to mirror the natural rhythm of growth. We begin by rooting ourselves with a foundation of education, then expand through exploration, restoration, and rising together in renewal. Together, these four phases form a journey of reconnection to your craft, your community, and the deeper why behind the work you do.
Root
DAY 1
Our opening day is designed to ground us in clarity and purpose. Through dynamic speaker sessions, we’ll dive into the foundational elements of our brand, creative rhythm, and business structure. It’s a day for learning, engaging, and planting the roots that will support everything to come.
Roam
DAY 2
This is the day we explore and experiment. Through hands-on workshops, curated showroom tours, and interactive speaker sessions, we will roam through new ideas, techniques, and tools, gathering real-world inspiration and clear takeaways to bring back to our business.
Restore
DAY 3
A day of restoration: spirit, creativity, and connection. We’ll begin with a nourishing spa session to unwind, followed by rejuvenating experiences that remind us of the beauty in preserving what was, while making space for what’s to come.
Rise
DAY 4
Our final day is about integration and elevation. With space to reflect, refine, and reconnect, we will leave with a renewed sense of direction, a rhythm that supports both creativity and structure, and a deeper connection to our voice, vision, and community.
The Field Itinerary
A Transformative Four-Day Experience
What follows is a glimpse into our thoughtfully curated agenda, a journey designed to move you from Root to Rise. Each day unfolds like building blocks, balancing business growth, creative exploration, and personal restoration.
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Arrival + Welcome Gathering
Keynote Speaker: Brooke Stoll
“The Architecture of Efficiency: A Blueprint for Growth + Scalability”
Keynote Speaker: Ali Faulkner
“From Leads to Loyalty: The New Era of Client Onboarding”
Keynote Speaker: Julia Miller
“Brand Alchemy: Defining Your Creative DNA”
Cocktail Hour at the Citrus Club
Speaker Q+A Intimate Setting Panel
Welcome Dinner, “The Golden Hour”
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Interactive Session with Julia Miller
“The Anatomy of a Presentation: Communicating Vision with Clarity and Resonance”
Interactive Session with Ali Faulkner
“The Business of Visibility: Attracting Aligned Clients Through Strategy”
Interactive Session with Brooke Stoll
“Abundance by Design: Maximizing Profit and Building Financial Confidence”
Design District Showroom Excursions
Fritz Porter: Hand Blocking Workshop
Urban Electric: Factory Tour
Schumacher: Design Insights + Special Guest Book Signing
Textures: Sip + Learn with Private Charleston Cocktail Hour and Oyster Roast
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Morning Mindset Attunement with Angie Wisdom
Wellness Spa Treatments
Jenni Kayne Experience: Aligning Personal Style with Professional Identity
Business + Wellness Coaching with Angie Wisdom
Signature Cocktail Hour
Farewell Dinner, “The Final Bloom”
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Rooftop Yoga + Mindset Realignment
Professional Headshots
Guided Goal Setting + Reflection
Closing Gathering
THE showroom EXPERIENCES
Exploring Charleston’s Most Respected Design Houses and Makers
Immersive experiences ground us in the true soul of design, where it’s lived, created, and sourced with intention. Our showroom visits and hands-on workshops invite us into a deeper way of connecting with tastemakers and artisans, experiencing their craft within the spaces where it comes to life.
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Hosted in one of Charleston’s most thoughtfully curated design destinations, this hands-on workshop at Fritz Porter invites us to explore the art of hand-block printing. Surrounded by a collection of globally sourced textiles and artisan-made furnishings, we will engage in a tactile, creative process that speaks to the heart of craftsmanship.
This immersive experience is a celebration of detail, materiality, and the slow, intentional work that defines great design.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hand-block printing workshop with Filling Spaces
Exploration of globally sourced textiles and artisan furnishings
An unforgettable opportunity to create your own hand-printed textile
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We’ll be welcomed into The Urban Electric Co., where timeless craftsmanship meets modern innovation. Venture inside their factory for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how their iconic lighting is made, witnessing each stage of the process from design to fabrication. We’ll also preview their newest product releases and hear directly from the team about upcoming brand initiatives and creative direction.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided factory tour with behind-the-scenes access to the making of Urban Electric lighting
First look at their newest product launches and collections
Exclusive insight into future brand initiatives and design innovations
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We’ll step into the world of Schumacher, a heritage brand known for its iconic textiles and timeless design legacy. Experience their latest collections up close, discover what’s next for the brand, and engage in conversation around craftsmanship and innovation.
This visit will also feature a special book signing with our special guest author, offering an intimate moment to connect with design inspiration on and off the page.
HIGHLIGHTS
Showcase of Schumacher’s newest collections
Special guest book signing
Exclusive access to design stories and inspirations behind their best-selling patterns
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Our journey continues at Textures, a destination where elevated surfaces and materials take center stage. Explore the showroom’s curated collections, gain insider perspective on innovative applications, and connect directly with the team shaping these designs.
The event concludes in true Charleston style with a cocktail hour and oyster roast.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided exploration of Textures’ showroom and collections
Insight into innovative surface applications and design trends
A Charleston-style celebration with cocktails and an oyster roast honoring local tradition
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Step into the Jenni Kayne Charleston showroom and experience a lifestyle rooted in effortless luxury and elevated living. Known for timeless pieces that embrace natural textures and refined simplicity, Jenni Kayne’s collections resonate deeply with the sensibilities of interior designers.
Enjoy a curated shopping moment that celebrates both personal style and professional identity, paired with an intimate wellness-inspired session that captures the essence of the Jenni Kayne way of life.
HIGHLIGHTS
Intentional living mini workshop
Curated shopping experience
Immersive introduction to the Jenni Kayne lifestyle
the FAQs
Your Field Guide
What to Know Before You Join Us
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WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
The Design Field is created for interior designers at any stage, whether you're just beginning your studio or looking to scale your business. Our curriculum and immersive experiences are tailored to support both creative growth and strategic development.
WHAT IF I’M NEWER IN BUSINESS OR AN ESTABLISHED DESIGNER, IS THIS STILL A FIT?
Absolutely. Our content is designed to stretch and serve designers at a range of experiences. Beginners will gain foundational tools and clarity, while established designers will benefit from elevated strategy, fresh perspectives, and higher-level systems.
CAN I ATTEND IF I’M NOT AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Although we would love to welcome all, this retreat is designed specifically for interior designers and design-adjacent professionals.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY TICKET?
Your registration covers:
All meals, snacks, and beverages (from arrival through the closing gathering)
Access to all workshops, panel sessions, and showroom visits
Spa treatment (options of either 50-minute Swedish Massage or 50-minute Classic Facial) and rooftop yoga session
Professional headshots, curated gifts, business workbook
Ongoing access to our private alumni community for post-retreat connection
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HOW MUCH DOES THIS RETREAT COST?
The retreat is $5,250 USD per individual ticket or $4,850 USD per person for small groups registering together. We also offer early-bird pricing of $500 off for a limited time.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR TRANSFER MY TICKET?
We understand life happens. Tickets are non-refundable but transferable to another designer.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Not at the moment. If you prefer to explore additional payment flexibility, you’re welcome to use third-party financing services such as Afterpay, Klarna, or similar providers on your own. Please note that The Design Field is not affiliated with, partnered with, or responsible for any third-party financing platforms. All terms, approvals, and repayment agreements are solely between you and the selected provider.
CAN I WRITE THIS OFF AS A BUSINESS EXPENSE?
In most cases, yes. Many attendees are able to write it off as professional development. Please confirm with your tax professional.
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ARE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED?
No. Hotel accommodations are not included. However, we’ll share a discounted room block at our host venue, The Dewberry, for retreat attendees. You’re welcome to stay off-site or share a room, per your preference.
WHAT IS THE GROUP SIZE OR ATTENDEE LIMIT?
Typically we limit to ~30 attendees. We maintain an intimate group size to ensure meaningful connection, one-on-one access to speakers, and deep engagement during sessions.
WHEN DO I NEED TO ARRIVE / CHECK IN? WHEN DO I NEED TO DEPART / CHECK OUT?
Check-in begins on Day 1 (Monday, May 04) at 1:00 PM, followed by our Welcome Reception & Gathering to kick off the retreat experience. Our event concludes on Day 4 (Thursday, May 07) at 1:00PM.
IS TRANSPORTATION TO SHOWROOMS, DINNERS, AND EVENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDED?
Yes. We arrange private group transport to off-site showroom visits, design district excursions, and evening events.
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ARE MEALS DIETARY-FRIENDLY? ARE NON-ALCOHOLIC OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
Yes. Meals are thoughtfully prepared and we can accommodate most dietary restrictions. We’ll also offer non-alcoholic beverages alongside cocktails and wine. You’ll be able to share your preferences after registering.
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO SPEAKERS OUTSIDE OF SESSIONS?
Yes. The retreat is intentionally structured so speakers are present from check-in through the final gathering. You’ll have ample time during meals, breakouts, and social moments to engage with them casually and deeply.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE RETREAT?
You’ll be invited into our alumni community, where designers continue to connect, share resources, and support one another. We also host occasional meetups, curated virtual sessions, and collaborative check-ins throughout the year.
Have a question we didn’t cover? Send us a note. We’d love to hear from you!
the sponsors
The Partners Who Helped Our Field Flourish
We’re deeply grateful to the partners whose shared vision helped bring The Design Field to life. Each collaboration reflects the spirit of our retreat. Their support has nurtured an environment where our community of designers can connect, create, and rise together.
The reservation
Reserve Your Spot In the Field
Join us in Charleston to reconnect with your creativity, refine your business, and rise within a like-minded field of designers.
your field pass includes:
Keynote sessions with leading voices in design
Interactive workshops to refine your craft + business
Wellness + mindset session with an award-winning, master certified business + life coach
Curated showroom tours and design immersions
Restorative wellness experiences such as spa treatment + guided yoga experience
Seasonally-inspired meals and intimate gatherings
Designer’s Social Hour with our signature cocktails and select wines from our sponsor, Avaline
Professional headshots for your portfolio
Welcome gifts from aligned partners and custom business materials
the investment
Book Your Field Pass Today
one-time payment
$5,250
Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive a welcome email confirming your spot at The Design Field Retreat. We’ll send your attendee details, including your itinerary, travel recommendations, and pre-retreat questionnaire to help us tailor your experience. As the retreat approaches, you’ll also receive updates and community introductions so you can connect with fellow attendees before arriving in Charleston.
note on flexible payment option
If you prefer to explore additional payment flexibility, you’re welcome to use third-party financing services or similar providers on your own. Please note that The Design Field is not affiliated with, partnered with, or responsible for any third-party financing platforms. All terms, approvals, and repayment agreements are solely between you and the selected provider.
Pay In Full
$5250
You will receive:
✓ Four-day, all-inclusive retreat experience
✓ Access to the attendee portal with travel info, itinerary, and packing list
✓ Entry into our private attendee community
*BONUS*
Enjoy $500 off with our limited-time early-bird pricing. For group rates, please reach out to us as pricing adjustments will vary depending on group size.
need more clarity?
Send us a Message
We’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Send us a note and we’ll personally walk you through the details, logistics, and next steps.
the inquiry
Every Great Connection Begins with a Conversation
Whether you’re joining us in Charleston, exploring sponsorship, or reaching out with curiosity, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a note below, and let’s begin.