About

As an interior designer, Abby Muxfelt-Smith began working in the design industry almost 20 years ago in her hometown in South Dakota. She attributes her passion for design to this local firm and designer that took her under her wing and opened her eyes to this creative industry.  Abby moved to Arizona 15 years ago to pursue her interior design passion where she has flourished with numerous residential projects. Abby is exceptionally creative, has a keen eye for color and the ability to understand a client’s objective. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, husband, family and friends, as well as volunteering for several non-profit organizations. Her must-do bucket list item is a whirlwind trip around Europe!

Julie attended Arizona State University and excelled in both her interior design education and her focus of architectural history. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Design. Shortly thereafter, she joined a renowned interior design firm in Scottsdale, Arizona where she successfully managed up to 18 projects simultaneously. In years past, Julie enjoyed sharing her expertise and skill with others by dedicating her spare time as a professor for both junior and senior interior design students at Northern Arizona University.

Abby holds a Professional Certificate in Interior Design from Scottsdale Community College’s CIDA-accredited program. While still working to complete her certificate, Abby began working at a well-recognized and reputable interior design firm in Scottsdale, Arizona where she had the opportunity to work on custom residential homes, remodels and spec homes. She continued in her education and also earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in General Studies from Indiana University.

Throughout her design career, Julie has received awards for numerous projects including two second place awards for residential special function space and retail space, one third place award for outdoor living space, and two honorable mention awards for furniture design and model home design. Her work has also been published in several magazines, including Phoenix Home and Garden, Arizona Foothills, Scottsdale Magazine, and Home and Design Magazine.

Julie also holds certification from the Council of Interior Design Qualification for her proficiency in designing for the health, safety, and general welfare of those occupying the interiors.

Abby has a fond respect for our natural resources, being kind to our Earth and conserving energy. As a result, she’s looking to pursue her LEED certification, which includes training in creating resource-efficient buildings and healthier environments. Both Abby and Julie often take continuing education classes to ensure our designs are not only beautiful and inspiring, but functional and universal for all users.

Our open and honest demeanor reflects Julie and Abby’s passion for design, as well as our genuine concern for our clients’ happiness. We work well under pressure and allow our clients to be fully involved in the creative process, so the end result is a truly personalized space that they’ll fall in love with. J White Designs is a strong asset to have as part of any construction team! You don’t have to take their word for it either. Julie and Abby come highly recommended by many clients, peers, and industry professionals.

Julie and Abby’s past projects encompass new construction, remodels, LEED for homes, and prototype designs. All of these have included private residences, model homes, urban living, corporate offices, tenant improvements, hospitality, medical offices, and retail spaces. Both are also well-versed in computer-aided drafting with AutoCAD and long distance correspondence to execute projects. With thorough construction interaction, J White Designs specializes in ground-up projects and is very involved from the start through move-in.

As one of our core values, the J White Designs team often participate in philanthropic work. We have generously donated to several organizations including Focus on Lyme, American Civil Liberties Union, National MS Society and Amigos International. Julie has financially supported those traveling to Haiti and other poverished countries. Abby has made blankets for the shelter dogs of Best Friends Animal Society and donated her time many weekends to remove trash and graffiti from natural areas in the desert for Natural Restorations.

Abby has also volunteered for Design Days where designers donate their time to consult with homeowners and answer any design questions they may have. One of our favorite contributions was working with a local group of designers and MOMA’s House to completely remodel eight bedrooms and four bathrooms for young women escaping the world of sex trafficking and abusive relationships. What an experience!

Many CEOs, VPs, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, doctors, developers and pretty savvy professionals have entrusted J White Designs to work with their builder and architect. Whether local or out of state, our clients are busy professionals and retirees who would prefer to spend their beloved time on the fun parts of the design process and not the day-to-day nuances of detailed construction issues, sourcing the perfect finishes or knowing where to find that “just right” chair. Knowing it takes a team, our clients are those who look to us for our experience and industry knowledge. Just as our clients are experts in their fields, J White Designs offers years of hands-on expertise and provides a unique, yet practical, approach to design. Our goal is to work with our clients to make the right decision the first time, saving time and money in the construction and furnishing process.