The smell of mold lingered in the air as Emily Woods stepped into another home devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Piles of waterlogged belongings lined the curb outside, and inside, the chaos was palpable. A distressed wife struggled to communicate her kitchen vision to a carpenter, while her husband, overwhelmed and exhausted, stood helplessly by. Emily, tape measure in hand, calmly assessed the scene. Within an hour, her hand-drawn floor plan and millwork elevations brought clarity to the project. The carpenter had direction, the couple had peace, and Emily had once again proven that “seeing is believing.” Moments like this have defined her career and calling.
Emily’s journey to becoming the founder of Woods Design House in Kingwood, Texas, began with her parents’ influence. Her father, a finish carpenter with a woodworking shop in north Houston, taught her to read blueprints as a child. Her mother encouraged her creative instincts, letting her redecorate her room every few years. After earning her associate’s degree in interior design from Lone Star College in 2001—the same year she married her husband, Doran—Emily combined her passion for design with hands-on experience. She worked at The Home Depot, freelanced in interior design, and eventually secured a role managing the design studio for Meritage Homes.
In 2008, Emily stepped away from her corporate career to focus on raising her family, but her passion for design never waned. When Hurricane Harvey devastated her community in 2017, Emily found herself back at the drafting table—this time at her dining room table, balancing motherhood and homeschooling. Over the following months, she designed over 64 homes, offering neighbors millwork cabinet designs, space planning, and material selections, all while charging modest fees to cover babysitting costs. “Renovations and new construction can be some of the most stressful investments of a lifetime,” Emily says. “I wanted to offer a helping hand in that process.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Woods Design House is a thriving, faith-based design firm with a team of 11 and a beautiful studio in Kingwood. Emily’s passion for teaching and mentorship has shaped her company culture, which she describes as a “team effort” blending diverse talents. Her firm handles over 100 projects annually, ranging from renovation projects of all sizes—between custom homes to commercial spaces. Services include architectural space planning, material selection, and white-glove décor services. Emily’s favorite design style is transitional, blending traditional elements with modern, clean lines to create timeless, elegant spaces. This dedication to detail and collaboration has made Woods Design House a trusted name for those seeking both functionality and beauty in their spaces.
One standout project, The Pickleball Zone, showcases her talent for blending functionality with elegance. This 10-court facility features a bar and lounge exuding country club sophistication, reflecting Emily’s belief that every detail matters.
Emily credits her husband, Doran, who joined the business full-time in 2024, with helping the firm achieve new heights. Together, they continue to dream big, from designing multi-generational homes to collaborating with local builders and realtors. “Home is everything,” Emily says. “It’s where we make memories, host loved ones, and find peace. Well-designed spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re life-changing.” With a solid design plan and a knowledgeable partner like Woods Design House, clients can confidently transform their spaces into something extraordinary. For Emily, it’s not just about design—it’s about creating a legacy of beauty, comfort, and connection.