Meet Jackie Santos of Scottsdale Interior Design Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Santos.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Interior Design career has always been rooted in a deep love for the art of aesthetics and a belief that great design is ultimately about people — their stories, their values, and the way they want to feel in their own spaces. That passion led me to the American Institute of Interior Design, where I graduated with Highest Distinction and was later invited to teach. Those early years shaped not only my technical foundation, but also my commitment to excellence, empathy, and ethical practice.
From there, I built two interior design firms in Arizona — Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group — both founded on the idea that design is a form of storytelling. I learned how to listen deeply, understand the nuances of a client’s personal aesthetic, and translate that into spaces that feel authentic, intentional, and deeply reflective of who they are.
Over the years, my work has spanned everything from new builds to renovations to highly personalized interiors. What has remained constant is my love for creating environments that support the way people live — spaces that are not only beautiful, but meaningful, functional, and emotionally resonant.
Today, my focus is on continuing to elevate that client‑centered approach while mentoring the next generation of designers and building systems that preserve the integrity of the craft. My journey hasn’t been linear, but every chapter has been connected by a single purpose: helping people feel truly at home in the spaces they inhabit.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been meaningful, but definitely not always smooth. Like many creatives, I had to learn early on that building a design career isn’t just about having an eye for aesthetics — it’s about developing resilience, clarity, and a strong sense of who you are as a professional.
One of the biggest challenges was learning to trust my own voice. In the beginning, it’s easy to second‑guess yourself or feel pressure to follow trends rather than lead with your instincts. Over time, I realized that my strength lies in truly understanding my clients — listening deeply, interpreting their personal aesthetic, and creating spaces that feel like an extension of who they are. Once I embraced that, everything aligned.
Another challenge was the business side of design. Running two firms taught me how to balance creativity with operations, client management, and the realities of entrepreneurship. There were moments of uncertainty, moments where I had to rebuild systems, and moments where I had to grow faster than I felt ready for. But each challenge sharpened my skills and strengthened my commitment to ethical, client‑centered design.
Looking back, the struggles were the turning points. They pushed me to refine my process, elevate my standards, and build a practice rooted in integrity, empathy, and excellence.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group were both built on a simple but powerful belief: a home should feel like a true reflection of the person who lives in it. My work centers on helping clients discover and express their personal aesthetic — not by imposing a signature style, but by listening deeply, understanding how they want to live, and translating that into spaces that feel authentic, functional, and emotionally resonant.
I specialize in creating interiors that blend beauty with purpose. Whether it’s a new build, a renovation, or a highly customized redesign, my focus is always on crafting environments that support a client’s lifestyle while elevating the everyday experience of being at home. I’m known for my ability to interpret subtle cues, uncover what inspires someone, and shape that into a cohesive design story that feels uniquely theirs.
What sets my firms apart is the level of care and intention behind every project. I approach design as a partnership — one built on trust, clarity, and a deep respect for the client’s vision. My background in both design and teaching has shaped a process that is organized, thoughtful, and grounded in ethical practice. Clients often tell me they feel seen, supported, and guided, not just through the design decisions, but through the emotional journey of transforming a space.
Brand‑wise, I’m most proud of the consistency of experience we deliver. Whether someone is working with Scottsdale Interior Design Group or Prescott Interior Design Group, they receive the same level of professionalism, creativity, and heart. My goal has always been to create a brand that stands for integrity, excellence, and a genuine commitment to helping people feel at home in their own lives.
For readers, I want them to know that my work goes far beyond selecting finishes or arranging furniture. It’s about creating spaces that tell their story — spaces that feel grounded, personal, and deeply aligned with who they are. That’s the heart of my brand, and it’s the reason I love what I do.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting out in interior design, my biggest piece of advice is to trust your eye and trust your instincts. Technical skills can be learned, but your ability to truly see people — to understand their aesthetic, their lifestyle, and the emotional tone they want in their home — is what will set you apart. Lean into that. Let curiosity guide you.
Technical skills matter, but they’re only part of the story. As I often told my students: you can teach the mechanics of design, but the art of design is exactly that — an art. It’s something you cultivate through experience, observation, and a genuine love for the craft.
I also wish I had known earlier that you don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Your style will evolve, your process will refine, and your confidence will grow with every project. Give yourself permission to be a student of the craft for as long as you practice it.
Another important lesson is to build your business with intention. Creativity is essential, but so are boundaries, systems, and clear communication. The more organized and transparent you are, the more trust you build — and trust is the foundation of every successful client relationship.
And above all, stay anchored in integrity. Trends come and go, but your reputation is lasting. Show up with professionalism, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve your clients well. If you do that consistently, your work will speak for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scottsdaleidg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottsdale_interior_design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577071177420
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scottsdale-interior-design-group/