---
title: "Design Theory Studio — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-studio-pfvwus-pf~2114185948
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114185948.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Design Theory Studio"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e543ad4901896e41_0078-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "6106-D Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067, United States"
latitude: 33.005
longitude: -117.2157
phone: "(805) 878-0323"
website: http://www.designtheorystudio.com
rating: 5
review_count: 10
best_of_houzz_awards: 6
followers: 263
last_updated: 2026-09-13
---

# Design Theory Studio

Original Houzz profile: [Design Theory Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-studio-pfvwus-pf~2114185948)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Rancho Santa Fe, CA
- **Serves:** San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, La Costa, Encinitas, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Cardiff By The Sea, Del Mar, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar Heights San Diego, Ranch Santa Fe
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

Design Theory Studio is a full-service Interior Design firm specializing in luxury residential interiors. Whether it is ground-up new construction, a remodel, or simply providing furnishings and accessories, founding principal designers Audra Siao and Stephanie Hamilton bring a unique touch with their individual styles as well as a trained eye and fresh perspective.  As a team, we focus on each project carefully, paying close attention to each client’s unique personality, lifestyle, and design goals in order to achieve a cohesive design resulting in timeless, refined interiors.  Working closely with architects, contractors, and other trade professionals is an integral part of our design process, which allows us to complete each project seamlessly and successfully.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Floor Plans
- House Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Drafting
- Kitchen Remodeling
- New Construction

### Areas Served

- San Diego
- Oceanside
- Escondido
- Carlsbad
- Vista
- San Marcos
- La Costa
- Encinitas
- La Jolla
- Solana Beach
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Fairbanks Ranch
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Del Mar Heights San Diego
- Ranch Santa Fe

### Typical Job Cost

$50,000 - 2 million

Above range is overall project cost, however each project varies depending on the scope of work.  We can provide a design fee proposal upon review of your project.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Design Theory Studio |
| Address | 6106-D Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067, United States |
| Phone | (805) 878-0323 |
| Website | http://www.designtheorystudio.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 263 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/designtheorystudiocarlsbad

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Design Theory Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-studio-pfvwus-pf~2114185948)
- **Website:** http://www.designtheorystudio.com
- **Phone:** (805) 878-0323

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best of Houzz Design & Service Award, 2015 and 2018

- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews**

### All 10 reviews

**★★★★★ — Hamilton-Gray Design, Inc., June 2017**

> Stephanie and Audra of Design Theory Studio are professional, detailed and creatively talented. We collaborate on several projects together and they always offer a fresh approach. They keep well-informed with industry events and trade shows and stand a notch above other designers of their calibre. I would be happy to offer a personal review for anyone interested in hiring them.

**★★★★★ — Karla Seyb-Stockton, March 2017**

> Stephanie and Audra, from Design Theory Studio designed our kitchen/family room remodel and helped us focus in our tastes and preferences for the master bath, as well as the two other bathrooms in our house. We are so very pleased with the outcome. We took out a wall between the kitchen and former formal dining room to create an open concept kitchen/family room that is the hub of our home. It is also a very functional space for entertaining, which is exactly what we wanted. We couldn't be happier with the design work they did for us.

**★★★★★ — Intertide Properties, Inc., March 2017**

> Audra and Stephanie were excellent.  Their attention to detail is amazing and the product they designed was very attractive by all who saw it!

**Comment from Design Theory Studio:**

> Thanks!  It's always great to work with you on projects.  :)

**★★★★★ — Mahlon Tillotson, Oct. 2016**

> If I may pay you two a compliment, I have to say you gals seem to have really fallen into your groove. If I compare you to other firms we work with, you guys are dialed in on all fronts. From job details, installs, change of plans, issues, payments etc… It has been very smooth I would say, and as you have gotten busier (it seems like), there has been no dropped balls or anything bad I can say. We aren't getting returns, no second trips due to mistakes or anything negative that we sometimes have to deal with.
> Anyhow, it doesn’t go unnoticed, and I personally appreciate the fact that you are detailed which makes my life easier, which makes it easy for me to accommodate what you and your client's need ultimately.
> Thank you xoxo!

**★★★★★ — Envision Concrete, Sept. 2016**

> Stephanie and her partner were an absolute pleasure to work with.   I am a custom Decorative Concrete contractor who was hired by Design Theory Studio to stain and refurbish a concrete fireplace mantle and hearth.   From start to finish the were very professional and very easy to work with.  Scheduling and planning was a breeze.  Thank you Design Theory Studio!

**★★★★★ — jklavine56, Nov. 2015**

> From our first meeting with Stephanie and Audra, we were impressed. They took the time to understand our project, our taste and our budget. They designed the kitchen, master bath and great room media wall for our new custom house, as well as helping with all our other questions, big and small. They gave overall design input to the floor plan, and furniture placement. Their selection of materials was fantastic- creative, modern, unique and fit within our budget. The designs for the kitchen and master bath are beautiful, and  functional.
> They were always professional and timely. Communication was never an issue. They were open to our ideas, and they incorporated all of our existing pieces where we asked.
> We would highly recommend them for future projects.

**Comment from Design Theory Studio:**

> Thanks!  You two are a pleasure to work with & we are so excited you are enjoying your beautiful new home!

**★★★★★ — jgingras, March 2015**

> Design Theory Studio helped me with a guest bath remodel that came out fabulous!! They were very detail oriented and worked closely with the contractor to make sure the installation was flawless. Now we are working on the master bath together and I can't wait to see the finished design!!

**Comment from Design Theory Studio:**

> Thanks Janet for the kind words!  We really enjoyed working on your guest bathroom remodel & are even more excited to see the master bathroom project come to fruition.  It's going to be amazing & we can't wait for the end results!  You & George are so much fun to work with & we really appreciate clients like you!

**★★★★★ — dianaharold, March 2015**

> Stephanie Higgins of Design Theory Studio was hired to design plans for a remodel of the master bath in my beach house.  She had to be very creative in that I wanted to keep from relocating a lot of the major plumbing as the house is a two story.  She was very experienced in her knowledge of the current materials on the market.  Together we chose solid surfaces, tile,  and deco trim.  Her design included replacing the existing tub with a free standing tub.  This is wonderful focal  point to a beautiful remodel.  She provided me with plans and ideas before we started that my contractor was easily able to follow.  I appreciated her wonderful ideas as to the materials that we used as it had been a while since I had redecorated.

**Comment from Design Theory Studio:**

> Thanks Diana!  It was a pleasure working with you on your master bathroom remodel.  We hope you are thoroughly enjoying your new space!

**★★★★★ — scove, Aug. 2014**

> "   Having been at a loss on where to begin with our kitchen remodel project, we contacted Design Theory Studio.  The design team was very attentive to our style and vision, while at the same time helping us to step out of the box with fresh, new ideas.  We love our new kitchen.  We were more than pleased with our experience working with Design Theory Studio and will definitely enlist their services for future remodel and design projects.  "
>
> Thanks again!!!!!!!

**Comment from Design Theory Studio:**

> Sue & Dennis - thanks for the review!  You were both such a pleasure to work with & we hope you are still enjoying your lovely new kitchen.  Let us know when you're ready to start on your master bathroom.  We already have some great design ideas!

**★★★★★ — andrewjslade, Aug. 2014**

> Stephanie and Audra were very thoughtful and creative on our kitchen/great-
> room remodel project. They listened to our lifestyle needs and design goals
>
> to come up with a perfect space plan layout. Working directly with all their
>
> suppliers and vendors they selected the best value engineered products
>
> and appliances to best suit our needs while achieving our desired design
>
> aesthetics. The overall finished look is exactly what we wanted and we
>
> appreciate their close relationships and teamwork with all the sub-contractors
>
> involved on the remodel. We are looking forward to enjoying the space with
>
> our friends and family for many years to come!

## Selected projects

- [Montgomery](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montgomery-pj-vj~5793104)
  - Location: Encinitas, CA
  - Photos: 15
- [Carob Way](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carob-way-pj-vj~5718641)
  - Location: Coronado, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: Beach style home, bar, living room and bedrooms
- [Delfina](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/delfina-pj-vj~5684081)
  - Location: San Diego, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Boho, mid century, eclectic style dining room & living room
- [Calavera Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calavera-hills-pj-vj~5684121)
  - Location: Carlsbad, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Transitional kitchen and dining space with island, white cabinets and grey island. Custom, furniture style dining buffet.
- [Emerald Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/emerald-cove-pj-vj~5558236)
  - Location: San Diego, CA
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: Modern-glam full house design project.
- [Alvarado Estates](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alvarado-estates-pj-vj~4156332)
  - Location: San Diego, CA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Modern, contemporary house
- [Coronado Ave.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coronado-ave-pj-vj~2321753)
  - Location: Coronado, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Traditional style, Coronado home with classic style
- [San Sebastian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-sebastian-pj-vj~2554146)
  - Location: Carlsbad, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Abalone Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/abalone-place-pj-vj~1698072)
  - Location: La Jolla, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Channel Islands](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/channel-islands-pj-vj~2554150)
  - Location: Encinitas, CA
  - Photos: 5
- [Lunada Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lunada-place-pj-vj~1369984)
  - Location: San Diego, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [Sunset Cliffs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-cliffs-pj-vj~618883)
  - Location: San Diego, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Modern Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mediterranean-pj-vj~532262)
  - Location: La Jolla, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [La Jolla Shores](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-jolla-shores-pj-vj~1248287)
  - Location: La Jolla, CA
  - Photos: 2

[See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-theory-studio-pfvwus-pf~2114185948)

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141527582/list/wish-list) — 1 idea
- [5519 Spec](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135639287/list/5519-spec) — 6 ideas
- [Stadium Place](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132344107/list/stadium-place) — 2 ideas
- [Steel Canyon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131867425/list/steel-canyon) — 2 ideas
- [Alta la Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128821677/list/alta-la-jolla) — 11 ideas
- [Cambridge Ave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127849214/list/cambridge-ave) — 5 ideas
- [Hilo Way](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125483941/list/hilo-way) — 5 ideas
- [Amestoy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125368727/list/amestoy) — 14 ideas
- [Deer Ridge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124705018/list/deer-ridge) — 7 ideas
- [Gate 12](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122825029/list/gate-12) — 40 ideas
- [Clove](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122798163/list/clove) — 48 ideas
- [Camino del la Costa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122379487/list/camino-del-la-costa) — 45 ideas
- [Beech St](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121253953/list/beech-st) — 24 ideas
- [Wellworth Pt.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94473789/list/wellworth-pt) — 56 ideas
- [Point Loma Historic](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83109511/list/point-loma-historic) — 99 ideas
- [Johnson](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81542716/list/johnson) — 39 ideas
- [Cielo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63527490/list/cielo) — 82 ideas
- [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25017138/list/stairs) — 16 ideas
- [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4414167/list/fireplaces) — 18 ideas
- [Millheiser](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44564936/list/millheiser) — 48 ideas

[See all 119 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/stephdts)

## Community Q&A

**Q: wall material** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the wavy wall material used for the fireplace section.  Looks terrific!

A: This tile is 24"x24" carved sandstone.  It's made by a company called Artistic Tile and the product name is Ambra color Gris.

**Q: Love the glass tiles on the island!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Who is the manufacturer of the tiles?

A: Thank you! It’s Arizona tile:)

**Q: Siding Color and manufacturer** *(in Photo Questions)*

Beautiful exterior.  What is the name and manufacturer of the paint color of the gray siding?

A: Thank you! The siding color is Dunn Edwards Dusty Dream DE6312.

**Q: Love the table! Do you have a link?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Love the table! Do you have a link or know the name of it please?

A: Hi - We sourced it from Restoration Hardware about 2 years ago:)

**Q: do you know the paint colors used on exterior?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The paint was custom color by Sherwin Williams

**Q: bagno bellissimo! che marca è il rivestimento azzurro?? Grazie** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Grazie. la piastrella blu proviene da Island Stone

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-13.*