As seen in... with Mary-margaret glass
We’re honored to spotlight designer Mary Margaret Glass, whose work is rooted in lived in luxury and a deep appreciation for timeless design. In this conversation, she shares how meaningful client relationships shape her process, how she balances strength and softness in a space, and why thoughtful lighting plays such an integral role in the homes she creates.
Featuring
Mary-Margaret Glass
Title
Interior Architect
Photography
Mary-Margaret Glass
Firm
Jackson Built Custom Homes  Â
Q1. Tell us a little about your design practice and how you typically approach a new project? Â
My design philosophy is rooted in the idea of lived-in luxury. Homes are meant to be experienced, not preserved behind glass. Every space should invite touch, use, and memory-making—never hesitation. I have a deepest appreciation for historic preservation and am especially drawn to reimagining early-century elements in fresh, unexpected ways whether it be decorative trim, living finishes, or even an unexpected detail. My goal is to create interiors that feel timeless, as though they’ve always existed exactly as they are—gracefully worn, thoughtfully layered, and perfectly aged in place.Â
When I begin a new project, my approach always starts with one simple goal: understanding what truly makes a house feel like home for my clients. I once heard a podcast featuring Jeremiah Brent that completely shifted the way I connect with the people I design for. It emphasized the power of asking thoughtful, meaningful questions—things like what they loved about their childhood home, a place they traveled to and brought back a small keepsake from, or even something as simple as where they imagine themselves enjoying their morning coffee.Â
Those intentional conversations have transformed my client relationships and made the design process feel more natural and collaborative. Instead of designing based solely on what I want to see, I’m creating spaces rooted in personal memories, emotions, and experiences—bringing all of those moments together into a home that feels cohesive, lived-in, and deeply personal.Â
@jacksonbuiltcustomhomesÂ
@marymargaret_glass
Q2. What made you choose this piece from Marie Flanigan’s collection, and how did it fit into the story you were creating for the space?Â
 As we began finalizing the kitchen details, we focused on the balance between elements that felt more masculine and those that brought in femininity. Heavier moments—like the reclaimed beams sourced from Pennsylvania and the custom dark-stained island designed to feel like a true furniture piece—ground the space. In contrast, the plasterwork by artist Emily Pope Harris introduces a beautiful softness, rolling seamlessly from the range hood onto the ceiling. After exploring many lighting options, we kept coming back to the Reese pendant. Its tailored structure paired with the softness of the linen shade felt like the perfect complement, creating a truly beautiful and balanced statement in the space.   Â
Q3. How does the lighting show up in the room—both in how it functions and how it makes the space feel?Â
 The presence of the pendants in the kitchen speaks for itself. They cast an incredibly soft glow that creates a beautiful ambiance, making the space feel inviting and encouraging you to linger.Â
Q4. What’s the last place you visited that really inspired you, and what about it stuck with you (museum, location, gallery, etc.)?Â
The last place that truly inspired me was my most recent trip to New York City, where I visited the New York Public Library. The vast expanses of marble and the intricate detailing of the mouldings reminded me just how beautiful true craftsmanship can be. It also served as a powerful testament to the resilience of classical design. As designers, we often feel pressured to reinvent the wheel, when in reality some of the most beautiful spaces are created using materials and principles that have endured for many many years.   Â
