A New Year’s Reintroduction
I recently did an “ask me anything” story prompt and found that you all had A LOT of great questions! I thought I would use the new year as an opportunity to (re)introduce myself and do my best to get you some answers…
My name is Racheal Hageness, and I am the designer + founder behind Aspen James Design.
I was born and raised in Illinois where I completed my interior design degree, before relocating to Las Vegas in 2004, to follow my dream of designing restaurants and nightclubs on the Las Vegas Strip.
I remember standing in front of this postcard-worthy moment of the Bellagio Fountains. Now, I’ve seen these fountains countless times, and have admired it both as a visitor and as a local. But, it was in this very spot where I would declare that I would move to Las Vegas and design hotels and nightclubs on the Las Vegas Strip…
I just needed to graduate first!
Spoiler alert - I actually did it! That’s right, the majority of my clients these days are not aware that I spent over a decade of my design career in hospitality design. I know it is those experiences that truly shaped me into the designer I am today.
I have been so incredibly fortunate to work with luxury brands and concentrate on the luxury design space for the majority of my (almost 20 year) career.
The majority of my business is luxury residential but we have been known to consult on a boutique hospitality project or two from time to time. What can I say - it’s in my design DNA!!
I was asked if I work on projects outside of Las Vegas. Truth is - I go wherever my clients need me. Many days I am in Las Vegas or you can find me driving through Joshua Tree on my way to Palm Desert. Other days I may be traveling to meet a client in Chicago or Cabo! My clients are the absolute best and they know I am just a phone call away.
I have been both a student and a teacher of interior design (shout out to my students/followers that asked “hey, were you my teacher?”)
I love sharing my knowledge with students and industry professionals. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in booking a speaking engagement or workshop and we will send some information your way!
Cheers!
-RH
The Caffeinated Creative
