TOP 40
Introducing the Top 40 Experts for 2024
The Expert Team
Clockwise from Top Left: Photography by John and Maura Stoffer, Design by Kate Marker Interiors; Photography by Shade Degges, Design by Amber Interiors; Photography by Tim Lenz, Design by Hadley Wiggins; Photography by Karyn Millet, Design by Raili CA Design; Photography by Taylor Hall O'Brien; Design by Anne McDonald Design; Photography by Joseph Bradshaw, Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel
For the first time ever, The Expert is unveiling its very own Top 40.
Unlike other “best of” lists, which are subjectively chosen by a small group of editors or industry insiders, The Expert Top 40 is entirely chosen by the people. This means you—and you alone—selected this year’s honorees by booking consultations, writing five-star reviews, or even just seeking these designers out on the platform.
We’re proud to introduce this list, which extracts precisely which designers are creating beautiful spaces that resonate broadly, and imparting their extensive knowledge in a way that empowers anyone looking to sprinkle a little Expert magic in their own homes. We’re thrilled to celebrate this inaugural group of honorees and all the brilliance they bring to The Expert’s community.
Debut of the Year
Jessica Helgerson
Jessica Helgerson specializes in thoughtful remodels of beautiful historical buildings with her unique, highly-developed design language. Space planning is a particular strength of the interior designer, which brings her great joy. Splitting her time between an office in Paris, France, and another in Portland, Oregon, Jessica thrives on pulling together all the beautiful materials and thoughtful details required for a smart layout to be truly successful. This is where the magic really happens and where she always begins designing. Since her launch on The Expert in September 2023, she quickly cemented her place as the #1 booker from the class of Experts launched last year.
#1 in the Pacific Northwest
Heidi Caillier
Based in Seattle, Heidi’s design philosophy is based on the belief that homes should be comfortable and livable, but beautiful and curated at the same time. Her style mixes old and new, textures and color, and pieces that feel traveled and have history. An intrinsic love of vintage furniture, raw materials, and natural textures balances her appreciation of color and pattern to create spaces that feel practical and effortless. Heidi's work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, The LA Times, Homes & Gardens, and more. Her book, Memories of Home, was published by Rizzoli in 2023.
#1 on the West Coast
Jake Arnold
Known for designs that are bold and dramatic, yet highly comfortable and livable, L.A.-based Studio Jake Arnold's high-profile clients include Katy Perry, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Rashida Jones, Sophia Bush, and Julianne Hough. Also The Expert’s co-founder, Jake's work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest and Vogue. He was named one of The Hollywood Reporter's Top 20 Designers in Los Angeles, and one of Architectural Digest's 'AD100'. His book, Redefining Comfort, was published by Rizzoli in 2023.
#1 in the Midwest
Jean Stoffer
Jean Stoffer Design’s unique mix of materials, textures, and color, combined with an understanding of interior detailing, scale, and proportion has propelled the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based firm and its work into the national design conversation. The designer’s interiors defy trends and provide environments that clients find relaxing, exciting, and comfortable. JSD’s focus is kitchen design and whole home projects. Although the firm engages in both new construction and remodeling work, old homes are a particular passion. JSD is the recipient of many design awards and has a published book, Establishing Home, and a TV Show, The Established Home, on Magnolia Network.
#1 in the South
The Misfit House
Based in Athens GA, The Misfit House is a full-service interior design firm founded in 2016 by Monica Stewart. The firm’s ethos is that homes, big or small, elaborate or simple, rustic or modern, should be a peaceful place where to make the most special memories. Monica Stewart is also the founder of a lighting company, Evolve Lighting Co., which was created with the same ideals. “Growing up in misfit houses inspired me to pursue helping others enjoy their homes,” says Monica. “Meaningful, authentic homes are timeless. We build all our designs around what matters most.”
#1 on the East Coast
Zoë Feldman
Based between Washington, DC, and New York City, Zoë Feldman draws on her love of the practical, the playful, and the deeply personal to create spaces that are as inviting and soulful as they are sophisticated. Her signature, seamless blend of modern and classic is rooted as much in her upbringing as it is in her early design training, first at Parsons School of Design in New York and then through years working under the tutelage of AD100 designer Alexa Hampton. Since setting up her practice in 2004, Zoë has brought her unique take on modernized classicism to homes across the country. Her work has been featured in publications including Elle Decor and Architectural Digest.
#1 International
Rebecca Wakefield
London-based Studio Fortnum, founded by Creative Director Rebecca Wakefield, is passionate about creating stylish, calm, and unpretentious interiors with an emphasis on textures and materiality. With backgrounds in architecture and interior design, Studio Fortnum designs spaces that work holistically with your home. As the leading Expert outside the U.S., Rebecca’s engaging presence and irresistible interiors make her a favorite for clients both across the pond and stateside.
Editor's Spotlight
Hadley Wiggins
Hadley Wiggins is a designer based in New York City and the North Fork of Long Island offering interior and architectural design, specializing in historically sensitive restoration and eclectic schemes. Featured on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, Hadley Wiggins is known for a bold use of color and mixing of aesthetics. Relying heavily on the use of antiques, the work reflects Hadley's belief that history and use are an integral part of beauty and that authenticity is intrinsic to value. A source of inspiration for interiors pushing the boundaries of style while remaining deeply focused on sustainable practices makes her a favorite among The Expert Team and beyond.
