Your professional career began in a dramatically different field. What inspired you to shift to design and construction?
I worked at Nike before starting a family, but I’ve always loved interior design. Derrick (co-owner and general contractor) and I would renovate fixer-uppers together, and over time we found a rhythm—balancing beauty, function, and resale value. After friends asked for help, I eventually launched Allison Clouser Interiors, and years later, Derrick and I teamed up to create Clouz Houz.
Can you trace your interest in transforming spaces back to a particular influence?
Absolutely. I come from a long line of women who created beautiful, nurturing homes. My mom and grandmothers were deeply inspiring, from the scent of homemade meals to the feel of a perfectly layered guest bed. Those memories shaped my view that good design isn’t just about how it looks, it’s how it makes you feel.
How do you approach working with homeowners who are getting involved in construction and design for the first time?
We’ve been in their shoes, so we get it. When we started with our first home, a little craftsman in Northeast Portland, we had no idea what we were doing. Now, we use what we’ve learned to help others feel more confident with the process. We encourage new clients to set a clear budget and ask questions early; whether it’s about material costs, contractor fees, or timelines. We walk them through where it makes sense to splurge, like lighting or cabinetry, and where they can save without sacrificing the overall design. Our goal is to educate and empower them, so they feel supported and can enjoy the process.
Does working on a few select homes each year allow you to focus on quality over quantity?
We intentionally take on only a few full-service projects each year so we can be fully present in every detail—from floor plans to finishing touches. These builds require time, care, and deep collaboration, and we believe the small decisions matter just as much as the big ones. Limiting our workload allows us to create truly thoughtful, well-executed homes that reflect our clients’ lifestyles and feel cohesive from start to finish.
When you created your firm, was there something different that you wanted to do?
Our goal was to make great design feel accessible, regardless of budget or project size. We offer flexible services, from full builds to one-day sessions and remote design plans. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and we tailor our work accordingly. Most recently, we introduced our digital Design Guides to help anyone, DIYers or design lovers, create a beautiful, cohesive space with expert tools and product recommendations.
How do you like to work with your clients?
Our process is highly collaborative—we never want it to feel like we’re dictating decisions. Instead, we guide clients through each phase, listening closely, editing thoughtfully, and refining as we go. It’s layered and intentional, but always grounded in their vision. Our goal is for them to walk away feeling supported by a trusted expert, and that the final space is beautifully personal and uniquely theirs.
You’ve shared that you enjoy watching the transformation of each project. How do you keep your energy and passion for your craft paramount?
I think part of being a designer is knowing that you’re always learning. I pull inspiration from travel, books, nature—you name it. Staying open to new ideas keeps the work exciting and lets me bring something fresh to each project. It’s not about chasing trends, but about creating something beautiful and meaningful. That’s what keeps my creativity alive and fuels my love for what I do.
