RACHEL REIDER, Founder + Principal

Reider + Co

The Home Trust International (HTI): What first compelled you to enter your business field?

Rachel Reider (RR): From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career—but it wasn’t until a transformative trip to Bali and Thailand in my twenties that I discovered my true passion for interior design. Surrounded by the region’s vibrant colors, rich textures, and stunning landscapes, I felt deeply inspired. When I returned home, I enrolled in a continuing education class, which soon led me to return to school full-time for interior design.

While studying, I gained hands-on experience working at two high-end interior design firms, where I learned the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality. Combined with my earlier work in project management within the advertising world, these experiences gave me a strong foundation for running a creative business.

In 2006, I founded Reider + Co., a studio dedicated to crafting distinctive destination-inspired interiors with a soft, modern sensibility. With over two decades of experience across interior design, architecture, and space planning, Reider + Co. approaches every project with a personalized touch—creating functional, beautiful spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle and vision.

 

HTI: Please tell us about your family and you personal life.

RR: Born in Washington, D.C., I moved to New England for college and have called it home ever since. Today, I live in Boston with my husband and two daughters. Motherhood has given me a deep appreciation for the practical needs of family life, and I find great fulfillment in building long-term relationships with clients—often guiding them through multiple homes and life stages. As a family, we love to travel and explore new places together, especially when it means spending time on the water or out on the slopes.

 

HTI: What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

RR: Early in my career, a respected Boston architect generously shared his insights about leading both small and large firms. He explained that once a team grows beyond ten people, the role naturally shifts from hands-on design to managing others. As a creative at heart, I’ve always found my greatest joy in being surrounded by fabrics, materials, and the tactile aspects of design.

Staying connected to that creative process has remained a guiding priority. About three years ago, when I realized I was spending more time running the business than working within it, I decided to bring on a Director of Operations. That decision allowed me to refocus on my strengths and passions—an approach I believe is essential for anyone striving to do their best work without losing sight of what inspires them most.

 

HTI: Does your firm have a specialty?

RR: In recent years, we’ve discovered a distinct niche in designing vacation homes—a space that beautifully bridges our expertise in both high-end residential and boutique hotel design. Each project is rooted in a sense of place, thoughtfully embracing the natural character of its location—whether it’s a sprawling multigenerational coastal retreat, a slopeside ski home, or a vibrant downtown loft. Through this work, we’ve developed a deep understanding of how clients like to vacation, from incorporating special amenity spaces to crafting homes that encourage true rest and relaxation. Our modern, imaginative approach ensures that every project is not only functional and beautiful but also a genuine reflection of our clients’ lifestyles.

Our background in hospitality design has also shaped a finely tuned process for managing projects nationwide. We’ve learned that success doesn’t require being on-site every week; instead, it relies on collaboration, strategic planning, and clear communication. By coordinating with project teams to identify key milestones and deliverables, we’re able to maintain a seamless workflow and deliver exceptional results—wherever the project takes us.

We recently completed an exquisite waterfront residence in Rhode Island for truly wonderful clients. Early in the process, they shared their desire to create a multi-generational home—one that would be treasured for years to come and serve as a gathering place for family celebrations and meaningful moments. The opportunity to design spaces that foster connection and lasting memories deeply resonated with me, making this project especially rewarding.

 

 

HTI: What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

RR: We recently completed an exquisite waterfront residence in Rhode Island for truly wonderful clients. Early in the process, they shared their desire to create a multi-generational home—one that would be treasured for years to come and serve as a gathering place for family celebrations and meaningful moments. The opportunity to design spaces that foster connection and lasting memories deeply resonated with me, making this project especially rewarding.

 

HTI: Do you have a business icon?

RR: I have long admired Kelly Wearstler for her fearless approach to design. She continually pushes boundaries, creating spaces that are both distinctive and inviting. I’m especially inspired by the rich layering and individuality in her work—qualities I strive to bring into each of our own projects.

 

HTI: What makes a room sing?

RR: For us, it’s all about the layers. I want every room to feel warm, welcoming, and deeply personal. We use layering to add depth and character to a space, and while it may seem like a small detail, art and accessories play a transformative role—they’re what truly bring a space to life.

 

HTI: What place most inspires you?
RR: For me, inspiration doesn’t come from one specific place but from the experience of travel itself. When I’m traveling, my creativity comes alive—not only through the beauty of new locations and cultures, but also from stepping away from the rhythm of everyday life. Travel opens my eyes to fresh perspectives and ideas, whether it’s discovering new artisans or encountering inventive uses of materials that I can bring back and weave into our projects.

On a recent trip to Granada, Spain, I was captivated by the craftsmanship at The Alhambra. During my visit to an ancient underground hammam, I fell in love with the intricate tilework and timeless architecture. Since we often design wellness spaces with saunas and cold plunges for our clients, I’m eager to infuse elements of that hammam experience into an upcoming project.

 

HTI: When you’re not working where are you most likely to be found?

RR: My family has a home in Longboat Key, Florida, where I’ve been visiting since childhood, and we try to spend as much time there as possible. I’ve always felt most at peace on the water. We’re also avid skiers and love spending time in Big Sky, Montana, with our extended family.

 

HTI: What is your personal luxury?

RR: It may sound cliché, but teamwork truly does make the dream work. Each member of our team plays a unique role throughout a project, and strong communication is essential to bringing it all together seamlessly. Everyone contributes different strengths, which allows us to deliver the best possible experience for our clients—and it certainly helps that we all genuinely enjoy working together.

 

HTI: Anything else you want to share with us?

RR: I always tell clients at the start of a project, “This is your home—you need to love it. That’s the true mark of a successful design.” Sometimes clients can feel hesitant to share feedback, not wanting to disrupt the process, but our studio has no room for ego. Open, honest communication is essential, and it’s how we create spaces that truly reflect each client’s needs and personality.

Our goal is always to design a home that supports your lifestyle and feels authentically yours—beautiful in form and thoughtful in function. People often think they have to choose between the two, but with the right approach, you can absolutely have both.