Amanda Still's design philosophy rests at the intersection of function and artistic appeal.

Still, a licensed interior designer and owner of Hill Design + Gallery, said her interest in interior design stemmed from her love of art.

"In junior high and high school, I wanted to be an artist, but I also wanted to make money," Still said. "Interior design was a good way to be creative and make money."

Still has done both remodel and renovation work in and around Georgetown for residential and small commercial projects such as amenity and events centers. She approaches every project with the client's desires in mind.

"We interview each other," Still said. "They tell me what they want to do, I identify the scope of the project and we decide if it's a good fit for both of us."

There is a difference between interior design and interior decorating projects, Still said. Design projects involve evaluation of a room or building's structure, including architectural details, space planning, room layout, wiring and more. Decorating projects address the accessories, such as furniture, window treatments and artwork.

Regardless of the project, Still said, balance, scale, proportion, color relationships and functionality must be considered.

"I think [the design] has to be functional, but I treat it as artwork," she said. "[Interior design is] three-dimensional, functional artwork. It's how I incorporate my love of art into my design work."

Still's love of art also finds its way into her design projects. She makes a point of including original art, often by local artists, in client's homes.

"That's the most unique way for a client to express their style," she said. "I really want to support artists that want to make a living creating art."

Still's office includes gallery and custom framing spaces, which she recently leased out to Stinger Studio owner Sonia Colonna Mathis.

"Amanda and I found out that [by] combining our energies into one space—me as a unique custom framer and her as an interior designer—we can focus on our strong points," Mathis said. "Her space is so well-worked for viewing and being a part of the art scene. It's terribly exciting."

Still said she spends time visiting trade shows and chatting with artists to immerse herself in the design world.

Currently, she is helping design The Union on 8th, a wedding and events center under construction at Eighth and South Myrtle streets.

Katy Bohls, The Union on 8th co-owner, said she and her husband were initially worried about hiring a designer from Georgetown because they were looking for a more industrial style than they have seen in the area.

"As soon as we told her what we were going for, she made it so easy. I showed her some photos of what we were looking for, and she just ran with it." Bohls said. "I do love how open-minded she is. She's willing to do things that are outside the box."

Design vs. decorating

Interior design and interior decorating projects focus on different aspects, Hill Design + Gallery owner Amanda Still said.

Interior design

Focuses on structural or architectural aspects of a room or building

May include working with contractors or builders to evaluate structures

Space planning, such as configuring a layout, as well as establishing lighting or other options, depending on the project, could be part of the interior design process

Interior decorating

Accessorizing a room or building.

Includes consideration of balance, scale, proportion and color relationships

Furniture, artwork and other items are included in decorating

Still makes a point to include pieces by local artists in her decorating projects

Hill Design + Gallery, 1623 Rivery Blvd., 512-868-0342, www.hilldesignstudio.com, Gallery hours: Tue.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat.–Mon. by appointment only