When you talk about interior design in New York, the name Betty Wasserman is inevitably mentioned. Since founding her design business in 1996, she has established herself as one of the top interior designers in New York. Combining her decade-long experience as a private art dealer with her passion for both design and architecture, Betty has crafted a unique style that blends warmth and minimalism. We were fortunate enough to sit down with her for an interview, and here’s what we learned. Are you ready?

Betty’s journey into interior design wasn’t planned. After ten years as an art dealer, she found herself immersed in the New York design scene. One of her clients insisted on hiring her, even though she initially refused. "I said, 'I don't do that,' and he replied, 'Yes, you do.' I thought, 'What does he mean?' But he was persistent," she recalls. So, she assembled a team and transformed the client's space, removing outdated fixtures and sourcing everything needed. This project became her first, and realizing she excelled at it, she decided to pursue formal training in design. "Once I understood how good I was at it and how much I loved it, I went back to school to learn proper floor plans and reflected ceiling plans," she explains.

Following that initial project, starting her own business felt like the next logical step. Having an existing art business and an assistant in place made the transition seamless. The two businesses complement each other beautifully, as design and art are deeply intertwined. Today, Betty’s design studio in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood is a hidden gem where she crafts interiors for some of New York’s most exclusive addresses. She also has a satellite studio in The Hamptons, where she designs luxury homes that frequently appear in top design magazines.

Designing in New York presents unique challenges. "You have to be extremely smart about space utilization," Betty emphasizes. With some of the most expensive square footage in the world, every inch counts. In Manhattan apartments, wasting luxury space is simply not an option. Over time, trends have shifted; whereas closed kitchens were once popular, today's lifestyles demand open kitchens where people can interact while cooking.

“The spaces have to function. They have to work well and they have to be beautiful, and they have to be bulletproof.” – Betty Wasserman

Among all her projects, Betty holds a special place for her own loft in Southampton. "It’s not the largest or most expensive project I’ve ever worked on, but it’s personal because it’s for my family. I loved collaborating with the builder, and the entire process was so enjoyable that I was sorry when it ended," she shares. After searching for a house for over a year, she decided to build her dream home. Working with an architect, she brought her vision of lines, shapes, and high ceilings to life.

“I always try to be involved in the architectural part of the process because architects tend to design from the outside in, while designers work from the inside out.” – Betty Wasserman

After over two decades in the industry, Betty shows no signs of slowing down. While she plans to take on fewer projects, she cannot imagine retiring. “I just can’t see myself stopping because I truly love what I do. It doesn’t feel like work at all,” she says. Reflecting on her career, she encourages others to follow their passions. “Whatever career path you choose, make sure you love it. Money isn’t everything; fulfillment matters more. Imagine waking up at 50 regretting your choices,” she muses.

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