Celebrating Women in Business: Meet Designer Basia Kozub 

At Drury Design, our identity as a woman-owned business since 1987 is at the core of who we are. As we continue to celebrate Women in Business Month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women behind our designs. This week, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Basia Kozub, who shares her insights on timeless design, balancing client needs, and what it means to be part of a woman-led firm.

What does working for a woman-owned business mean to you?

I feel like my voice is heard here. I’m sure that happens in male-owned businesses too, but there’s definitely a sense of openness and freedom in a woman-owned company. It’s a more supportive environment, and it feels good to be a part of that. 

What’s a design trend you think will stand the test of time?

I’d have to say the overall classic mid-century modern design style. You can walk into homes from the 50s or 60s, and the design still feels relevant today. The clean lines, the warmth of the materials – it just creates a timeless and inviting atmosphere. I also think modern design has a chance to endure if it incorporates enough warmth. The challenge with many expressions of today’s version of the modern design style is that they can sometimes feel too cold or sterile, which works in some spaces but isn’t what most people want in their homes. When done right, with just the right balance of elements, it can be timeless too.

Basia drew from mid-century inspiration to create this beautifully remodeled smaller kitchen, blending its classic lines with touches of transitional design. Her approach combines sleek, clean elements with inviting comfort, achieving a balance that’s both timeless and modern.

How do you balance client needs with your creative vision?

I always start by listening to my clients. At the end of the day, creativity has to serve their needs. I can come up with a hundred creative ideas, but if they don’t align with what the client wants, then it’s not going to work. My job is to solve their problem through design, and if my vision doesn’t do that, then it’s not really creative, at least in their eyes. It’s about listening first, then collaborating to bring that creativity to life in a way that works for them.

What excites you most about starting a new project?

For me, starting a new project is like having a fresh canvas. It’s all about new possibilities, new design challenges, and new requirements that make every project unique. Even the same space can look completely different for different clients. That’s what keeps it exciting and fun—the fact that no two projects are ever the same.

This remodel included a refresh to the adjacent living room and dry bar for entertaining. 

What’s a common misconception about working with a designer that you’d like to debunk?

I hear a lot of people say, “Hiring a designer is too expensive” or “They’ll just recommend impractical, high-end things.” That’s not true. I always work within my clients’ budgets, and a lot of the time, they fall in love with the expensive stuff just as much as we designers do. When that happens, I’ll help guide them towards alternatives that fit their budget. If they’re really set on something pricey, I’ll work with them to adjust other elements of the design to make it work. It’s always about finding a balance, and there are always options.

What’s your favorite room to design, and why?

I love designing kitchens. Clients usually have a long list of needs and wishes, and it’s so much fun finding a layout that meets all of those while incorporating plenty of storage. I get to be really creative when it comes to organizing the space—whether it’s finding ways to display their favorite dishes or making sure their go-to appliances are easy to use and access.

What’s the most rewarding feedback you’ve ever received from a client?

It’s always incredibly rewarding when a client tells me that the space I designed for them has made their life easier and more enjoyable. Hearing them talk about how much their new kitchen or living room has transformed their daily routine – it’s the best feeling. Knowing that I’ve helped create something that improves their quality of life is why I do what I do.

This project was more than just a remodeling project. This new kitchen gave Basia’s client a new lease on life.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the design field?

Just go for it. If design is something that inspires you, don’t be afraid to pursue it. It can be intimidating at times, but if it’s your passion, follow it. You’ve got a lot to offer, and your unique perspective can really shine in this field.

How do you help clients discover their own personal style?
Everyone has a personal style, whether they realize it or not. I like to pick up on the subtle clues – how they decorate their home, the materials and colors they’re drawn to, even down to the way they dress. You can learn so much about a person by simply observing and really listening. It’s all about paying attention to those little details that reflect their personality, and then translating that into a design that feels uniquely theirs. It’s about taking the time to truly understand them and bringing their style to life in ways they might not have even imagined.

Basia designed this symmetrical kitchen, thoughtfully incorporating the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra as requested by the client.

What does the legacy of Drury Design being woman-owned since 1987 mean to you personally?

Drury Design’s legacy of being a woman-owned business since 1987 is inspiring to me. It’s proof that being different is not only okay – it’s powerful. I’m sure that when Gail Drury founded the company, it wasn’t easy breaking into a male-dominated industry, but she built something incredible. Even today, while people may be more accepting of women in leadership roles, there are still moments where we’re underestimated. But that’s all part of the journey. It’s important not to let those moments get to you. Instead, believe in yourself, push forward, and know that you’re paving the way for the next generation of women in this field.

Basia’s approach to design is all about creating spaces that reflect her clients’ needs and personalities. Whether it’s a sleek, modern kitchen or a timeless, cozy bathroom, she loves the challenge of bringing a fresh perspective to each project. For Basia, every project is a chance to blend her design expertise with her clients’ vision, resulting in spaces they’ll love for years to come.