Kīyonda Powell, Creative in Chief of Kīyonda Powell Design Studio (KPDS), is a creative composer whose mission is to provide each client and project with an exclusively curated experience. With a boutique decor studio based in Washington, DC, Kīyonda also works with clients across the country. She takes a collaborative approach with clients by encouraging conversations within the creative process. Kīyonda loves to visually stimulate the client and users with the design experience; pushing the limits of risk and reward while instinctively understanding what her clients want through keen observation and thoughtful management of their expectations.

With a background in the hospitality industry as well as residential and boutique commercial design, Kīyonda has made an indelible contribution to the design industry for the last 17 years. Throughout her career, she has held multiple leadership roles in design and public service. Kīyonda is a mainstay advisor, volunteering on multiple committees for charitable and community organizations throughout the DMV (DC, MD and VA) by offering her service, skill and expertise. Kīyonda studied at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia for a Master of Arts in Interior Design.

What does Black History Month mean to you this year?

The contributions of Black people give me reason to be proud daily. This year, we continue to produce "the firsts" and have been successful in our endeavors and have demonstrated resilience in the face of all that comes against us. I can't help but be in awe of our strength, courage, creativity and innovation today and always.

What is the first creative thing you are going to do post pandemic?

I really hope to be on a travel adventure that I can experience with my son Journey. I hope to see some place I have never seen before to spark and feed my creative energy!