Reflecting on 25 years of BSD: A letter from Founder & CEO Christi Barbour

Hello friends,

As I sit down to write this message, I'm filled with immense gratitude and pride. This year marks Barbour Spangle Design's 25th anniversary – a milestone that seemed almost unimaginable when Christi Spangle and I first became business partners a quarter-century ago. At the time, we were two friends with a shared passion for design and an unwavering commitment to relationships. Today, BSD has blossomed into a thriving design studio that continues to challenge the boundaries of creativity and business.

As we celebrate a quarter-century of collaboration, we're not just reflecting on our past—we're excited for what’s to come for our team. These are the things I’m reflecting on as I look back at our 25 years and the things I’m most excited for as we move forward: 

Two friends before embarking on our business partnership

1. Celebrating 25 Years of Design Excellence

   
   

Twenty-five years ago, we opened our doors with nothing but passion, determination, and a vision to create spaces that truly reflect our clients. That philosophy has carried us through economic downturns, a pandemic, and countless industry evolutions. Each challenge has only strengthened our resolve and sharpened our expertise. 

2. From Small Beginnings to The BSD Group

   
   

I'm particularly proud of launching The BSD Group, our procurement company for independent designers. Looking back to where we were 25 years ago – two designers with big dreams and limited resources – we understand intimately the challenges independent designers face. The BSD Group represents our commitment to supporting the design community by providing procurement services that allow independent designers to expand their services while maintaining their creative independence. 

3. Our Evolved Leadership Team

   
   

Perhaps what excites me most about our 25th year is our exceptional leadership team. Bri has stepped into the Integrator role, becoming the operational heartbeat of our studio, while Christi Spangle has focused her talents on developing The BSD Group. We've been blessed with incredible talent over the years that has evolved into great leaders: Hillary Powers as our Design Director, bringing fresh creative vision; Cortlandt Seitz as Operations Director, ensuring our business runs efficiently; and Mary Crowder as Marketing Director, telling our story with authenticity and impact.

Bri

Hillary

Cortlandt

Mary

4. National Recognition: The ARTS Award

Being recognized by the Dallas Market Center with an ARTS Award for interior design stands as a testament to our team's dedication and creative excellence. This national recognition doesn't just honor our past work—it validates our approach and inspires us to reach even greater heights. 

5. Evolving Roles and Empowered Teams

Both Christi Spangle and I have experienced a "role remix" over the last few years. We've intentionally shifted our focus toward business development and strategic growth, entrusting our phenomenal team with greater design responsibility. This transition wasn't just about delegation—it represents our confidence in the exceptional talent we've cultivated and their readiness to carry forward our design philosophy.

The Clubhouse at our Hawthorne at Stillwater project

6. Multifamily Growth and 2025 Vision

 Our multifamily channel has seen remarkable growth, becoming a cornerstone of our business. In 2025, we're committed to further developing this channel, bringing our distinctive approach to more communities and creating spaces where people truly feel at home. We've already seen how our Mirror Method resonates particularly well in multifamily projects, allowing us to create spaces that reflect the communities they serve. 

7. Welcoming New Talent

Our team continues to grow with the addition of Kat, our efficient and detail-oriented executive assistant; Ellen, our talented design assistant; and Allison, our organized and creative studio coordinator. We're also actively searching for a finance manager to round out our team. Each new member brings a fresh perspective while embracing our core values and collaborative approach. 

8. The Mirror Method: Our Enduring Philosophy

At the heart of every Barbour Spangle project remains the Mirror Method—our commitment to reflecting our client's needs, values, and identity rather than imposing a signature style. This approach has allowed us to remain versatile and authentic across residential, commercial, showroom, and multifamily projects. Just as a mirror reflects many images, our business continues to thrive through its multi-faceted approach. 

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Looking Forward

As we celebrate this 25-year milestone, I am equally excited about the past we honor and the future we're creating. None of this would be possible without our clients, partners, and the incredible design community that has supported us through the years.

We're looking forward to celebrating our silver anniversary throughout the year, and we're deeply thankful for all of you who have been part of this journey. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or joined us recently, you've contributed to the tapestry of Barbour Spangle Design.

Here's to 25 years of design excellence—and to the exciting chapters yet to be written.

With heartfelt gratitude,