Designs by Human is a full-service interior design studio founded by Joe Human - a designer whose creative roots run deep. Raised in rural Idaho by a builder and a homemaker, Joe spent his childhood sketching, building (and rebuilding) Lego creations, and absorbing the art of making a house feel like home. After honing his technical skills at a large architecture firm for seven years, he moved to New York City in 2012 to fully immerse himself in the world of design, creativity, and craftsmanship.

In 2015, he launched Designs by Human with a mission to create beautiful, layered interiors that reflect the personality, history, and needs of each client. The studio’s signature style is rooted in contrast - mixing the refined with the relaxed, the modern with the timeworn, and the architectural with the handcrafted. Every space is intentionally designed and thoughtfully detailed, often featuring custom furniture, global sourcing, and collaborations with artisans from New York to Southeast Asia.

Now based in Florida with and an office in Bali, Indonesia our studio works throughout the East Coast and internationally. Our team works across a range of residential, hospitality, and private development projects - including custom yacht interiors. Whether it’s a downtown penthouse, a coastal retreat, or a luxury vessel at sea, our work is known for marrying creativity with construction expertise - turning vision into reality, down to the very last detail.

Design inspiration can be found in everything which is why Joe loves to be out in the mountains with his wife on his bike or in the pits of his secret obsession: nitro-fueled drag racing. We encourage our team to travel and pickup new and meaningful inspiration worldwide.

meet Our Team

Mayra Human

As the backbone of our day to day financial operations, Mayra keeps our office running smoothly behind the scenes. You will oftentimes see her jumping in, carrying boxes and taking much needed measurements. In her spare time she reads, knits and loves playing with and training the dogs.

Financial Director

Joe Human

The founder of Designs by Human, Joe has a background rooted in architectural design but a desire to bring in soft and layered ideas to each project. When not working Joe loves to be at the racetrack or on his bike when Mayra and him are not traveling the world.

Lead Designer & Founder

Senior Designer

stacey klempel

As the only team member originally from Florida, Stacey brings her organized and creative design to the team. Stacey has led several projects now from Florida to New York. You will see her obsessing over her two dogs when she is not collaborating and managing our projects.

"Designs by Human is a life saver for any design needs for your house of business. Joe and his team are beyond amazing at what they do. Joe is kind, thoughtful, and his attention to details and care for his work is unmatched. Working with them was a dream, and I'll be sure to recommend them to everyone I know for any and all design needs."

Harley L
"Joe has great taste. The design is perfect and Joe is so nice. We really enjoy the corporation with Joe. Love it."

One Park Condos
"Joe Human has designed two Brooklyn coop apartments for me, and in both cases, the results were stunningly beautiful. First, I am grateful for his creative ideas for maximizing space, finishing difficult edges, and enhancing original features that take time and trouble. Next, his attention to detail -- scrutinizing every angle of the project and communicating with the contractor -- were invaluable. Finally, his personality makes him extremely easy to work with -- he is able to negotiate conflicts without ruffling feathers...important in NYC co-op buildings and when dealing with Landmarks Preservation Committee, as we had to. I would recommend Joe Human and Designs by Human to anyone, without hesitation."

Bernadette S
"Joe is the best! I highly recommend Joe and his team. We used them for architectural design when we combined two apartments. Joe is easily to work with, always timely with his design and responding to the client, and most important works within your budget!!!"

Danielle S
"It’s easy to sing Joe Human’s praises. We had a stellar experience working with designs by human. This was our first foray into the world of interior design and we are so delighted we decided on designs by human. Joe helped make our home fantasty a reality with custom millwork, specialty accent lighting, luxe wallpaper, savvy furniture + accessories selections and “just right” paint colors. The results of our project are truly spectacular, but the process of working with Joe was also outstanding. He is the consummate professional - reliable, punctual, honest, a great listener and communicator and filled with endless ideas and creative solutions. He is also connected to many fabulous showrooms, vendors, contractors and specialty craftsmen which enhanced the experience. We look forward to working with Joe again and again on future projects in future homes!"

Alexandra S
"Joe has an excellent eye for color and pattern. He and his team brought a high level of professionalism to my renovation. They came up with creative solutions to design dilemmas. I highly recommend Designs by Human for your renovation or interior design project."

Alkish L
"Excellent. Professional, courteous, smart and responds to communication in a timely manner (a big plus!). He was one of the only pros to actually follow up. Very easy to talk to."

Dan K
"Joe is a dynamic, creative, and innovative designer! I worked with Joe for many projects during my time at Poppin. Besides the fact that all of Joe's projects were extremely inspirational, I was particularly impressed with Joe's ability to translate the clients needs from their vision to real life. I miss working with Joe on projects and sincerely hope to work with him again the the future! I'm certain that the day I own a home or my own office, I will be calling him to help. I would recommend Joe, hands down, no reservations to anyone thinking of hiring a designer!"

Melissa G
"Designs by Human did an excellent job making my studio apartment both stylish and functional. I am loving the space; it is so perfect. Joe was very easy to work with and respectful of my taste, my preferences, my time, and my budget. I would hire this firm again and highly recommend it."

Karen R
"designs by human. not only created an amazing space for us but handled the project very professionally. They were willing to work within our budget, finished the project in a timely manner, and delivered the agreed upon product. I would recommend designs by human. to anyone interested in creating something unique, functional, and beautiful! The project turned out better than we could ever have imagined! Thanks Joe!"

Linda P
"Joe Human has an amazing eye coupled with the ability to create amazing work on tight budgets. He is a capable designer/contractor and I would reccomend him to anyone looking for a sense of style he is a master of the 'WOW' moment- he is a magician."

Renee K
"Joe at DBH is incredible to work with. He has vision, is creative and imaginative. He most recently worked on a bathroom renovation for us. What was old, dark and drab is clean, spa-chic and sophisticated. I love being in there! Joe envisions so much more than I can, even more than a lot of architects/designers do and is an outside-the-box thinker. It took me a while to trust wholeheartedly in his vision but now I rely his eye so much, he's my first call. No more spending hours and hours of time on the computer. My first thought is, "I'll ask Joe, he'll know what to do!" Joe has saved me so much time I can do more stuff - like write a nice review for him. Thanks, Joe!"

Kathy C
"Joe Human helped us with a redecoration project, and was absolutely terrific. He had great ideas, managed all the ordering, and supervised the work. He was always very responsive. We live in a NYC coop and it was not easy to get all the necessary permissions from the building to proceed with the work, but Joe helped us all the way. And then, when the first contractor we hired abandoned the job halfway through (nothing to do with Joe himself!) he put in far more time than we could have expected to help us find a new contractor and to bring the project to a successful conclusion. His costs were entirely reasonable. We couldn't be happier with him."

David B

Where we are working

As our client base expands and evolves, we’re privileged to journey alongside them, designing their dreams and investments wherever they may go. With dedication and diligence, we scour the globe to source unique and exceptional pieces, crafting bespoke homes that reflect the individuality and aspirations of each client.

World map with five pink location markers in the United States, Brazil, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Idaho

Where it all started! Since 2004 I have completed numerous residential projects and been a part of nearly 100 commercial projects in the state.

New York, new jersey & Pennsylvania

From Buffalo, to Westchester, The Hamptons and all over the boroughs of New York City we have completed some of my favorite projects. The Northeast remains to be home and our connection to the world.

Florida

Florida emerged as a natural extension of our work, transitioning from occasional projects to a full-time focus starting in 2021. We’re proud to have established a presence in vibrant communities across the state, including Sarasota, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg / Tampa, and Miami.

Lima, Peru

Working with clients from the US, I was able to assist them in designing and developing a cutting edge medical practice. Currently, their equipment and buildings are being deployed through the country.

Paris, france

With a small connection in Paris and Monaco we were able to expand. Paris has been a great sourcing market for us to use on our projects worldwide.

Dubai, uae

A thriving market situated in the desert with endless possibilities. We started traveling and looking at possibilities in 2018 and finally started working in Dubai in 2023.

jakarta, indonesia

Starting in 2021 we began working on a private residence and are currently working on a collaboration with The St Regis Residences. Our work there has brought us into the famed and skilled woodworkers of the region into developing a full furniture collection on sale with Vinoti Living.

Bali, indonesia

In 2024 we began various development and expansion proposals in Bali. Currently working on a private residential development in Nusa Dua.

meet Our Team

Mayra Human

Joe Human

stacey klempel

"Joe has great taste. The design is perfect and Joe is so nice. We really enjoy the corporation with Joe. Love it."

"Joe is the best! I highly recommend Joe and his team. We used them for architectural design when we combined two apartments. Joe is easily to work with, always timely with his design and responding to the client, and most important works within your budget!!!"

"Joe has an excellent eye for color and pattern. He and his team brought a high level of professionalism to my renovation. They came up with creative solutions to design dilemmas. I highly recommend Designs by Human for your renovation or interior design project."

"Excellent. Professional, courteous, smart and responds to communication in a timely manner (a big plus!). He was one of the only pros to actually follow up. Very easy to talk to."

"Designs by Human did an excellent job making my studio apartment both stylish and functional. I am loving the space; it is so perfect. Joe was very easy to work with and respectful of my taste, my preferences, my time, and my budget. I would hire this firm again and highly recommend it."

"Joe Human has an amazing eye coupled with the ability to create amazing work on tight budgets. He is a capable designer/contractor and I would reccomend him to anyone looking for a sense of style he is a master of the 'WOW' moment- he is a magician."