Pamela O’Brien
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Pamela O’Brien is an award-winning luxury interior designer, writer, and speaker known for creating personalized, beautifully functional spaces throughout Houston and beyond. As founder of Pamela Hope Designs, she is frequently featured in House Beautiful, The Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, and Modern Luxury for her client-focused approach and signature “classic with a twist” aesthetic.
Before launching her firm, Pamela worked in media and public affairs, collaborating with major networks including NBC and CBS. This global experience deepened her love of art, culture, and architecture and ultimately inspired her transition into interior design. Within days of leaving her media career, she enrolled in a professional program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design—an early indicator of her commitment to lifelong learning and design excellence.
Pamela is a respected leader in the Houston design community and is known for cultivating lasting partnerships with her clients—many who become friends and repeat collaborators. Her commercial portfolio includes Bellows Corporation, Prosperity Bank Plaza, Allergy & Asthma Associates, and Cricket Communications. She continues to share her expertise through writing, public speaking, and her work with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), where she serves as Financial Director for the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. Pamela Hope Designs was named the 2025 ASID Firm of the Year at the organization’s 50th Anniversary National Conference.
INVOLVEMENT
community & philanthropy
Deeply committed to giving back, Pamela and her husband Jon chaired the Savor the Hope Gala for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, where she also serves on the Texas Advisory Board. She is active in Phi Mu Fraternity’s philanthropic efforts and has long supported the Houston Heights Association and Woodland Heights Home Tour. The PHD team is especially passionate about historic renovations and adaptive reuse projects for both residential and commercial clients.
Outside of design, Pamela is an avid traveler and frequent visitor to Alaska – Jon’s home state where they keep a boat and a family cabin. She is fluent in French and Italian, conversational in Spanish, and always eager to explore new restaurants, art events, and fitness classes at The Houstonian.
Danna Smith
MANAGING DESIGNER
Danna Smith brings more than 30 years of experience in luxury residential and commercial interiors to Pamela Hope Designs. A Stephen F. Austin State University graduate with a degree in interior design, Danna built her early career as a buyer and merchandiser for several high-end showrooms in Houston and Dallas, later serving as lead salesperson for the Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils Showroom in the Decorative Center Houston. Her deep product knowledge, industry relationships, and impeccable eye make her a trusted resource for clients seeking elevated, timeless design.
Passionate about developing the next generation of designers, Danna teaches Fundamentals of Interior Design at Houston City College, where she inspires students with real-world expertise and a love of craftsmanship. Since joining Pamela Hope Designs in 2015, she has contributed to some of the firm’s most beautiful and innovative projects, offering thoughtful guidance and a calm, gracious approach that clients value deeply.
Outside the studio, Danna enjoys time with her twin daughters, Taylor and Mia—both creative professionals in their own fields. She loves cooking, relaxing at home with her family, and taking long walks with her dog. Her blend of experience, warmth, and artistry continues to shape the signature PHD client experience.
Natasha Moreno
ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGNER
Natasha Moreno is an emerging interior designer whose passion for architecture, space planning, and well-crafted interiors brings a fresh and modern perspective to Pamela Hope Designs. While studying at Houston City College, she excelled in rigorous studio coursework and earned First in Design for her standout concept in the 2024 SEED (Studio Experience for Emerging Designers) program, signaling her talent early on.
Natasha joined PHD as an intern and quickly distinguished herself with her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and natural design intuition. Now a full-time Administrative Designer, she supports Pamela and Danna across a wide range of luxury residential and commercial projects. She manages day-to-day office operations, assists with bookkeeping, organizes the firm’s fast-paced schedule, and continually expands her design and technical skills—including drafting, rendering, and design software. Her thoughtful approach and steady coordination help keep PHD’s projects running seamlessly.
At home, Natasha enjoys life with her husband, Jonathan, and their daughter, Valerie—often found at the park, exploring new spots around Houston, or enjoying relaxed family time. She loves drawing, tackling puzzles, experimenting with new design tools, and decorating her own recently purchased home. Her energy, creativity, and dedication make her an essential part of the PHD team.
