For Sam Gilman, great design starts with understanding how people really live. With nearly 20 years of experience in residential construction and product development, Sam brings both creativity and practicality to every remodeling project—helping clients feel confident, informed, and excited throughout the design process.

“I’ve always loved homes and how they come together,” Sam says. “I grew up watching HGTV, flipping through design magazines, and following my mom around as she made our house a home.” That early passion led her to earn a degree in Construction Management and spend almost two decades working with a local production homebuilder, where she collaborated closely with architects, vendors, and manufacturers. Today, she’s completing her Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate, further sharpening her design expertise.

At Sun Design, Sam guides clients through all finish selections—from cabinetry and countertops to tile, plumbing, lighting, and hardware—during design reviews, showroom visits, and on-site meetings. She’s known for her ability to keep the big picture in mind while paying close attention to the details. “My goal is to help clients see how everything works together,” she explains, “while also being upfront about budget so there are no surprises.”

What Sam enjoys most is seeing the design come to life for homeowners. “Every client and every project is different,” she says. “When I see that moment where the design starts to click and the excitement sets in—that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Sam is especially drawn to Sun Design’s commitment to transparency and care. “Renovating is a big investment of time, energy, and hard-earned money,” she notes. “It can be stressful, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Clients should feel supported every step of the way.”

Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading, music, cheering on DC sports teams, and sharing great meals with her husband and son. She’s also a proud dog mom to two adorable pups—and a devoted concertgoer, having attended more than 50 concerts so far.

“I love dreaming up new ways for people to love their homes,” Sam says. “Every family lives differently, and that changes over time. If we can make daily life easier and beautiful, then we’ve done our job.”