This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 252nd installment visiting with Samantha Dagestad, Owner & Principle Designer of Loudan Studio, which was created to bring thoughtful, high-quality design and a more personal experience to homeowners who want their spaces to feel both beautiful and deeply functional.
Describe more about Loudan Studio. Loudan Studio is a luxury residential design studio specializing in kitchen and bath design, high-end remodeling, new home design, and custom cabinetry sales. We provide a full-service design experience that includes photorealistic renderings, finish and material specifications, space planning, cabinetry design, lighting coordination, and product procurement.
Our studio works closely with homeowners, contractors, and trade professionals to create timeless, functional spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle. With experience in both construction and design, we help guide clients through the entire process — from concept to completion — with a strong focus on quality, communication, and attention to detail.
We believe great design should improve the way families live every day, and that the remodeling and building process should feel collaborative, inspiring, and well-guided from start to finish. With backgrounds in both design and construction, our goal is to help clients make confident decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and create timeless spaces that reflect their lifestyle, values, and vision.
How did you get started? Loudan Studio was built from a lifelong passion for design, homes, and helping families create spaces they truly love. After spending more than a decade in construction and kitchen design, I saw a need for a more personalized, design-focused experience for homeowners navigating remodels and new construction projects.
My husband’s 30 years of experience as a contractor also gave us a unique understanding of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship work together. Combining our backgrounds allowed us to create a studio that bridges the gap between beautiful design and practical construction knowledge. What started as a passion for transforming spaces has grown into a business centered on creativity, collaboration, and serving clients with excellence.
What is your background? I developed the background and skills for this business through more than a decade of experience in construction and kitchen design, combined with formal education in interior design through an NKBA-accredited program. That training provided a strong foundation in space planning, kitchen and bath design, materials, and industry standards.
In addition to my design background, working alongside my husband — who has over 30 years of experience as a contractor — gave me valuable hands-on insight into the construction side of the industry. Together, those experiences shaped the approach we bring to Loudan Studio today: combining thoughtful design, practical knowledge, and a high level of client service.
Who is your largest supporter? My husband has been one of my biggest supporters and mentors throughout my career. With more than 30 years of experience as a contractor, he has shared invaluable knowledge about construction, problem-solving, and the importance of quality craftsmanship. Working alongside him has helped me better understand how great design and proper execution go hand in hand.
Beyond the technical side of the industry, he has also encouraged me to pursue my passion for design, grow the business, and continue building Loudan Studio into something that truly reflects our values and vision.
Describe your customers. Our clients are homeowners who value quality, thoughtful design, and a personalized experience. Many are families or professionals investing in remodeling or building spaces that better support the way they live day to day. They appreciate craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless design rather than trends that quickly fade.
We primarily work with clients seeking high-end kitchen and bath remodels, custom cabinetry, and new home design services. They are looking for a trusted guide through the design and construction process and value clear communication, collaboration, and a well-organized experience from start to finish.
What are some things you wish you new when you started? 1. I wish I had fully understood how important clear communication and setting expectations are throughout the entire design and construction process. Great communication can make all the difference in creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for clients.
2. I wish I had known how much of running a design business involves wearing many hats beyond design itself — including project coordination, business management, client education, and relationship building.
3. I wish I had realized earlier that confidence grows through experience. In the beginning, it’s easy to second-guess yourself, but over time I learned to trust both my training and hands-on experience when guiding clients through important decisions.
What do you enjoy most about this business? What I enjoy most about running Loudan Studio is the opportunity to help families create spaces that truly improve the way they live every day. Seeing a client’s vision come to life — from the initial ideas and renderings to the finished space — is incredibly rewarding.
I also enjoy the creative side of the business and the relationships we build with our clients throughout the process. Every project is unique, and I love combining beauty, function, and thoughtful details to create spaces that feel personal and timeless. Being able to work alongside my husband and build a business centered around our shared values, passion, and experience has made the journey even more meaningful.