Rudy Saunders, Design Director of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., joined America’s oldest established and continually operating interior design firm in 2015 under the direction of his role model, Mr. Carleton Varney (1937 – 2022).

Based in New York City, Saunders is involved with all aspects of the firm including designing colorful, bright, and fun residential interiors for discerning private clients across the US and internationally.  Additionally, he oversees the design direction of hospitality projects, including The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. For each of these historic properties, the team constantly updates and creates distinctive environments, to continually offer world class interiors that inspire and delight generations of guests. Additionally, Saunders is involved with furniture, textile, lighting, product, and event design as well as buying and merchandising for Dorothy Draper Home retail at The Greenbrier, Grand Hotel, and online.

Originally from Cincinnati, Saunders attended University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) where he received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.  Saunders is involved with numerous charitable organizations including The White House Historical Association NextGen Leaders, The Fund For Park Avenue Young Friends Committee, Central Park Conservancy Greensward Circle, Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Garden Club of America Young Associates Board, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, New York Botanical Gardens, and The Winter Antique Show Benefit Committee.