Most interior designers will tell you they create beautiful spaces. Valerie Goldin-Remm will tell you she helps people reach their potential.
Inspired by her study of Kabbalah — an ancient Jewish philosophy — the Atelier CV founder genuinely believes that our physical environments directly impact our mindset and capacity for growth. Her interiors are intentionally crafted, yes, but they’re also designed to change behavior: to help an Upper East Side client rediscover her love of cooking, to give her husband a true sanctuary after years of relentless travel, to create spaces where people feel more present, more grounded, more themselves.
Before launching Atelier CV, Goldin-Remm spent a decade modeling for fashion’s elite, an experience that taught her to read people, recognize quality, and understand the relationship between composition and emotion. Now, as she expands her practice into Miami’s evolving design scene, she’s bringing that same eye — plus a healthy skepticism of trends and a preference for what really endures — to residential interiors that balance refinement with soul.
The Conversation
Haute Design: You transitioned from fashion and luxury into interior design. What inspired that pivot, and how do those worlds overlap in your work?
VGR: I spent ten years modeling and working in the fashion industry, which gave me a front row seat to craftsmanship and composition, and offered endless inspiration through the many designs and spaces I encountered. I had the opportunity to travel the world, immerse myself in different cultures and styles, and meet people from every imaginable background. Those experiences taught me to observe, to listen, and to connect. Over time, I realized I wanted to shift the focus from my own visual appearance to improving other people’s lives and the spaces they live in. Both the fashion and interiors worlds share a devotion to detail and storytelling, showing how texture, light, and form can transform the way we feel in our environment.
Haute Design: Atelier CV emphasizes creating spaces that reflect individuality. What’s your process for uncovering and translating a client’s personality into design?
VGR: After years of traveling and working in fashion, I have met so many personalities that learning to read people has become second nature. I pay attention to their tone and rhythm, and I look to see how they move through their day, what objects they hold onto, and what kind of energy they want to wake up to. I also try to understand what is unsaid, because those subtle cues often reveal what truly matters to them. People tend to describe how they want to feel before they can articulate how they want something to look. My role is to translate that feeling into tangible design, creating a space that not only represents them visually but also enhances how they live every day.
Haute Design: How does your spiritual practice, including your study of Kabbalah, influence the way you think about design and life?
VGR: Kabbalah, an ancient Jewish philosophy, studies the human experience and human meaning. Its emphasis is that our physical experience on this planet can only truly feel complete with the right consciousness. If I were to translate that to interiors it means that spaces should elevate and enhance your life, helping one to achieve their true potential on this planet, and not just look beautiful.
Haute Design: What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about interior design?
VGR: A common misconception about interior design is that it is only about aesthetics or making a space look pretty. In reality, interior design encompasses functionality, space planning, ergonomics, and creating environments that enhance well-being and meet practical needs, balancing both aesthetic and function.
Haute Design: How do you define timeless design in a world where trends move so quickly?
VGR: Timeless design transcends fleeting trends by prioritizing lasting design principles over fads. It’s rooted in balance, proportion, functionality, and universal appeal—qualities that resonate across eras. True timelessness comes from focusing on what has stood the test of time rather than what feels right only for now.
Haute Design: You’ve said spaces affect behavior and well-being. Can you share an example of a design transforming someone’s lifestyle?
VGR: One of the first projects where we were able to truly experiment was my own home in rural Connecticut. Our life had been defined by constant travel, work, and motion, so the goal was to create a sense of calm and stillness. We softened the interiors, used organic forms and inviting textures, and designed intentional spaces that encouraged relaxation and grounding. The result was a home we are deeply proud of, but what meant the most was hearing Eugene describe it as his sanctuary. That moment confirmed for Christine and me that we had achieved exactly what we set out to do.
Haute Design: What is your proudest project so far, and what made it special?
VGR: Our recently completed Upper East Side project stands out as one of my proudest. It represents a balance of refinement and soul, sophisticated yet deeply personal. The client placed complete trust in our design process, which allowed us to truly refine our design and create a space that felt like a true reflection of who they are. Months later, she shared that she had rediscovered her love for cooking at home and hosting dinners. Having a space designed to suit her taste and needs rekindled that passion. That is what I love most about my work, when design transforms not only the environment but also the rhythm of someone’s life.
Haute Design: As both a designer and entrepreneur, how do you balance creativity with the business side of running a firm?
VGR: Structure and consistency create the space for creativity to thrive without chaos. Atelier CV is built on constant improvement, whether through our systems, design methods, organization, or communication. The business side is what allows the creative side to flourish. The most successful artists are the ones who understand logistics, just as poetry cannot exist without punctuation. Emotional intelligence also plays a major role. Working in a partnership, leading a team, managing clients, and reading the energy in a room are just as vital as any design skill.
Haute Design: How do you see Miami’s design and cultural landscape evolving, and what excites you about contributing to it?
VGR: Miami, especially in recent years since the pandemic, has been in a remarkable state of evolution. The city merges bold energy and multicultural influence with an appreciation for quality of life, art, and craftsmanship. It has been inspiring to see Miami embrace a more elevated and refined design language that balances vibrancy with serenity. There is a true sense of freedom to explore creatively here, and I am excited to contribute to that growth as we continue expanding our presence in this beautiful city.
I began my journey in the United States, here in Miami, where I met my husband, so returning always feels like coming home. Being able to create meaningful living experiences for clients we value and cherish feels especially rewarding in this city. No offense, New York.
Haute Design: If you could design any dream project — without limitations — what would it be?
VGR: A sanctuary in nature, most likely a boutique hotel. A place where every material is intentional and every view is curated to evoke a feeling. No noise, no excess, only pure connection between architecture, design, landscape, and soul.
Haute Design: How do you personally define luxury in both design and lifestyle?
VGR: In design, I see luxury as a complete experience where every material, detail, proportion, and texture feels intentional and harmonious. In life, it is the ability to slow down and be surrounded by beauty that serves both function and meaning. To me, luxury is having time and the ability to be fully immersed in and present in what I am doing, ideally in a place I love, like my home, or with the people I love, like my family and friends. True luxury is having space and an environment that nourishes you aesthetically, emotionally, and spiritually.
About Atelier CV
Atelier CV merges fashion-trained aesthetics with practical, contemporary living environments. Founded by Valerie Goldin-Remm and Christine Zeqiri, the firm crafts interiors that are visually compelling and grounded in daily functionality. Their shared roots in fashion and personal renovation experience shape a holistic approach that balances personality, practicality, and lasting beauty — designing spaces where livability is essential and every detail reflects genuine character and quality.
Contact: info@atelier-cv.com | atelier-cv.com
