History

Our Journey of Design

The Designers was incorporated in 1980 by Marilyn S. Hansen. She was formerly the Director of Interior Design for J.L. Brandeis Department Stores, before closure of its home furnishings service. The Designers’ first studio was a 6,000 square foot mansion at 39th & Dodge that had sat in disrepair. Marilyn renovated the mansion and submitted it as a National Historic Landmark. The Haven Mansion, obtaining National Historic Landmark designation in 1982.

The next eighteen years were full of residential, commercial and hospitality projects, community service projects, as well as an ASID Symphony Showhouse every year. The Designers have trained over 150 Interior Design Interns from 1980 –2023. Marilyn S. Hansen was chosen to head the Governor’s Residence Renovation in 1997-1998.

This ASID endeavor was a $4.2 million success. She has continued her involvement in this project and was appointed to the Governor’s Residence Advisory Council from 2016 – 2025.

In 1998 The Designers moved to 121st & Emmet Street to open an 8,000-square-foot Designers Furniture Gallery Showroom with a staff of ten professionals.

The firm moved again in 2016 to its present location in the Embassy Tower at 9300 Underwood Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska, to improve its focus on interior design for renovation and hospitality design. Today, The Designers represents over 40 years in the profession of interior design, where they continue to design award-winning interiors, train interior design interns and assist in community service organizations. View our awards here.