Marilyn S. Hansen

FASID, IIDA, NCDIQ

Owner

Marilyn Schooley Hansen, FASID, IIDA, NCDIQ founded The Designers in 1980. She formerly held the position of Director of Interior Design for the iconic J.L. Brandies Department Store. From there, she became the Director of the Design Studio for Davidsons Furniture Showcase.
The hallmark of Marilyn’s work is innovation in many areas of Interior Design, whether homes, churches, or hospitality. All her work endeavors to present an atmosphere of welcoming and comfortable living. With more than five decades of award-winning work, she can create a solution for every design challenge.
In 1975, Marilyn was the first in Nebraska to obtain an NCDIQ Certification. Marilyn was also recognized for her dedication to the profession through her award-winning course, “Ethics and All That Jazz” for ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers. She was designated as a Fellow of ASID in 2001.

Her areas of expertise include:

  • Residential New Construction
  • Renovation
  • Hospitality Interior Design
  • Church Interior Design
  • Historical Interior Design
  • Restaurant Design
  • Commercial Interior Design
  • Project Management
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Transitioning to Retirement Living

Awards and Recognition

Recognized for more than 40 residential design and commercial design projects by the Nebraska Iowa ASID Chapter.

The Designers was voted Best Interior Design Firm in Best of Omaha 2023, 2024, and many other years.

Marilyn was the first winner of Omaha Magazine’s Best Interior Designer category in 2013, an award she has won many times since. Most recently she has been voted Best Interior Designer in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and other years.

Public Service

  • Appointed to the Nebraska Governor’s Residence Advisory Committee, 2016-2025
  • Chairperson for the renovation of the Nebraska Governor’s Residence, 1997-1998
  • ASID Member, 1973-Present
  • ASID Chapter President, 1990-1992 and 2023-2024
  • ASID National Board Representative, 1996-1997

Marilyn has also been involved in many community organizations

  • Omaha Community Playhouse Board of Directors
  • YWCA Board of Directors
  • Opera Omaha Board of Directors
  • St. Margaret Mary’s Church Volunteer
  • Omaha Symphony Showhouse Chairperson and Participant