Team
Sarita Simpson
Founder + Principal Designer
From a very young age, Sarita knew that she had an obsession with interior design and beautiful, stylish spaces. In 2014 Sarita launched her design firm – Sarita Simpson Design – and has since completed dozens of projects for both residential and commercial clients in the DC area. For more than seven years before that, Sarita was the lead designer (working with Jason Claire) at Vastu, a high-end furnishings boutique in Washington DC, where she designed residential and commercial spaces, including apartment model units and lobbies as well as custom furniture, rugs, and window treatments for her clients.
Jason Claire
Freelance Creative Director, What Matters
Born in New York City, Jason was interested in art and design from the start. He became a commissioned abstract painter in high school and then triple majored in art, art history, and pre-medicine at Duke University. Between 2003 and 2014, Jason opened and grew Vastu in Washington DC which became a leading modern furniture retailer, art gallery, and interior design firm. He then moved to Switzerland with his husband and traveled to 60 countries during the following 5 years. With a renewed passion and evolved design aesthetic, Jason returned to the US and partnered with Sarita to form Interior Matter in 2019. Jason stepped back from Interior Matter in 2023 to focus on a new venture related to global travel. He continues to be the creative director of Interior Matter’s monthly design newsletter, What Matters.
Emily Geis
Operations Manager
Before relocating to Washington D.C., Emily launched her design career in Miami, handling projects spanning from New York City to southern Florida. Her design principles and ethos are credited to her mother, academic studies at Miami International University of Art and Design, and her distinctive professional experiences in the Design and Fashion industries. An inherent passion for visual arts empowers her to approach Interior Design with the perspectives of a Painter, Sculptor, Fashion Designer, and Artist, thereby creating spaces rich in layered elements that thoughtfully weave the unique narrative of each project. Emily is fueled by the sincerity and authenticity Interior Design infuses into every personalized project. Outside of work, she relishes family time, exploring innovative toddler hacks, experimenting with recipes from diverse cultures, and taking new workout classes with her girlfriends.
Marissa Boice
Design Intern
Marissa is a senior at The George Washington University, pursuing a degree in Interior Architecture. With an international upbringing, she draws inspiration from diverse cultures and materials, infusing her designs with a unique global perspective. A creative thinker at heart, Marissa is passionate about crafting spaces that resonate with both beauty and functionality. Outside of her studies, Marissa’s adventurous spirit leads her to dive into D.C.’s vibrant food scene, enjoy live music, and discover hidden gems throughout the city.
Kaitlyn Doyle
Design Assistant
Kaitlyn is a recent graduate of Marymount University, where she earned both her BA and MA in Interior Architecture and Design. During her time at Marymount, she was also a competitive college athlete. Kaitlyn has a passion for wellness, which informs her approach to creating spaces that are both functional and supportive of clients’ well-being and lifestyles. Originally from Mississippi, she draws inspiration from the slower pace of Southern life, the comforts of home, and the beauty of vintage novelties. When she’s not in the design studio, Kaitlyn is a yoga instructor who loves being outdoors and exploring the newest coffee spots.