Our Approach
At Thrive Environments, design begins with understanding how people live — the rhythms, obstacles, and joys that shape daily life. We see the built environment as an active partner in human well-being: when thoughtfully prepared, it can calm the senses, foster independence, and make room for creativity and connection. Guided by Montessori philosophy, sensory awareness, and the principles of biophilia, our work begins with empathy and observation to center the dynamic relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. The result is not a style, but a way of thinking — one that sees every environment as a foundation for thriving.
your design journey
We believe that creating spaces that are functional, beautiful, and deeply supportive of the people who use them is not only possible — it’s within reach. Whether you’re redesigning a single room, transforming an entire home, or developing environments for learning or work, we’re here to guide you. From the enthusiastic DIYer ready to dive in, to those seeking professional partnership from concept to completion, our services are designed to meet you where you are. Not sure where to begin? Book a complimentary discovery call — we’ll help you find the path that fits your goals and your rhythm.
thrive sessions
Collaborative working sessions focused on space planning, styling, sourcing, and decision support — helping you build clarity, direction, and momentum at any stage of a project.
foundations package
A custom design roadmap shaped by your space, goals, and priorities — organizing space analysis, visual direction, layout guidance, and sourcing suggestions into a clear, actionable document.
FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN
Comprehensive design and project management from concept to completion for residential, educational, commercial, and hospitality spaces.
design to thrive workshops
Interactive sessions for parent groups, educators, or teams exploring inclusive, biophilic, or Montessori-aligned design principles.
our story
Thrive Environments was founded by designer and educator Libby Smith, whose work is guided by the belief that spaces should feel as good as they look. As a neurodivergent queer woman, Libby knows what it’s like to navigate spaces that weren’t designed with her in mind — and the profound joy of discovering those that were. Thrive Environments was created to share this joy and to support others in carving out more feel-good spaces in their lives.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience across education and interior design, Libby blends the sensitivity of a teacher with the precision of a designer. She holds a Master’s of Design in Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, a Master’s of Education in Montessori Philosophy, and AMI Montessori certification — along with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology that deepened her understanding of how people live, learn, and connect within their environments. Her work spans residential, commercial, educational, and hospitality design, with a special focus on inclusive interiors that honor both accessibility and aesthetic harmony.
This unique blend of experience shapes Libby’s belief that the built environment can be an active partner in human flourishing — guiding, grounding, and uplifting us as we move through the world. She puts that belief into practice through Thrive Environments, where interior design becomes a foundation for thriving — rooted in empathy, informed by science, and attuned to the senses.
our work
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COMING SOON!
Please pardon our appearance while we work to bring you examples of our latest projects. Check back soon to see what we’ve been up to!
your experience
“I loved working with Libby — she thinks with you, bringing an attentive focus to your ideas, but with her own distinct insights and experience. I can’t imagine a better creative partner for someone looking to bring their vision to life.”
— Tim, Brown University, Providence, RI
“Libby’s keen eye for design, paired with her expertise in universal design and accessibility standards, is an asset for anyone looking to create a home environment adapted to their needs without compromising on style.”
— Julie Lineberger, CoFounder & CEO, WheelPad L3C
“Working with Libby helped us see our home in a new light. We came in with a few ideas, but she showed us possibilities we hadn’t considered and helped bring them together in a way that truly fits our family — both for how we live now and how we’ll grow in the future.”
— Kris & Sara, N. Attleboro, MA
“Libby transformed a dark, dated pizza place into a light and airy, modern take on a familiar classic. With layered lighting, natural materials, and lush greenery, she created a warm, inviting space admired by everyone who walks through the door.”
— Izzy, owner, Rhody Slice, N. Kingstown, RI
“Libby’s adept understanding of educational pedagogy and day-to-day operations makes her an invaluable design partner for any school looking to build thoughtful learning environments that nurture both children and adults.”