"The service is not mature [enough] to be used with any sensitive data at all."Deep TroubleDeepSeek has already changed the AI game in the days since announcing its latest powerful and cheaply-trained open-source model but that doesn't mean the developers at the Chinese startup are infallible.Researchers at the cloud security company Wiz were poking around the back end of the groundbreaking open-source model's databases when they discovered, "within minutes," that they were able to access a trove of completely unencrypted internal data with ease."This database contained a significant volume of chat history, backend data and sensitive information," Wiz explained in its vulnerability report, "including log streams, API Secrets, and operational details."Even worse, that wide-open back door at the open-source AI company could easily have led to an attack on DeepSeek's systems "without any authentication or defense mechanism to the outside world," the researchers wrote.As Wiz noted in its report on that glaring vulnerability, DeepSeek immediately took action to secure its databases once the security researchers alerted the company to the exposure.In conversations with Wired, however, the cloud security firm admitted that it was difficult to get in touch with anyone at DeepSeek, leaving its employees little recourse but to send LinkedIn messages and and emails to every DeepSeek-related account they could find or guess.Nobody at DeepSeek replied to Wiz's attempts at contact, but within an hour the database was locked down,Wired reports.In other words, you don't have to be competent to shake the world.Open Door PolicyThe security issue doesn't sound particularly obscure, either."Usually when we find this kind of exposure, its in some neglected service that takes us hours to find hours of scanning," Wiz vulnerability research head Nir Ohfeld told Wired. With Deepseek, he said, those glaring security issues were right "at the front door."When accessing DeepSeek's databases, Wiz researchers found out a lot about the way the company's models operate, including that its infrastructure mimics OpenAI's almost exactly.This level of intelligence about a company that's exploded in popularity is relatively safe in the hands of white-hat hackers. But theresearchers told Wired that if anyone else got into the DeepSeek databases before they did an incredibly unchallenging feat, as they indicated repeatedly they could have made away with as much internal data as they wanted with minimal effort."The fact that mistakes happen is correct, but this is a dramatic mistake, because the effort level is very low and the access level that we got is very high," Wiz chief technology officer Ami Luttwak told the magazine. "I would say that it means that the service is not mature [enough] to be used with any sensitive data at all."Share This Article

You might've heard of the hardware guru who crammed the videogame Doom into a pregnancy test. Well, the AI-geek equivalent just figured out how to reproduce DeepSeek's buzzy tech for the cost of a few dozen eggs.Jiayi Pan, a PhD candidate at the University of California, Berkeley, claims that he and his AI research team have recreated core functions of DeepSeek's R1-Zero for just $30 a comically more limited budget than DeepSeek, which rattled the tech industry this week with its extremely thrifty model that it says cost just a few million to train.Take it with a grain of salt until other experts weigh in and test it for themselves. But the assertion and particularly its bargain basement price tag is yet another illustration that the discourse in AI research is rapidly shifting from a paradigm of ultra-intensive computation powered by huge datacenters, to efficient solutions that call the financial model of major players like OpenAI into question.In an post announcing the team's findings on X-formerly-Twitter, Pan said that the researchers trained their model around the countdown game, a number operations exercise in which players create equations from a set of numbers to reach a predetermined answer.The small language model starts with "dummy outputs," Pan said, but "gradually develops tactics such as revision and search" to find the solution through the team's reinforcement training."The results: it just works!"Pan said.Pan's crew is currently working to produce a paper, but their model, preciously dubbed "TinyZero," is available on GitHub to tinker around with."We hope this project helps to demystify the emerging RL scaling research and make it more accessible," wrote Pan.Though R1-Zero is a small language model at 3 billion parameters compare that to its heavyweight brother R1's 671 billion the team's accomplishment could be a bellwether for open-source developers working on stripped down approachesto AI development.The release of DeepSeek's R1 model has tightened the screws on pie-in-the-sky artificial general intelligence ventures led by the likes of Meta, Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, sending stocks associated with American AI into a trillion-dollar tumble. The Hangzhou-based open-source AI startup contends that its tech can do exactly what those corporate ventures have burned through billions of dollars doing for a fraction of the cost.That's spawned a bevy of questions from investors,leading with why the seven wealthiest tech corporations on earth all walk lockstep in glacier-melting efforts when a more elegant solution may have been there all along?And if reproducing a model like TinyZero can be done with less than $30 and only a few days of work, then what do big tech conglomerates need $500 billion in AI infrastructurefor?More on DeepSeek: Trump Responds After DeepSeek Humiliates His Splashy AI AnnouncementShare This Article

Nothing says I love you like a heart-shaped pizza.Okay, maybe you couldshow a little more love by throwing in some heart-shaped donuts.More chain restaurants are leaning into Valentines Day promotions even if they aren't exactly the first choice among those seeking fine dining options when celebrating.Instead, they big-name chains are creating fun, heart-shaped versions of their menu items or offering completely different twists on fan favorites.Bojangles Bo Berry Valentine's BiscuitsBojangles/Canvaloading...It isnt just about heart-shaped pizzas any more. Although, there are plenty of options for getting a special pie just for Valentines Day.READ MORE: 15 Fast-Growing Chain Restaurants Poised To Be Everywhere In 2025This year, your favorite chain restaurants are stepping up with heart shaped meat,biscuits and more. Here is a look at 10 adorable heart-shaped offerings at big-name chain restaurants this Valentine's Day.10 Heart-Shaped Foods Your Favorite Chain Restaurants Are Serving For Valentine's DayHere is a look at 10 adorable heart-shaped offerings big-name chain restaurants are rolling out for Valentine's Day this year.Gallery Credit: Rob CarrollGet our free mobile appThe Most Anticipated Movies of 202520 movies we cant wait to see in 25.Filed Under: Chain Restaurants, Fast Food, RestaurantsCategories: Original Features

Time zones: SBT (UTC +11), GMT (UTC +0), CET (UTC +1), EET (UTC +2), MSK (UTC +3)About the RoleAs a Data Engineer, youll play a key part in building and maintaining the platform that powers our products. By collaborating with backend engineers, data analysts, and other engineers, youll build and own new features, modules, and extensions of our systems. Were seeking an action-oriented and collaborative problem solver who thrives in ambiguity and can take on new challenges with optimism in a fast-paced environment. We value team members who are not only skilled in their area of expertise but are also perpetual learners who are committed to growth and contributing to our collective success.In this role, you will:Craft high-quality code for scale, availability, and performanceDesign, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines and processes to extract, process, and transform large volumes of data, both real-time and batched (ELT/ETL)Build and maintain integrations with data providers using various data transfer protocolsDrive engineering projects from start to finish with a high level of ownership and autonomyEnsure the quality of our products and data through both manual and automated testing, as well as code reviewsWere looking for someone with:8+ years of software engineering experience with an emphasis on Data EngineeringBachelors degree or higher in Computer Science or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)Advanced experience with complex SQL queries and database/lakehouse technologies such as Redshift, Apache Iceberg and PostgresDeep experience with big data technologies and frameworks such as Apache Spark, DBT, as well as data quality tools, like DBT (test)Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure, and common data-related services (e.g. S3, Redshift, EMR, Glue, Kinesis, Athena)A bias for action, where no task is too small, and an eagerness to learn and grow with our industryNice to have:Experience with real-time streaming frameworks like Apache KafkaExperience with Great Expectations and/or SodaComfort and/or past experience working and managing big data and ELT pipelinesComfort and/or past experience working with Temporal, Apache Airflow or similar orchestration toolsExperience working in high-growth, venture-backed startup(s) Related Jobs See more DevOps and Sysadmin jobs

About the Role:A rare opportunity to be part of a growing sales team in a well-funded SaaS startup with great customer traction. You will work closely with sales as their technical partner in all the phases of the sales process from evangelizing and demonstrating the technology to prospects, to defining and executing Proof of Concepts (POCs) and answering technical questions around StarTree's service and how it solves customer's real time analytics problems. Solutions Architects are also relied upon for various post-sales tasks, including implementations, optimizations, and helping ensure a high level of service for our customers. StarTree offers a fast-moving, dynamic, and challenging work environment, with the opportunity to make a direct impact on customers.ResponsibilitiesProvide technical leadership in sales opportunities with existing customers and prospectsResearch customers key requirements and execute Proof of ConceptsHelp customers in post sales implementations and support them through their use of the StarTree serviceEvangelize best practices, architecture patterns, and use cases internally and externallyAdvance expertise and technical excellence in Apache PinotCollaborate with Product and Engineering teams by providing customer feedback to help shape the product roadmapLiaison with Marketing to help build customer case studies and reference materialsQualifications2-4 years of experience in Pre/Post-Sales or Customer facing rolesExperience with big data technologies such as Spark, Hadoop and Presto is a plusExperience with distributed software applications architecturesExperience developing or using open-source technologiesExcellent communication, presentation, and demonstration skills, as well as a good understanding of the sales and post sales processesStrong problem solving and troubleshooting skillsStrong grasp of cloud infrastructure patterns and services in at least one of the three pubic clouds - Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft AzureGood understanding of OLAP technologies as well as SQLBonus points: Certification in Solutions Architecture in one or more of the three public clouds - Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft AzureBonus points: Masters degree in Computer Science with a major in Data related field (Data Science, Data Engineering, or Data Analytics)What it Takes to ThriveA desire to learn and adapt in a rapidly growing and changing environmentYou must be a self-starter who thrives on complexity and independenceBeing highly organized and detail-orientedStrong written and oral communication skillsAbility to learn quicklyStrong team player

Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.Today'sConnections: Sports Editionmight be tough. How closely do you follow the NFL draft? If you're an avid follower, no matter what team you root for, you might do well today. Read on for hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle.For now, the game is in beta, which means the Times is testing it out to see if it's popular before adding it to the site's Games app. You can play it daily for now for free and then we'll have to see if it sticks around.Read more: NYT Has a Connections Game for Sports Fans. I Tried ItHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: Played on a tableGreen group hint: School sports conference membersBlue group hint: Up-and-coming athletesPurple group hint:Lady sings the...Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: Billiards termsGreen group: ACC schoolsBlue group: First names of last four No.1 NFL draft picksPurple group:BluesRead more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Jan 31, 2025, #130. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is billiards terms. The four answers are break, cue, English and scratch.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is ACC schools. The four answers are Cal, Duke, Miami and Virginia.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is first names of last four No.1 NFL draft picks. The four answers are Bryce, Caleb, Travon and Trevor.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is blues. The four answers are Chelsea, France, St. Louis and Vida.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer?Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Connections puzzles.Todays NYTStrandspuzzle is a silly one. If there's a baby in your life, or there ever was, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the words. If you need hints and answers, read on.Also, I go into depth about therules for Strands in this story.If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more:NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So FarHint for today's Strands puzzleToday's Strands theme is:Baby talkIf that doesn't help you, here's a clue: Goo-goo!Clue words to unlock in-game hintsYour goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:DRAM, FIAT, MOLE, FADS, SMARM, STORE, BOWS, MARM, BONE, FIRM, BLOW, STORK, FIRS, RODE, RODSAnswers for today's Strands puzzleThese are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you've got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:DADA, MAMA, MINE, MORE, KITTY, YUCKY, BOTTLE, BYEBYEToday's Strands spangramToday's Strands spangram isFIRSTWORDS.To find it, start with the F that's four letters to the right on the top row, and wind down. The completed NYT Strands puzzle for Jan 31, 2025, #334. NYT/Screenshot by CNET

Capcom games showcase coming next week, with a Monster Hunter Wilds stream right afterThe Seikret's out.Image credit: Eurogamer/Capcom News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 30, 2025 Capcom's clearly in a sharing mood. It's announced it's airing not one but two showcases next week - one being Monster Hunter Wilds themed and the other focusing on a number of other upcoming games, including Onimusha Way of the Sword.And if that sounds like your kind of night, things get underway at 10pm GMT/2pm PT next Tuesday, 4th February. First up is Capcom's Spotlight showcase. This lasts around 20 minutes and covers three titles on the publisher's slate: Onimusha Way of the Sword, Capcom Fighting Collection 2, and Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics.Onimusha Way of the Sword was announced in December and isn't expect to arrive until next year (some 20 years after the series' previous entry, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams, released), so it's perhaps a little surprising it has more to say so soon. As for Capcom Fighting Collection 2, it hasn't yet been given a release date beyond 2025, so we can probably expect one - and we'll likely also get a release date for Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics on Xbox, after a bit of a faff around last year.Capcom Spotlight + Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase teaser.Watch on YouTubeAnd once Capcom's Spotlight is done, it'll immediately be time for a 20-minute update on Monster Hunter Wilds, which'll be just weeks away from its 28th February launch by then. We can probably expect a couple of monster reveals, a new biome, and me squealing giddily if they announce they're bringing back sea-squirting Cthulhu cuttlefish elder dragon Namielle.So that's that; next Tuesday, 4th February at 10pm GMT/2pm PT for all your latest Capcom news. The publisher hasn't actually said where you'll be able to watch its showcase yet, but YouTube seems like a fair bet. And we'll have all the news from the event right here too, if you'd rather catch up at a less indecent time over a nice cup of beans.

Clearly, these AD PRO Directory Houston interior designers are redefining southern style. From interiors rich in color and pattern to more neutral high-end spaces with a modern industrial twist, these 21 studios all put their unique stamp on residences in the Houston area and beyond. Whether youre making over a kitchen in Katy or an entire home in River Oaks, if youre in search of design services, consider this list a good place to start.Bilal Rehman StudioLocated in the River Oaks area of Houston, this home by Bilal Rehman Studio is a masterful blend of refined opulence and minimalistic style.Bilal Rehman StudioWhether crafting a penthouse bedroom drenched in a dusty rose hue or a cutting-edge black-and-white residence, Bilal Rehman Studio doesnt shy away from dramatic elements and bold gestures. Led by designer Bilal Rehman, the firm brings together creatives from a variety of artistic backgrounds and has become known for its innovative details and forward-thinking designs.Located in Post Oak in Houston, this timeless white-and-black lounge was designed by Bilal Rehman Studio for fashion lovers.Bilal Rehman StudioWith outposts in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York, Bilal Rehman Studio has transformed private residences, restaurants, bars, and retail outposts into luxurious, captivating spaces and has partnered with top brands, including Cosentino, Benjamin Moore, and Kohler. The firm also showcases its signature style at its Houston store, Bilal Rehman Gallery.Bankston May AssociatesTo infuse warmth into the monochromatic palette of this Houston living room, Bankston May Associates selected a pair of Roche Bobois sofas in vibrant blue velvet.Michael HunterHer clients needs and personal styles are the driving forces behind designer Darla Bankston Mays elegant interiors. Her Houston-based firm, Bankston May Associates, specializes in luxury residential and boutique hospitality projects, crafting highly personalized interiors that blend beauty and functionality.In a Houston home designed by Bankston May Associates, bold geometric patterns with rich blue accents and rustic wood beams were chosen to create a serene bedroom retreat with classic modern elements.Michael HunterThe designer draws on her background in architecture, design, and art history in her work, and the firm is often involved in every stage of a project, from architectural planning to finish selections, ensuring that the final product showcases a cohesive vision. From rustic residences accented with stone and reclaimed wood to modern homes elevated with eye-catching art and sculptural lighting, Bankston May Associates can bring any style to life without sacrificing livability.Lambrakos StudioLambrakos Studio completed a historic renovation of a Brutalist four-story concrete structure to create a penthouse residence fit for a modern art collection.Par BengtssonArt and technology beautifully coexist in the work of Lambrakos Studio. Principal Mary Lambrakoss background in art history and curation shines through in the firms gallery-like spaces, which are filled with meticulously crafted details and bespoke elements. Lambrakos has transformed residences throughout Houston, including a penthouse in a historic Brutalist building and a minimalist home that serves as a showcase for a captivating collection of fine and decorative art.Pop Palace is a ground-up, two-year project by Lambrakos Studio to create a singular space for an art-collecting family.Divya PandeLambrakos Studio offers interior and architectural design services for renovation and new construction projects, as well as art consulting. The firm utilizes the latest technology in the design process, including 3D modeling and virtual reality simulations, and teams with skilled artisans to craft its inspiring spaces.Marker GirlMarker Girl refreshed a Houston kitchen by installing a white Zellige-style porcelain tile backsplash and marble-style quartz countertops. To suit the needs of a busy family of four, the firm added durable Four Hands counter stools upholstered in a performance fabric.Marker GirlMarker Girls warm and welcoming spaces prove that family-friendly homes can be durable and stylish. After studying interior design in Paris, Karen Davis settled in Houston and discovered the need for high-style interiors tailored to clients with families. (Her firms name is inspired by her daughters Sharpie artwork on the living room furniture.)For a guest bathroom in a home in the Woodlands, Texas, Marker Girl selected a bold wallpaper from Cole & Son. White quartz counters and gold accents were added to complete the sleek, contemporary aesthetic.Marker GirlWith nearly 20 years of experience, Davis translates each familys personality and lifestyle into livable and inviting spaces that will stand the test of time (and the test of toddlers). Marker Girl offers a range of services, from guiding clients through new builds and renovations to offering guidance with design planning days.Chandos CollectiveCustom fumed oak panels with 14-karat gold leaf channels and hand-blown glass pendants set the tone for understated elegance in this primary bedroom by Chandos Collective.Kristopher EllisDesigner Chandos Dodson Epley earned her stripes at several AD100 firms before founding her own eponymous firm in Houston over 20 years ago. Chandos Collective has become known for its ability to blend modern and traditional styles for residences that feel contemporary with thoughtful nods to the past.Chandos Creative devised an artfully curated and collected look for this midcentury living room in Houston.Kristopher EllisThe firm delights in adding one-of-a-kind details to its spaces, from elegant panel walls trimmed with gold to handcrafted tables with built-in chess boards, and art plays a critical role in each project. In addition to residential interior design services, Chandos Collective offers art consulting, bespoke furniture design, and custom home development.Brittney Ferguson InteriorsWhen working on a home in Beaumont, Texas, Brittney Ferguson Interiors wanted to maintain its original charm. The team pickled the existing beams, painted the ceiling white to match the walls, and added concrete pendants by Suzanne Kasler for Visual Comfort.Colleen ScottFounded in 2019, Brittney Ferguson Interiors brings a fresh, feminine spin to traditional design. Lead designer and owner Brittney Ferguson has a knack for creating memorable rooms, whether its a garden-inspired dining room with a trellis-clad ceiling, a moody blue lacquered office, or a dapper red closet with a library ladder.Brittney Ferguson Interiors highlighted the 12-foot ceilings of a bedroom by hanging large mirrors over the custom Oyster Creek Collections burl nightstands.Colleen ScottThe Beaumont-based firm works with residential and commercial clients throughout Texas and specializes in renovations, new construction, and decor projects. Ferguson and her team work closely with homeowners to craft interiors that reflect their lifestyles and aesthetics, and even the youngest residents are treated to nurseries and bedrooms that feel as stylish as the rest of the home.Lucas/Eilers Design AssociatesIn this thoughtfully renovated Houston dining room by Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, modern design artfully blends with timeless charm. Adorned with custom DeGournay chinoiserie wallcovering featuring tranquil nature motifs, the room is enveloped in warmth from a high-gloss apricot ceiling.Stephen KarlischDesigners Sandra Drews Lucas and Sarah Brooks Eilers founded their firm Lucas/Eilers Design Associates in 1995, and since then, the duo has brought their timeless, polished style to homes across the country, from Vermont to California. The firms portfolio showcases a range of aesthetics, including rustic ranch homes and traditional beach houses.In a ranch home designed by Lucas/Eilers Design Associates with the homeowners Texas roots and eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary styles in mind, this spacious family kitchen serves as a stunning centerpiece for entertaining.Stephen KarlischLucas/Eilers Design Associates tailors each residence to their clients tastes and the team takes a hands-on approach to ensure that each project stays on schedule and budget. Lucas and Eilerss work was celebrated in the Rizzoli monograph Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home, which delves into the firms philosophy and diverse selection of projects.Ginger Barber Interior DesignIn this light-filled Austin living room, Ginger Barber created a calm oasis accented by a limestone fireplace, earth-toned textures, and beautiful antiques and reproductions.Michael HunterSimplicity is at the heart of designer Ginger Barbers interiors. Barber, who has been crafting tailored spaces for over 40 years, beautifully blends traditional and contemporary design elements into residences that feel warm and welcoming, whether it's a high-rise apartment or a rural ranch house.Barber brightened up this dark mahogany, traditional office space with contemporary pieces, such as a lucite coffee table, mixed with antiques, reproductions, Rose Tarlow pieces, and the clients collection of art.Michael HunterFrom an English countrystyle farmhouse to a personality-packed party barn, the homes in Ginger Barber Interior Designs portfolio are highly personalized and showcase natural materials, soft hues, and her clients treasured pieces. The firm works on a range of projects, including second-home designs, new construction, and large-scale renovations.Benjamin Johnston DesignA richly veined marble fireplace draws the eye in this wood-paneled library designed by Benjamin Johnston.Julie SoeferBenjamin Johnston Design, whose work has appeared in AD and The Houston Chronicle, is an award-winning firm led by visionary tastemaker Benjamin Johnston. The studios cool, collected interiors reflect the personal histories and desires of their clients, and artfully mix classic form with contemporary technology and timeless style.In this study, Johnston used brightly colored artworks and accents to make working from home much more enjoyable.Julie SoeferWorking across hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors, Johnston works in Houston and well beyond, with projects internationally and across more than two dozen cities. Past interiors run the gamut from a Manhattan skyscraper apartment to a posh boutique in Beverly Hills.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowCreative Tonic DesignChairs and drapes offer a touch of modernity layered among the dramatic wallpaper and various antique pieces in this Houston dining room by Creative Tonic.Julie SoeferServing clients across the US, Creative Tonic is a full-service boutique interior design firm founded by Courtnay Tartt Elias. She and her experienced team have a flair for deploying saturated hues, bold textiles, and thoughtful layers of details to achieve a home that is truly one of a kindand chockfull of unexpected details.Creative Tonic made quite the statement in this Houston pantry, with high-lacquer green across the walls, cabinets, and ceiling.Julie SoeferTheres no fear of finer details here: Creative Tonic knows their way well around intricate millwork, delicate passementerie, and other delights. But function is never sacrificed for the sake of form, eitherinteriors are livable and inviting. Working on everything from architectural and construction consulting to renovations and design installs, Creative Tonic is a multitalented Houston firm ready to collaborate with creative homeowners.J Squared Home DesignsBlack window trims and moldings bring a masculine edge to this living room by J Squared Home Designs.J Squared Home Designs is an award-winning design studio specializing in custom residential design and vacation rental design for investment properties. Led by Juliana Ewer, the team of Houston interior designers offers a turnkey design experience for clients, including custom furnishings, drapery and window treatments, remodeling services, and white-glove installation.J Squared Designs went all-out in this bathroom, pairing rich teal with bronze accents for maximum impact.Erin Adams PhotographyFor a new build, the team can work directly with a clients home builder and architect to offer a seamless design process from blueprints to installation. J Squared Design believes that a residence is a personal space that should reflect the homeowner. When applicable, the team enjoys integrating family heirlooms and artwork into their design planning, as they believe mixing antiques with new furnishings gives a home depth and character.M.NaeveMuted colors are a signature of M.Naeve founder Margaret Naeve Parker, as demonstrated in this neutral living room.Pr BengtssonWith an approach that explores the unexpected through texture, form, and muted color, Margaret Naeve Parkers projects reference timeless sophistication with a modern edge. She creates spaces that convey an ethereal atmosphere, combining elements of contemporary design and rare antiquities found during her travels. Years of buying trips in Europe curating for her namesake store, M.Naeve, have trained her eye to recognize craft, quality, and iconography when it comes to her interiors. Each project tells a story through exquisitely edited rarities using quiet restraint.Stainless-steel cabinets and countertops match the appliances in this industrial-style kitchen by M.Naeve.Pr BengtssonMuch like her renowned boutiquewhich recently relocated to Houstons historic Dorrance BuildingParkers projects are known for balancing contemporary finds with pieces from eras gone by, creating a feeling of profound harmony. Each project employs principles defined by her learned design philosophy, and important decisions are made based on how materials, colors, textures, light, and specific artworks interact with one another in space.Nina Magon StudioDark furniture adds visual weight to this airy living space by Nina Magon Studio, which also features cloudlike pendant lights.Julie SoeferMultihyphenate creative Nina Magon is the brains behind this global design studio, which has offices in both Houston and San Francisco. Blending architecture, interior design, and construction expertise, Magon has an eye for design and a well-trained sensibility for luxury experiences. A graceful take on modernism runs through these designs, and has earned her coverage in publications ranging from AD to Forbes and her fair share of trade publicationsjust to name a few.A floral-inspired lighting installation appears to grow up the wall and across the ceiling in another space by Nina Magon Studio.Julie SoeferHaving partnered with esteemed brands like Bergdorf Goodman, Cosentino, Studio M Lighting, and Wall & Deco, Magon knows a thing or two about collaboration too. Shes also presented acclaimed work at major events like Miami Art Week, where she showcased her project Dreamcloud in 2022. For clients looking for an expert take on luxury design, Magon is a solid choice.Paloma Contreras DesignChartreuse-colored curtains and a blue love seat pop in the spacious study by Paloma Contreras.Brittany AmbridgePaloma Contreras is an award-winning interior designer and tastemaker based in Houston. Contrerass design sensibility is a modern take on traditional stylegravitating towards classic silhouettes and timeless pieces paired with a touch of glamour and an infusion of color. She has honed her distinct eye for style over more than a decade in the design industry, and a lifetime of appreciating beauty in all of its various forms.For this dining room, Contreras chose a botanical wallpaper and various blue-green tones for a calming look.Aimee MazzengaContreras has developed a reputation for designing beautiful interiors in a broad range of styles, which are executed in a manner that is polished, refined, and effortless. Contrerass interiors are at once timeless yet freshbalancing attention to detail and the intersection of form and function to enhance a well-lived life. Contreras and her team are currently working on projects in Houston and beyond, with clients in Palm Beach, Key Largo, Atlanta, and New Jersey.Lucinda Loya InteriorsFeminine hues and jewelry-inspired lighting create a glamorous vibe in a bedroom by Lucinda Loya Interiors.Photography courtesy Lucinda Loya InteriorsDesigner Lucinda Loya isnt afraid to make bold moves and add drama to a space, whether it's through impactful ceiling treatments, eye-catching patterns, or sparkling light fixtures. Her eponymous full-service firm is known for its "electric high-end style," which it applies to residential and commercial projects in Houston and around the world. Loya and her team imbue their bespoke spaces with polish and personality, incorporating antiques and a curated selection of art.Lucinda Loya Interiors anchored each room of a Houston home in black and white, then added unique pieces, such as a geometric rug in the living room.Lucinda Loya Interiors tailors its daring aesthetic to each client, bringing unique, luxurious elements to a variety of spaces, including homes, boutique hotels, and even private jets. The firm tackles projects of all sizes, from single rooms to entire homes and new construction and brings an exacting attention to detail to each phase of the design process.Meg Lonergan InteriorsMeg Lonergan Interiors enveloped the media room of a Houston home in a muted blue hue and accentuated the space with a vintage Italian chandelier and an H.G. Edwards painting.Designer Meg LaSueur Lonergan founded her namesake firm in 2009, and since then, shes become a go-to for clients in Houston, Austin, and nationwide. Lonergan brings a global perspective to her designs thanks to her experiences living abroad in Singapore, New Zealand, and France. The designer is known as a master of the mix, combining different styles, time periods, and sources to create lively, layered interiors.Lonergan layered natural materials and eclectic art and objects in the living area of a New Ulm, Texas, home.Meg Lonergan Interiors offers residential and commercial design services, bringing its signature playful and detail-oriented approach to each project. The firm focuses on crafting comfortable and creative spaces that allow its clients to showcase their personal style and unique histories in their homes.Rainey Richardson InteriorsRainey Richardson Interiors designed a home outside Austin for the owners of Matt Sitra Custom Homes, marrying rustic elements, sleek lines, and organic touches to create a comfortable and approachable kitchen.Collaboration is at the heart of the design process for Rainey Richardson Interiors. The firm, which is led by mother-daughter team Rainey and Ragan Richardson, sees the client-designer relationship as a partnership and works with homeowners to create interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful.For a ranch home in Tomball, Texas, Rainey Richardson Interiors enlivened the study by wallpapering the ceiling, installing a large chandelier, and painting the walls in a warm blush hue.With 23 years of experience and deep roots in the Houston design community, Rainey Richardson Interiors works on all types of projects, from custom new homes to remodels, and boasts its own construction team, allowing it to handle every aspect of the process. The designers and their trusted team get in on the ground floor to ensure the project goes smoothly from the planning stage to the finishing touches.Mary Patton DesignA striking stone backsplash is the centerpiece of a midcentury modern kitchen by Mary Patton Design.Designer Mary Patton brings a joyful approach to her residential and commercial design projects, developing warm and welcoming spaces that put people at ease. Her interiors range in style from bold and colorful to neutral and elegant, and she combines her clients heirlooms with vintage pieces, modern elements, and exceptional art.Patton chose furnishings in a vivid color palette and rich textures for this light-filled seating area.Interior design, home renovations, styling, and design consultations are all on the menu for Patton. And clients who are passionate about the outdoors will find a good match here too, as the team also offers landscape and exterior design services. Delightful and unexpected details are a hallmark of the firms projects, whether its a colorful fireplace, animal-print wallpaper, or a subtle yet eye-catching stone backsplash.Marc Houston Lifestyle & InteriorsThe clients for this Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, home desired a statement light fixtureand AD PRO Directory designer Marc Houston delivered, installing this multichromatic stunner by the British artist Stuart Haygarth.Claire EsparrosA recent transplant from New York City, Boston-born designer Marc Houston is adept at creating highly customized, dramatic, and elevated interiors for his clients. Each one responds to the unique personality and style of its residents while also harnessing Houstons studied eye.For this Manhattan pied--terre, Houston specced a custom Bower Studios mirror, Poltrona Frau chair, and sleek, built-in dressing table.Sean LitchfieldWe believe that each space emits a singular resonance, says Houston, that can be tuned to reveal the finest parts of itself by mining inspirations, traditions, precedents, and perspectives. Having worked across markets ranging from LA to Washington, DC, Brooklyn, and beyondand even, at times, dipping into corporate spacesHouston is a welcome addition to the Texas market.The Owen Group Interior Design FirmThe Owen Group Interior Design Firm chose a classic blue-and-white palette for a stylish seating area.As the leaders of The Owen Group Interior Design Firm, mother-daughter team Tami Owen and Brelan Owen Pearson beautifully blend tradition and modernity in their highly sought-after residential and commercial designs. Neutral palettes, classic architectural details, and modern art are hallmarks of the firms sophisticated style, and the Owen Group designs many of the elegant furnishings that appear in their clients spaces.Colorful artwork provides a vivid contrast to the neutral hues and natural materials used throughout a dining area by the Owen Group Interior Design Firm.With offices in Bellaire, Texas, and WaterColor, Florida, the Owen Group Interior Design Firm takes on projects nationwide, from urban apartments to beach retreats. No matter where the project is located, creating spaces that are comfortable and timeless is always the firms focus.Victoria Plasencia InteriorsNeutral furnishings and sleek finishescombined with a warm mix of natural texturescomplement the vista in this Victoria Plasenciadesigned great room.After a decade and a half in the industry, Victoria Plasencia founded her namesake firm in Guadalajara back in 2014. Another decade on and still thrivingand now, luckily for Houstonians, with an office in the WoodlandsPlasencia is a pro with the experience and know-how to bring a contemporary home to life.Modern organicism defines the interiors in this open-concept interiorfrom the raw-edged coffee table to the Scandi-inspired furnishings.Lorena DarqueaShe does this through her expert ability to craft modern, texture-driven interiors tailor-made for each client. And thanks to her human-centered approach to design, homeowners will find themselves feeling perfectly at home under her carewith a space that not only looks good to them, but works for them too.Are you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Wherever you are in the US, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation

Although 2025 may feel like a year when much is in fluxwith a new administration settling into Washington, DC, and the aftermath of the devastating fires in Los Angeles just beginning to come into focusleading figures in design, construction, and real estate are surprisingly unanimous in their mostly upbeat industry forecast for the year ahead. Here, they share their big takeaways for the rest of 2025.Join NowBecome an AD PRO member for only $25 $20 per month + receive an exclusive toteArrowAn End to UncertaintyThe result of the [2024 presidential] election was not as impactful as the fact that the election is over, says Khoi Vo, president and CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers, which recently published its 2025 Trends Outlook. Last year, the country was holding its figurative breath, with both consumers and companies hesitant about committing to projects before knowing what was going to happen. Now, he says, people are exhaling and going, Okay, weve got this behind us. Lets move on with our lives. And business leaders are saying, Lets continue to plan and strategize about what were going to do next.Scott Norman, CEO of the Texas Association of Builders, concurs: Theres a lot of waiting on the sidelines in the second half of a year before a presidential election. We always see more activity after the election, when things are settled. Post-November, his members have been reporting more interest in and inquiries about new homes. Industry mood may depend in part on locationstates that are experiencing both job growth and population growth will be in better shape than states that are suffering net lossesbut in general, he says, people are optimistic.Areas Still to WatchSome questions remain, however, as the US navigates the early days of a second Trump presidency. Ambitious intentions have been announced regarding tariffs on international imports and curbs on immigration, for instance, yet its still unclear how those proposals will actually be implemented. I think the industry is waiting to understand some concrete plans for the next four years, says John Edelman, president and CEO of Heller Furniture, citing tariffs as an example and noting that import duties expected to be levied immediately on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China havent yet [at time of writing] materialized. We have to know what the rules are, and then we will pivot and play by those rules, he says. Adaptability will be key.Namita Modi, cochair of the Committee on Residential Architecture for the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects, says that some international partners and suppliers in the home design industry are already scaling back on their US commitments due to doubts about the direction trade policy will take. She cites conversations with an Italian leather goods label that has paused its stateside designer events for 2025. Theyre coming back for their New York trade show, but with hesitancy, Modi says. Otherwise, everything is kind of on hold. At the same time, Modis fellow committee cochair, Dennis Wedlick, reiterates adaptability as a reason to be hopeful: Suppliers quickly shift into neutral when uncertainty comes around, he says, but architects will find somebody to make the product that they need. Clever and flexible procurement strategies may be especially necessary this year, as the massive rebuilding effort that will follow the recent catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles leads to nationwide shortages of materialsan outcome Modi and Wedlick think is likely.