Meet Jackie Santos | Interior Designer / Owner of Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Santos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success of Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group has always been rooted in emotional connection and ethical intention. I built these businesses not just to design beautiful spaces, but to honor the lives lived within them. Every project begins with listening — truly listening — to the client’s story, values, and aspirations. That’s where the magic happens. I also believe in legacy. These businesses were never meant to be transactional; they’re vessels for creativity, mentorship, and community impact. I’ve been intentional about cultivating trust, refining our processes, and mentoring others who share our values. That’s why I’m now guiding a transition plan with my design associate and mentee, Mary, so the heart of these brands can live on as legacy brands.
Ultimately, success has come from staying true to what matters: integrity, empathy, and the courage to build something that reflects both beauty and purpose

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Interior design, for me, is a deeply personal art form — one rooted in empathy, storytelling, and emotional intelligence. At Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group, we don’t just decorate spaces; we listen, interpret, and co-create environments that reflect the soul of the people who live in them. What sets us apart is our collaborative approach. I believe clients already hold the wisdom of what feels right — my role is to help them uncover it. One of my very first clients, Jim and Sandy Walt of Rio Verde, said it best:
“Working with Jackie was like working with one of your best friends. She listens, closely, and uses her enormous expertise as a soft rubbery cushion to bounce ideas off. Never demanding, or pushy (NEVER!), she has a wonderful way of helping facilitate client’s own interior design wisdom and beauty. We adored the fact that WE felt we were brilliant when she was done with us.”
That kind of feedback means everything to me. It reflects the heart of my practice — empowering clients, honoring their stories, and creating spaces that feel like home in the deepest sense.
Getting here wasn’t easy. I faced the usual entrepreneurial hurdles — financial strain, self-doubt, and the challenge of balancing creativity with business demands. But I stayed grounded in purpose, leaned into mentorship, and never compromised on ethics or quality. Teaching at the American Institute of Interior Design after graduating with Highest Distinction was a pivotal moment, affirming that my journey was meant to uplift others.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Success is not about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about being the most authentic. I want the world to know that our brand is built on trust, beauty, and the belief that design can be a catalyst for joy and transformation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Arizona, I’d curate a week that blends soulful beauty, local flavor, and unforgettable moments — the kind of experience that reflects the heart of the Southwest and the spirit of design. Day 1: Welcome with Desert Elegance
We’d start in Scottsdale, checking into a boutique hotel like The Hermosa Inn or Hotel Valley Ho — places that celebrate Arizona’s architectural charm. Dinner would be at FnB, where local ingredients meet culinary artistry. We’d toast to the week ahead with a glass of Arizona wine and desert sunset views.
Day 2: Art, Culture & Inspiration
We’d spend the day exploring Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece, followed by a stroll through the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Lunch at The Mission — modern Latin cuisine in Old Town — and a visit to Cosanti Originals to admire Paolo Soleri’s windbells and sustainable design philosophy.
Day 3: Nature & Soulful Stillness
A sunrise walk at McDowell Sonoran Preserve would set the tone, followed by spa time at Civana Wellness Resort in Carefree. We’d end the day with dinner at Cafe Monarch, where every detail feels like a love letter to hospitality.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sedona
We’d drive north to Sedona for red rock vista views. A visit to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, lunch at Mariposa, and a sunset at Airport Mesa would make it unforgettable.
Day 5: Design & Discovery
Back in Scottsdale, I’d take them behind the scenes of Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group — sharing our process, philosophy, and a few client stories. We’d visit local showrooms, meet artisans, and maybe even sketch a dream space together.
Day 6: Local Flavor & Community
We’d explore Downtown Phoenix — murals, coffee shops, and the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco, then a visit to Desert Botanical Garden. Dinner would be casual and joyful at Postino WineCafe.
Day 7: Reflection & Celebration
We’d wrap the week with brunch at The Henry, a visit to Camelback Mountain (or just admire it from afar), and a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty we’ve seen. Maybe even a little journaling or vision boarding — because great trips deserve great takeaways.
Arizona is full of magic — from its landscapes to its people. And when you experience it with intention, it becomes more than a vacation. It becomes a memory you carry forever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to Judy Thompson — Owner, Interior Designer, and Instructor at the American Institute of Interior Design. Judy has been more than a mentor; she’s been a guiding light in my design journey. Her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of good design shaped the foundation of Scottsdale Interior Design Group and Prescott Interior Design Group. After graduating from the American Institute of Interior Design with Highest Distinction honors, I was honored to be invited back to teach — a full-circle moment that speaks to the depth of Judy’s influence. Her mentorship didn’t just refine my technical skills; it instilled in me the values of excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning. Judy taught me that design is not just about aesthetics — it’s about empathy, intention, and elevating the human experience.
Her impact continues to ripple through every client interaction, every mentorship I now offer, and every space we transform. I’m deeply grateful for her role in my story

Website: www.prescottidg.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prescott_interior_design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineLsantos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577335194098