ABOUT
Claudia Leonard Interiors is a full-service interior design studio based in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
From the Lowcountry to the Northeast and beyond, CLI has completed projects throughout Charleston — including historical downtown Charleston- South of the Battery, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Daniel Island — as well as Hilton Head, SC; The Hamptons and New York City; Westchester, NY; Greenwich, CT; Boston, MA; Pinehurst, NC; and Charlotte, NC.
Specializing in high-end residential design, the studio blends timeless, traditional interiors with thoughtful modern elements, creating layered homes that feel refined, personal, and rooted in their surroundings — each one telling a story uniquely its own.
Claudia Leonard Smith
FOUNDER & LEAD DESIGNER
Claudia Leonard Smith is the founder and lead designer of Claudia Leonard Interiors. Her passion for design began at a young age, inspired by her mother’s love of collecting timeless furniture, meaningful art, and unique treasures. This early influence shaped Claudia’s philosophy of blending custom pieces with carefully curated finds to create layered, transitional homes rich in character and personality.
Claudia began her professional design career in New York City at a prominent high-end interior design firm, where she served as Lead Project Manager/ Designer for over six years. There, she oversaw complex residential projects, collaborated closely with architects and builders, and managed every phase from concept through installation. This experience gave her a deep understanding of both the creative and operational sides of luxury design.
With a background in Finance and Accounting from Fairfield University, Claudia brings strong business acumen to her creative work, offering clients a full-service experience defined by precision, thoughtful detail, and seamless execution. Her interiors are rooted in tradition yet tailored for modern living — inviting spaces that feel collected over time and reflect the families who call them home.
Claudia splits her time between Charleston and New York, spending summers on Long Island’s North Fork — especially in Southold, a place that has been part of her family’s life for over two decades. Outside the studio, she enjoys pilates, running along Charleston’s beaches and trails, and hosting gatherings with her husband, Mike, sharing their love of the outdoors, cooking, and entertaining.
Gab Brenner
PROJECT MANAGER
This is Gab Brenner. She grew up in Rockland County, NY, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California, where she also played Division I women’s lacrosse. While lacrosse was a defining part of her college experience, she also cultivated a strong interest in fashion and design—joining various clubs and interning in the fashion industry early in her career.
After graduating, she moved to New York City and spent six years at Bloomberg, where she worked as an event coordinator and program manager. During that time, she found herself continually drawn back to her long-standing passion for design. That passion ultimately led her to transition into the interior design world, where she now serves as a Project Manager on the team at CLI. She is excited to combine her background in corporate coordination and planning with her creativity and eye for design to help bring thoughtful, beautiful spaces to life.
Let’s Talk About Your Home
