OUR STORY

We practice what we like to call "humble luxury living." Our clients homes are filled with textures and materials that are timeless and sophisticated but understated. No two homes of ours are the same. 

Founded in April of 2015, the Guest House Studio has successfully managed more than 30 projects and counting for clients across the country with home bases in both Charleston, SC and Annapolis, MD. With our bread and butter in new luxury construction and residential renovations, our firm has curated a dynamic portfolio that spans commercial interior design, short term rental revamps and model home staging. 

Since opening our doors, our full-service interior architecture and design firm has earned a sterling reputation for seamlessly integrating three major facets of a build to include construction, architecture and interiors. With knowledge in all three areas we are your one stop shop before you even file for permitting to make sure that in the end, your home is not only a place of refuge, but it is also functional for your particular lifestyle.  We want to make sure that no detail has been left unturned.  Press and praise includes features in Forbes, Houzz and more. Best believe, we’re just getting started

For us, design is personal. We find timeless presentations stem from personal testimonies and spaces that tell stories. Far more than a swoon-worthy social media post, we want your space to be your sanctuary the second you walk in the door - giving you that kick off your shoes, grab a glass of wine and unwind from life feeling.

Christyn Dunning-Gauss

Principal

Principal and Founder behind The Guest House Studio, Christyn's love of design stems from working alongside her father on the Construction field in small town Pennsylvania. 

Christyn holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in Interior Architecture.  Before opening the Guest House Studio, she worked for a high-end, prestigious design firm in Annapolis, MD where she guided clients in Northern Virginia, DC, Delaware, and Maryland through dozens of commercial and residential interior design projects.

With creativity and certifications in spades, Christyn sets a new standard in how she communicates with her clients and manages projects. She believes there is immeasurable value in making it personal by getting to know you.  From this, she prides herself on being able to design functional spaces that resonate for years to come and never hesitating to go above and beyond for her clients. 

In addition to her she-preneur sprint, Christyn is passionate about giving back more than she's been blessed with. Putting these mantras into practice, she is proud to serve as Charleston’s Chapter President for Savvy Giving by Design and insists on fair trade and practices in every aspect of her business.    

Christyn truly values the simple things in life.  Her proudest accomplishments are her two beautiful daughters and the life she has built with her Electrician Husband.  When Christyn isn’t working or raising her girls, you can find her either at the beach or in the mountains of Pennsylvania, often with a good book and vinyl on the player.

Brooke Maynor

Junior Designer

Brooke joined the Guest House Team in early 2022.  She hails from Southport, NC and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design from Meredith College.  She has a passion for Architecture and enjoys all aspects of Interior Design.  

As a member of The Guest House Studio, Brooke plays an integral part in all aspects of design.  From developing concepts to selecting light fixtures, Brooke embodies the Guest House spirit and vision that each home should should be as unique as those who inhabit them.​

When not working, Brooke enjoys spending time exploring all parts of Charleston, trying new restaurants and spending time with her friends and family. 

Tammy Dunning

Procurement Specialist

Yes, you read that last name correctly.  After two years of building her business solo, Christyn found that she had no time left to do all the essential administrative things that needed to be done to keep the business running efficiently.  At about the same time, her mother was relocating to Florida and looking for a part time job.  With decades of experience working as Secretaries and Administrative Assistants for school districts in Pennsylvania, the fit was perfect.  Tammy keeps the machine running by filling all our orders, making constant inquiries for tracking, and countless other things that are essential to our full service firm's operations.  Tammy splits her time between Florida and Pennsylvania and loves spending time with her grandchildren, sipping a good wine, and visiting with friends.