For Leila Hosseini, design has always been about more than aesthetics, it’s about storytelling. Today, Hosseini is an interior designer at a leading design firm in Scottsdale, specializing in luxury residential projects throughout Arizona. Before pursuing her passion for design, she built a successful career in accounting & finance, developing the strategic and project management skills that continue to strengthen her work today. Ultimately, creativity led her to a new path.
Hosseini enrolled in Scottsdale Community College‘s Interior Design program, where she immersed herself in the design community, serving as President of the ASID Student Chapter and advocating for student professional development. Along the way, she found a valuable supporter in Underfoot Luxury Flooring and Fine Rugs.
For years, Underfoot has maintained a strong relationship with Scottsdale Community College’s Interior Design program, helping students connect with the professional design world through mentorship, educational support and its annual Underfoot Rug Design Contest.
“Underfoot has always been incredibly supportive of design students,” says Hosseini. “They create opportunities for students to showcase their creativity and gain exposure to the industry in a meaningful way.”
It was through this competition that Hosseini created Chained, a design that would become one of the most meaningful projects of her career. Inspired by a global movement centered on themes of freedom, dignity and empowerment, Hosseini focused less on politics and more on the universal human emotions behind the moment. “To me, it was about resilience, hope and the enduring human desire for freedom and dignity,” she says.
The resulting design is rich with symbolism. Several strands of hair flow across the rug’s surface, each rendered in a different color to represent humanity’s shared connection. Blonde, red, brunette and black strands intertwine as a reminder that despite our differences, we are united by common hopes and aspirations.
"Having companies that genuinely support students makes a tremendous difference." -Hosseini
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Chain links emerge throughout the composition, representing obstacles and limitations, while the intentionally asymmetrical layout reflects imbalance in the world. A soft, muted background allows the design’s message to take center stage. “I wanted the piece to be a reflection of empowerment, hope and the possibility of a brighter future,” Hosseini explains.
Although Chained placed second in the competition, the story behind the work captured the attention of the Underfoot team. Moved by both the concept and craftsmanship, the company chose to produce the rug, bringing Hosseini’s vision to life.
The decision reflects Underfoot’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and investing in the next generation of designers. For students, seeing a concept move from the classroom into production can be a transformative experience.
Hosseini credits much of her growth to the community that supported her journey, including Scottsdale Community College program director Rachel Simmons and professor Janet Jackson, and industry partners like Underfoot Luxury Flooring and Fine Rugs.
“Having companies that genuinely support students makes a tremendous difference,” she says. “It gives aspiring designers the opportunity to be seen, to be heard and to believe in their work.”
Today, Leila Hosseini continues to build her career in luxury residential design while earning recognition throughout the industry, including an ASID Design Excellence Award for Residential Design. Yet among her growing portfolio, Chained remains especially meaningful. Not simply because it received recognition, but because it demonstrates the power of design to tell stories, spark conversations and inspire hope.
It’s also a reminder of what can happen when a design community comes together to support emerging talent and elevate the next generation of creative voices.
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