About DAG Design
DAG Design is a boutique, full-service interior design firm based outside of Boston that is recognized for creating colorful, layered interiors that spark joy and a sense of whimsy. Building on coastal influences with a unique blend of eclectic and organic elements, Cara and her team collaborate with their clients to create highly individualized spaces that are tailored to their clients' needs.
Meet Cara Fineman
Owner & Principal
Cara founded DAG Design in 2013 after a career as a civil rights litigator. A decade later, she has grown her team and business with clients who value her uniquely collaborative approach and creative confidence with color and pattern.
Cara's lifelong passion for design was planted early on by her artistic mother—a sculptor, art teacher, and self-taught decorator. Growing up on the coast in Marblehead, MA, Cara has always been inspired by the ocean. Her work marries coastal elements with a bohemian flair that is inspired by her childhood home, as well as her years living and working in Latin America. As a mother of three, she also values functionality and practicality as vital components in her designs.
It is important to Cara that each project is uniquely tailored to her client's own design aesthetic, lifestyle, budget, and needs. Her legal background has honed her attention to detail, project management skills, and natural ability to connect with clients and maintain positive relationships.
Meet the Team
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DeeDee Birch
Procurement Manager
DeeDee holds a B.A. in English and a B.F.A. in sculpture from Boston University. She most recently earned her Masters of Design Studies in Sustainable Design from the Boston Architectural College. After joining DAG Design in 2019 as a Design Assistant, DeeDee now handles all procurement and project management. She particularly enjoys working with clients to ensure the design process runs smoothly and efficiently. DeeDee has exceptional organizational skills and meticulously keeps track of the thousands of moving pieces that are involved in every design project. When she is not working, you can find her reading about sustainability, cooking, making art, and spending time outside with her dog.
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Leah Zoesch
Junior Designer
Originally from Vermont, Leah earned her B.F.A. in Interior Design from Endicott College. Before joining DAG Design in 2023, Leah gained experience working at several high-end full service interior design firms throughout Boston. She has a passion for creating thoughtful and eclectic spaces and particularly enjoys putting her drafting skills to use when helping to design clients' homes. Her creativity, drive and ability to connect with clients make her an invaluable member of the DAG Design team. When she is not immersed in design projects, Leah can often be found with a paintbrush in hand, cooking or exercising with her dog.
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Monique Whitfield
Design Assistant
Before joining DAG Design in 2024, Monique worked at a high-end furniture showroom where she gained experience in vendor and client relationships, and designed spaces for her clients. With a B.A. in Art from the University of Massachusetts, Monique supports the DAG Design team throughout the design and procurement process. Outside of work, Monique enjoys traveling, testing out new recipes, and playing with her two year old daughter.
A Note About Our Name & Logo
The name DAG originates from the initials of Cara's three children: Dylan, Alexa, and Gavin. Rather than the studio's name centering around Cara, this collaborative name allows for growth alongside her business and expanding team.
DAG Design’s logo is a visual representation of Cara's design philosophy that our environment and home have a direct and powerful impact on our well-being and lifestyle. It features a bird nestled among natural elements, symbolizing freedom and the joy of living. Birds nest and build nurturing homes from collected objects, similar to the work of interior designers. The particular bird we drew inspiration from is the Eastern Bluebird, known for its vibrant plumage and collaborative approach to nest building. This bird's geographical significance also aligns with Cara’s roots: Native to Massachusetts, the Eastern Bluebird can also be found in Latin America.
