Bulldog 100 Profile: Robin Burnett (ABJ ’99, BSFCS ’00)

Text: Bulldog 100 - Robin Burnett, (ABJ '99), Robin Burnett Design alongside a picture of Robin Burnett Smiling.
Robin Burnett Design founder, Robin Burnett (ABJ '99, BSFCS '00), has been named to the 2026 Bulldog 100 list as one of the 100 fastest-growing businesses. The 2026 ceremony takes place Feb. 7. (Photo/Robin Burnett)

Bulldog 100 Profile: Robin Burnett (ABJ ’99, BSFCS ’00)

February 11, 2026

This is one of a series of interviews honoring Grady College alumni who have been recognized as Bulldog 100 recipients in 2026. The Bulldog 100 is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association and celebrates the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.

Robin Burnett (ABJ ’99, BSFCS ’00), a journalism alumna of Grady College, is the founder and principal designer of Robin Burnett Design, based in Atlanta. Since 2005, Robin Burnett Design has delivered beautifully curated spaces, informed by a deep understanding of each client’s preferences and objectives.

Can you tell us about your current role and the journey that led you to where you are today?

Today, I’m the founder and principal designer of my interior design business, where I focus on creating thoughtful, livable spaces while running a growing small business. What makes my path a little different is that I actually came to this work through two lenses—journalism and design.
At UGA, studying journalism taught me how to listen, ask the right questions, and tell a clear story. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those skills became foundational to how I approach design—understanding clients, translating their needs, and communicating a vision.
After graduating, I followed my passion for interiors and slowly built my business from the ground up. Like many entrepreneurs, the early years were a mix of learning, experimenting, and figuring things out as I went. Growth didn’t happen overnight—it came from consistency, relationships, and being willing to adapt.

Robin Burnett is pictured in a space designed by her company, Robin Burnett Design. She is reaching up to straighten a lamp above an island in a kitchen.
Burnett is featured on the job, showing some of her company’s work. (Photo/Robin Burnett)

What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Bulldog 100 honoree?

Being recognized as a Bulldog 100 honoree is incredibly meaningful to me because it represents both where the business started and how far it’s come. Like many business owners, I began with a vision, a lot of hard work, and a willingness to figure things out as I went.
This recognition isn’t just about growth in numbers—it’s about resilience, consistency, and the relationships that made that growth possible. It reflects the trust of my clients, the support of my community, and the foundation I built during my time at UGA.
As an alumna, it’s especially meaningful to be honored by the university that I love and that helped shape my thinking and confidence. Being part of the Bulldog 100 connects my entrepreneurial journey back to UGA in a full-circle way, and it motivates me to continue growing the business with intention and integrity.

How do you approach building and maintaining relationships in the communications industry?

The communications and design industries are now strongly intertwined with the growth of social media in both spaces. Building relationships and trust has always been central to my approach. I think relationships are something you maintain over time, not just when you need something. Staying connected, being generous with credit, and showing genuine interest in others’ work has helped me build long-term partnerships. Ultimately, both of these industries are built on credibility, and I’ve found that when you prioritize integrity and clear communication, strong relationships tend to follow naturally.

What habits or routines do you believe have contributed to your success?

I think it is most important for me to stay inspired in order to stay motivated. I do this by staying curious. I’m always observing—travel, architecture, nature, art, even how people live in their spaces. I pay attention to materials, light, and how a room feels, not just how it looks. I also find a lot of inspiration in my clients themselves; their stories, habits, and needs often spark the most meaningful design ideas. 

Robin Burnett is pictured smiling with her father at Grady College Convocation in 1999.
Burnett is featured with her father, Richard Fierer, at the Grady College Convocation in 1999. (Photo/Robin Burnett)

How do you continue to learn and grow in your field?

I see learning as an ongoing process. I stay curious by keeping up with design trends and business strategies, but I also learn from people—mentors, colleagues, and clients—by asking questions and listening closely. Reflection is another key habit: reviewing projects, analyzing what worked and what didn’t, and adjusting my approach. Design is always evolving, so I make a point to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing myself creatively.

Burnett is one of nine Grady alumni named to this year’s Bulldog 100 list, named by the UGA Alumni Association. They will be celebrated on Feb. 20. The list of Grady College alumni and their businesses include:

Author: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu