Mariam Ejaz, international studies ’07, has created a service that merges gift giving with expert design services.

Her startup, Outlive Design, helps party-hosting clients design their dream room or home, then invite friends and family to contribute to their design project in lieu of another gift. According to Ejaz, the service is perfect for expecting parents, new homeowners, and anyone with a reason to celebrate and an interior design project on their mind.

First, clients meet with a designer to create a plan. Then, using Outlive Design’s customizable invitation, they share their vision with party guests who can contribute to the design fund. Afterwards, the client can continue the project on their own with the gifted funds, or they can continue to work with the designer to make their dream a reality.

Either way, she says clients are getting a gift they will treasure, and it takes the guesswork out of gift-buying for guests.