Reagan Leslie | Peoria, Illinois

Reagan Leslie is a preservationist, interior designer and founder of Leslie Tyler Design & Build. Through all of life’s turns, Leslie explains, “one truth remains: at my core, no matter the medium, I am—and have always been—an artist.”

As a preservationist, Reagan’s professional work began in 2019, growing from her experience caring for her 1908 Tudor Revival. She established her boutique design and construction firm inspired by necessity—to meet the unique needs of Peoria’s historic infrastructure and cater to the nuanced cadence of the old home steward. Reagan envisions connecting local resources to an ever-expanding national network of professionals also dedicated to making a societal impact through preservation. As she succeeds, she is convinced that, “a great leader inspires through vision, serves with humility, and leads with integrity…Leadership is less about authority and more about fostering trust, resilience, and purpose in those they guide.”

In conjunction with her role as Principal of Leslie Tyler Design & Construction, Reagan spearheads BlackHouse Seven, a B2B consulting firm for companies and brands which support clients in historic spaces. She also serves as a trustee on the Peoria Historic Commission, and Peoria’s Historic Society.

Katie Mitzelfelt writes, “Reagan has devoted her considerable energies to working to make Peoria a place that is as beautiful, useful and historical as it can be. There are few people I have known who were more devoted to a cause than Reagan is to making Peoria the most livable place possible.”

In considering the challenges she has faced to get where she is, Reagan says, “Creating something from nothing and rewriting a chapter in the storied world of home design and construction has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I set out to break the rules, questioning every norm in preservation, construction, and design…That said, the financial realities of being a self-funded, first-generation firm are relentless and require constant sacrifice. Balancing the growth of my business with being an engaged mother to my incredible seven-year-old demands grace, patience, and perspective every step of the way.”

Reagan mentions The Kingston City Land Bank as a constant source of motivation and inspiration. She says, “Their work exemplifies the kind of impact I strive to bring to the City of Peoria by collaborating with like-minded community stakeholders.”

Reagan’s work has gained attention through social media outlets and network television HGTV (Cheap Old Houses 2021) and Magnolia (Diary of an Old Home 2023 and In With The Old 2024).