VALDOSTA — A former Valdostan was among the 20 Under 40 honored in the March Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine as “... the city’s next generation of movers and shakers ... who remain constants on our radar screen.”

Interior designer June Powers Chamberlain was selected among those “who play by their own rules. They aren’t afraid to take risks — creatively, professionally, sometimes personally. And because of their ingenuity, these multi-talented individuals are changing Atlanta, be it our interiors, our architecture, our environment — even our sense of community. ...”

Of her honor, she says, “I was really shocked when I got the call. There are so many talented designers in Atlanta, and I feel really honored to be singled out. The group of 20 is really diverse and I have worked with and admired quite a few of them for many years.”

The magazine dubbed Chamberlain as an “Aspiring Inspirer” and wrote: “Formerly of Chamberlain Creations and now a partner in C-Two Interior Design, Chamberlain is changing the face of our city one spectacular space at a time.”

Chamberlain has been in the interior design business since graduating from the University of Georgia in 1991.

“I started with a commercial firm and quickly realized that I preferred residential design. Now, I do a little of both.

Of her inspiration for her career, she said, “I had earned a degree in design before I ever left home for college. For as long as I can remember, I watched my parents (Charlie and Jerry Powers) collect antiques and design our homes. My father is great with architecture and furnishings; my mother is really talented with accessories and flowers. Even now, when they visit me in Atlanta, my mother is always rearranging my accessories. We all love design, so I guess it’s in the DNA.”

As for her own personal style, she says, “It is really difficult to pinpoint my own personal style. I guess you could say that I prefer classic, casual elegance. Our home is a combination of South Georgia, Southern France, and South Carolina (Charleston specifically) with a little modern art thrown in.”

Some of her celebrity clients are Grammy winning artists in the music industry, she said.

Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed: She won an ASID Design Excellence Award in 2007.

The former June Powers is married to Steve Chamberlain, entrepreneur.

“We were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, Jeff Arnold, founder of WebMD. Steve and Jeff were working together at the time. That was my one and only blind date; it really worked out.”

Chamberlain is a Valdosta native, graduating from Valdosta High School in 1986 where she was Miss VHS and a cheerleader.

“In October 2006, my high school class ... celebrated our 20-year class reunion. It was so much fun to see everyone and reconnect with friends. I am so proud to have grown up in Valdosta; I miss so many things about it now that I am living in such a large city.”