Head of Social Media & Brand

Dani Morton is the visionary designer and co-founder behind Val Collective, an award-winning luxury design and build firm based in Hickory, NC. Partnering with her husband, Will Magarity, she brings a sophisticated, European-inspired approach to the U.S. design market, seamlessly merging functionality and artistry. With a degree in Design and Building Science, Dani honed her skills internationally, studying at the prestigious Paris American Academy and consulting for multiple acclaimed design firms during her husband’s international basketball career. These global experiences have given Dani a refined eye for detail and a distinct style that harmonizes cross-cultural aesthetics with meticulous craftsmanship.

In her role, Dani channels her passion for timeless design into every project, capturing Val Collective’s ethos of elegance, quality, and functionality. Her body of work stands as a testament to the firm’s dedication to European simplicity, highlighting luxurious projects that blend architectural precision with an appreciation for understated beauty. Dani’s commitment has earned her multiple accolades, including National Contractor of the Year, Best Kitchen of the Year, and Best Whole Home Design of the Year, all reflecting her skill, dedication, and rigorous work ethic as both designer and contractor.

As a serial award-winning designer and creative leader, Dani’s expertise and global perspective make her a natural fit as TEDxCatawba’s social media and brand manager, where her compelling vision and refined aesthetic resonate with audiences seeking inspiration and innovation.

Outside her professional life, Dani’s love of travel and cultural exploration further fuels her creativity. Splitting her time between Sweden and the U.S., she continuously draws inspiration from both locations, striving to create designs that celebrate beauty, practicality, and cultural connection.