Why Alison Victoria Gave Boyfriend Brandt Andersen a Special Shout-Out in the “Windy City Rehab” Premiere (Exclusive)

The HGTV star tells PEOPLE she wanted to surprise the filmmaker, who she says is "somebody who understands" what her world is like

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Windy City Rehab returns to HGTV with all-new episodes as Alison Victoria continues to manage design and renovation projects across Chicago. 

Ahead of the premiere, Victoria tells PEOPLE that this season is her "favorite because I have gone through hell and back," referencing past business struggles that have been documented on the series. But after taking the time to rebuild, she's seeing her brand reach new heights.

"I've never been happier, which has opened up so much more creativity for me," Victoria, 42, continues, explaining that she's struck "this balance" between managing clients all over the country, working on various HGTV shows (Battle on the Beach, Ugliest Homes in America, etc.) and launching her own production company, Briefly Gorgeous.  

"Because of everything I've gone through, I am able to be a better designer," she adds. 

Adding to that is boyfriend and filmmaker Brandt Andersen. 

Related: HGTV Star Alison Victoria Goes Instagram Official with New Boyfriend Brandt Andersen After Divorce

In June, the two made things official when they walked the red carpet together at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Creative Arts & Lifestyle Awards, where Windy City Rehab was nominated for outstanding instructional/how-to program. 

While the series didn't win, Victoria shared snaps of the pair embracing at the event on Instagram alongside the Rumi quote, "Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames." She then told Us Weekly that Andersen, 47, "is the most amazing human I’ve ever met." 

Now, several months later, the HGTV star is honoring the Strangers' Case director with a "special thanks" shout-out in the end credits of the new season of Windy City Rehab. 

"It's a surprise for him," Victoria says, before sharing why she wanted to do that for him. "Brandt is a brilliant filmmaker and with his directorial debut, we've been traveling this summer to all these festivals. And when we first became friends, he was doing all the post for his film — like, sound and VFX stuff — and I was there for that journey, helping him along the way being like a true partner like he is to me." 

And because they're both in the same industry ("It's so different, but it's so similar," she says), Victoria feels like she's "partners with somebody who understands your life." She adds that she appreciates being "with somebody who is able to give notes for my episodes," noting that it's something she would do for Andersen. 

The HGTV star then recalls how she was sitting with Andersen during one of his last sound checks for his movie when she was about to go to the restroom. However, before she could leave, he asked her to stay for a minute. "And I realized he was having me stay so I could see that he put me in the credits," she shares.

Related: 'Windy City Rehab'' s Alison Victoria Pushes Ahead After Father's Sudden Death: 'He Loved Watching My Success'

"And it was the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me," Victoria continues. "And the way that it made me feel like, 'Wow, he really sees me and appreciates my input and doesn't take it lightly. Like, actually implements those changes into his film because he believes in me so much and trusts me so much.' "

She adds, "He has been that same support and same partner for me." 

So in order to recognize that, "I just thought, 'Wow, if I could do this in a special way for him — and I know he'll notice it because he looks at those things like any film director would — I know he's gonna love it, too.' Because what he has done for me, like, this is truly the happiest time of my life and I owe such a big part of that to him and this partnership we have." 

And although fans won't physically see Andersen on the new season of Windy City Rehab, Victoria says his presence will be felt in the new episodes. "He's such a part of me, so you're gonna see a huge change in me because of him. So in that way, yeah, he's very much part of this season."

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New episodes of Windy City Rehab premiere Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV.

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