EXPERIENCE

I grew up in the Midwest with a deep appreciation for hard work, craft, and the kind of attention to detail that doesn't cut corners. That foundation has stayed with me through every chapter of my career, from my early days learning sewing as a 9-year old, and CAD in 1999 (yes, I've been at this for a while) to designing textiles for some of the country's most recognized brands.

Education & Early Foundation

At the University of Minnesota, I studied Art Direction and Spanish, discovering early on that I loved the intersection of visual communication and storytelling. My fascination with language—both verbal and visual—has been a through-line in my work ever since. I'm fluent in Spanish, can read Portuguese, and am currently learning French. I believe that being able to connect across cultures has made me a better, more empathetic designer.

After graduating in 2007, I knew I wanted to dive deeper into design. I enrolled at Parsons School of Design in New York, earning my AAS in Fashion Design and immersing myself in the city's incredible creative energy.

New York: Fashion & Textile Design

New York was where everything clicked. I started with internships and freelance work at Halston, J.Crew, and Natori—learning the ropes, sketching by hand, sourcing fabrics, and understanding how design translates into production. From there, I worked at developing my skills in print design, trend research, and creating production-ready artwork in swimwear and dresses.

In 2012, I joined Macy's as an Associate CAD Designer, quickly advancing to Senior CAD Textile Designer for Charter Club RTW & Accessories. For over four years, I provided creative direction and managed the design and production of a full range of textiles: original, brand-defining patterns created under tight deadlines that consistently drove sales. I loved conducting in-depth trend research, leading print and color concept presentations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to create compelling, commercially viable designs.

Each role taught me something new about balancing creativity with technical precision, trend with timelessness, and vision with commercial reality.

Returning to the Midwest

In 2016, I moved back to Milwaukee to join Kohl's as Art Manager for Croft & Barrow RTW and Women's Sleep. I led a team of seven artists, managing the creation and production of patterns and graphics for five distinct brands. It was my first real leadership role, and I loved the challenge of setting direction, managing timelines, and mentoring designers while ensuring every piece of art aligned with our brand strategies and line plans. I worked closely with Concept, Design, and R&D teams, created original artwork, and learned how to build cohesive print assortments that complemented both product vision and technical limitations.

Freelance & Exploration

From 2017 onward, I've worked as a Senior Product & Textile Design Consultant, collaborating with clients across stationery, activewear, uniforms, womenswear, swimwear, menswear, kids' apparel, bedding, and home textiles. This season of freelancing taught me how to manage multiple projects independently, prioritize creative work, and stay nimble across different markets and aesthetics. I hand-paint original motifs, sketch, research trends, develop print and color stories aligned with seasonal concepts, and design unified presentations using Adobe Creative Suite—all while managing my own deadlines with the discipline that comes from years in the industry. It's work that demands both creative freedom and rigorous self-management, and I've loved every minute of it.

Pivoting to Interiors

I'd always loved designing for the home, so when the opportunity came to work as Design Project Manager at Lambs & Ivy in Los Angeles (February 2019–August 2024), I jumped at it. Those nearly six years were transformative—not just professionally, but personally.

Living and working on the West Coast fundamentally shaped my design aesthetic and working mentality. I fell in love with California's organic, light-filled approach to interiors, the way nature seamlessly flows into living spaces, and the intentional, unhurried way of approaching design. The emphasis on natural materials, soft color palettes, and creating calm, nurturing environments became core to how I think about design.

At Lambs & Ivy, I led nursery interior collections, managing end-to-end product development—overseeing print and color concepts, partnering with development teams to build cohesive raw material assortments, reviewing strike-offs and samples for accurate layout and scale, and managing all operational aspects including workflow, timelines, asset development, and budget tracking. I created technical specs, obtained approvals, communicated with stakeholders, and mentored junior designers. It was the perfect blend of creativity and operations, combining product design, textile development, and project management in a way that felt deeply fulfilling.

That California sensibility—the appreciation for organic beauty, natural light, and intentional living—is something I've carried with me. It influences every textile I paint, every color palette I curate, and every space I design.

Today: Custom Homes & Textiles

From April to September 2025, I worked as an Interior Designer and Project Manager at Miller Marriott Construction, managing multiple clients through custom home design and construction. I curated finish selections, coordinated with architects and builders, interpreted construction documents, led client communications through every phase, and created detailed floor plans and finish schedules. It was incredibly rewarding to see design vision come to life in three dimensions and to help clients create homes they truly love.

At the same time, I continue my Senior Product & Textile Design consulting practice, focusing on textiles, wallpapers, and patterns. This is where my technical skills (all those years of CAD), my love for organic, nature-inspired art, and my passion for interiors come together. I'm creating work that feels both timeless and personal—patterns that bring beauty and character into real, lived-in spaces.

The Through-Line

Whether I'm designing a wallpaper collection, managing a custom home build, or creating graphics for a retail brand, the constants in my work are curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection.

My design aesthetic is a blend of everywhere I've been: Midwestern work ethic and authenticity, New York energy and commercial savvy, and West Coast ease and organic sensibility. I believe good design should feel intentional but never precious: beautiful, but also functional and real. And I bring that philosophy, shaped by years across three coasts and countless projects, to everything I touch.