NCIDQ Cert. No. 020530
How was your interest in design sparked? Color and texture have interested me from a very young age and I have always enjoyed working with people and tackling challenges.
Experience/qualifications: Working with clients through Interiors Joan and Associates since graduating from UNL in 1998, I have had experience in all layers of design from the ground up. I am NCIDQ certified and have been deeply involved in ASID Designer Showhouse, Omaha Street of Dreams and have won an ASID national design award.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? That has to be the family room – as it is our gathering place and where we spend the most quality time.
Community involvement: Completely Kids, Inc., Rose Theater Guild, Lauritzen Garden Guild, Nebraska Humane Society Guild, ASID past president
Design Tip: When someone enters a space, I like to keep their eye moving by keeping a balance of interest, color and texture.
Marketing Director
How was your interest in marketing sparked? I wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember, but during my sophomore year at Creighton University, I realized that Pre-Med was not the major for me. I transitioned to the Journalism department and haven’t looked back since. To have a career in a creative field is a dream come true!
Experience/qualifications: I graduated from Creighton University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication with an emphasis in PR and Graphic Arts. I first interned at the Fremont Area Medical Center in their Public Relations department, and also at the March of Dimes Nebraska Chapter as a PR and Events Specialist. I have been with Interiors Joan and Associates since 2004.
Community involvement: JDRF Board of Directors, Nebraska Humane Society Friends Forever Board, Creighton University Career and Academic Planning Volunteer Board.
What is your favorite part about your job? It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite thing about my job, but I would choose event planning. I love putting all of the parts and pieces together! I still feel butterflies in my stomach when I stand back and watch guests enjoy the final product after months of planning.
Marketing Approach: I’m an extreme extrovert, and I draw energy from collaborating with groups of people and making new relationships. I’m passionate about the products and services that Interiors Joan and Associates provides, so promoting my colleagues and their profession is a joy!
Allied Member ASID
How was your interest in design sparked? It's difficult to identify a specific inspiration as I have had an interest in art and the creative fields for as long as I can remember. As a partner with Interiors Joan and Associates, I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha with over 30 years of experience in the industry. In addition to a multitude of design projects, I do much of the buying for the firm as well as developing our resource libraries.
Community involvement: JDRF, Heartland Family Services, Lutheran Family Services, Street of Dreams, Symphony Showhouse
What is your favorite spot in your own home? Our family room! It's great for gathering, lounging and enjoying our lake view.
Design Tip: Make the space personal. Incorporate family heirlooms, personal treasures and things that help to keep your individuality shining through.
NCIDQ Cert. No. 019653
How was your interest in design sparked? At a very young age, I was inspired by a family member that was an interior designer. The ability to impact lives with my creativity has always been a driving force in my career.
Experience/qualifications: I am a partner in Interiors Joan and Associates and have been associated with the organization for over 30 years. I have a BS in Interior Design from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, am NCIDQ certified and the recipient of numerous ASID awards for design. I have served on the board of the Nebraska/Iowa Chapter of ASID and have been recognized nationally with the receipt of the BALA Award from the National Homebuilders Association.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? Though I am not the cook in my family, I always enjoy the kitchen and hearth room as it is the gathering place for friends and family.
Community involvement: ASID event chair (multiple) Heartland Family Services JDRF Lutheran Family Services
Design Tip: Preparation, communication and attention to details are always my focus!
How was your interest in design sparked? My first year of 4H I did a demonstration at the Burt County fair entitled “Beth's Beautiful Bedroom.” I created a bedroom out of a box using doll furnishings and received a purple ribbon.
Experience/qualifications: I earned my BS in Interior Design from UNL, and my first design position was at Nebraska Furniture Mart in the design gallery. I have been with Interiors Joan and Associates for 28 fun-filled years of new clients and exciting challenges.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? My favorite room is my great room without a television. I have a big sectional where my friends and family can all gather. I keep this room livable yet fun to dress up for the holidays.
Community involvement: St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Stephen Center Guild, JDRF Corporate Development Committee, ASID past board and committee member
Design Tip: I enjoy mixing patterns and textures together to create designs that are not easy to duplicate, especially with draperies and window treatments.
How was your interest in design sparked? My grandmother was flexible and patient enough to allow me to rearrange her guest room – and that was the impetus for my interest in room design.
Experience/qualifications: I graduated from UNL College of Home Economics and spent time designing the interiors of new home construction projects before joining Interiors Joan and Associates in 1991. My design awards include recognition for single home, healthcare and single space projects.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? Our outdoor space is a calming retreat in which to escape and relax for many seasons of the year.
Community involvement: YWCA, Midlands Humane Society, Nebraska Humane Society, Street of Dreams, ASID Showhouse
Design Tip: Patterned carpet! It adds interest to nearly every project.
How was your interest in design sparked? I have always had an interest in architecture and design. The ability to create environments that bring people together and generate energy is key.
Experience/Qualifications: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from UNL and established myself in 1993 as a designer in Omaha. I have received The Bala Award (Best in American Living, 2010) and several ASID awards, including Best in Show (2014).
Community involvement ASID Member
What is your favorite spot in your own home? Our great room. Sun floods this space drawing me to it all year round. I also like the ambiance that a fireplace offers on a cold and snowy winter day.
Design Tip: Less is more! I like rooms to be serene and harmoniously balanced as too many strong elements demand your attention.
How was your interest in design sparked? Design, art, color and creativity has been an interest of mine for as long as I can remember.
Experience/qualifications: My career began with two years in the field of graphic design before joining Interiors Joan and Associates in 1996. Since that time, I have immersed myself in a wide variety of diverse residential and commercial design projects as well as being committed to the Omaha ASID Designer Showhouse, Street of Dreams and Lincoln Symphony Showhouse events.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? I most enjoy my living room as I feel the layered artwork, window treatments and my own custom cabinet design really reflects who I am.
Community involvement: Bergan Knights Event Committee Design Chair, St. Patrick's Church Functions/Fundraisers, Many functions within my sons' schools
Design Tip: Proportion is key. Create an overall look and feel without a single piece drawing your attention away from the whole.
Experience/Qualifications: I have an Associate Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. I always wanted to be a designer and even took some college courses, but my mind just does not work that way. In the past, besides working for my father, I have worked as an inventory service manager, a painting/paper hanging scheduler, a backroom manager, and an accounting clerk. It seems that everything I have done in the past is all wrapped together into what I do now at Interiors Joan and Associates.
Community Involvement: Since my mother died in 2016, I have been an advocate of brain cancer awareness. I have a small business that I run out of my garage in my spare time. I create and repair costume jewelry. All profits of that business are donated to the American Brain Tumor Association in the name of Team Charlene. It’s not much… but I feel it is very important.
What is your favorite part about your job? My favorite part of my job is actually several parts. I love fabrics. I like ordering the fabrics, receiving them when they come in and seeing them come back from the workrooms as window treatments, bedding or reupholstered furniture. Just seeing the creativity, talent and vision our designers have from start to finish.
Administrative Approach: When I was working for my father, he instilled the importance of customer service that I carry with me today. Everything I do: contracts, ordering, receiving, scheduling installers, invoicing, it’s all done as if that is the only client we have. And I try to do things the way I would like a company to do things for me. I have never actually met many of our clients, but they get to know my name. When I talk to them on the phone and they have a sense of familiarity with me as if they’ve known me all their life, it gives me a great feeling of accomplishment. Dad would be so proud!
How was your interest in design sparked? When I was in junior high, I watched my parents work with an Interior Designer while building a custom home and I was hooked.
Experience/qualifications: Since graduating from UNL, I have enjoyed over 20 years of designing spaces of all kinds in the Omaha and Lincoln areas.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? That has to be the family room – that's where we gather and spend time together.
Community involvement: Junior League Sustainer, Friends of Lied, St. Mark's Methodist Church
Design Tip: I have always found that listening to and being completely honest with my clients results in the most successful outcomes.
How was your interest in design sparked? My mother loved shopping for new things to put in our home whether it be new furniture, dishes for the kitchen or simply towels for the bath room, anything to make a little change. I always wanted to be with her when she made those decisions and always looked forward to the next shopping trip.
Experience/qualifications: I attended UNL and have over 25 years of interior design experience. As an ASID Allied member, I have received chapter awards for residential design, participated in Table Inspiration with Friends of the Lied, and been involved in numerous parade homes and remodelers tours.
Community involvement: Street of Dreams, Previous member of Symphony Guild
What is your favorite spot in your own home? My kitchen. It’s a great place to gather whether we are entertaining, having the family over or just hanging out trying new recipes. This room is the heart of our home where many memories have been made.
Design Tip: Keep it simple! Create a space by using neutral fabrics with great texture then add a splash of color in your art, accessories, and pillows. Don’t overdo it!
NCIDQ Cert. No. 26701
How was your interest in design sparked? Art and architecture led me to become an Interior Designer. I have always enjoyed studying the spaces around me and how design can make an impact.
Experience/qualifications: I graduated from UNL in 2006 and have had the opportunity to work in residential and commercial design applications ever since. I am NCIDQ certified and have also served on the board of the Nebraska/Iowa Chapter of ASID being involved on various committees within the organization.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? I live in a home built in the 40's and really appreciate the way cabinetry was used to combine the kitchen and entry area while adding great storage space.
Community involvement: ASID Board of Directors, Cathedral of the Risen Christ, School Volunteer
Design Tip: AutoCad has proven to be a great tool to convey a detailed design concept to both client and contractor.
How was your interest in design sparked? The challenge! Putting creativity to work in a collaborative environment is my passion.
Experience/qualifications: I interned at two other design firms before joining Interiors Joan and Associates, which gave me diverse experience in the field. I have also been involved in ASID since 2006 as well as the Young Building Professional Council of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, Habitat for Humanity and Green Omaha Coalition.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? Ours is a very open concept with the kitchen, living room and patio accessible at one time. I love this “spot” as it keeps the family in touch at all times.
Community involvement: Habitat for Humanity (HFH) FRIENDS Board, HFH Family Selection Committee, HFH Brew Haha social media chair, Habitat Young Professionals fundraising
Design Tip: Mixing finishes! I like to create contrast in a space by mixing textures and materials with proportion and scale for an overall fresh look.
Experience/Qualifications: I earned my Bachelors of Science in Accounting from UNK and have over 20 years of experience working in the accounting field.
Community Involvement: I help to coach some “little league” volleyball and softball teams.
What is your favorite part about your job? I really enjoy working with a variety of designers and seeing how incredibly talented they are, each in their own way!
Accounting Approach: I love the Accounting world meeting the design world and working to make both worlds “mesh” and work together, to ultimately provide a wonderful experience for our clients!
Experience/Qualifications: I earned my Associates Degree in interior design and my bachelors degree in business. I gained years of experience in the industry before joining the team at Interiors Joan and Associates
What is your favorite spot in your own home? My favorite spot in my own home is my living room. I have a great view out my window and I just love being surrounded by sun, and the feeling of being outside while I’m really inside. I have a massive 12 ft. slider door that ill lead to our new pool and patio, I just can’t wait for it all to be done, it will be amazing!
Community Involvement: I was a volunteer for Project Pink’d for a few years in Omaha. Having recently moved to Las Vegas, I’m hoping to find a new place and organization where I can volunteer. I love helping the community and I find great pleasure in doing so.
Design Tip: Trust your designer. I know it’s hard to go out of your comfort zone sometimes, but I really have confidence that you can find a new appreciation for things in life if you trust the expert you hired for your project.
Experience/Qualifications: I graduated from UNL’s school of Architecture with an Interior Design Degree and a minor in Studio Art. The minor in art really helped my student career for our design boards and still helps me to this day as I draw my concepts for clients. I opened my own retail and design studio when I was 24 after running a shop right out of school. I was my own buyer, designer, visual merchandiser, PR and everything else in between for 5 years. I closed up my shop and moved to Florida, where I did my own interior design business focusing on private yachts. I learned a lot and had a great time doing this. I also flipped some houses and learned a lot of the construction side of this industry. My last yacht job took me to Mallorca (an island off the coast of Spain). I was there for a few years working on a large boat. After my first child was born, I moved back to Omaha and started my business, Alleyway, up again. While maintaining my own clients, I also was a project manager for Lowes Kitchens and Baths. I learned even more about the construction process in this position, before joining the team at Interiors Joan and Associates.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? My favorite room is our sunroom. It has all glass on 3 sides and is full of some of my favorite things. I love flowers and plants and in the spring, it’s the best spot to be!
Community Involvement: I have been involved with the International Horse Show in Omaha for several years. I volunteer in the barn and also head up some of the fundraising surrounding the event.
Design Tip: Always mix up an interior… if it all matches too well, your eye stops at nothing.
Experience/Qualifications: I graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, and have experience with both commercial and residential projects. I also have a background in marketing and graphic design, which has strengthened my abilities to digitally create impactful visuals and photo-realistic renderings for my clients. These tools help them to clearly visualize their space.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? I love spaces with character, and my 1938 cottage home with its original wood flooring, hardware, wood burning fireplace and arched openings has loads of it!
Community Involvement: Allied Member ASID, Feline Friends of NE, previous marketing volunteer for several local animal rescues.
Design Tip: Mix old and new! All new furniture and decor can lack character. Mix in some older or existing items- antiques, heirlooms, photographs, etc. to add uniqueness and personality to your space.
Experience/Qualifications: I earned a BFA in Interior Design from Iowa State University. I worked 4 years as a Design Assistant at Omaha Interiors and Design, 3 years as a Designer at Sheridan Decorating, and 5 years as the Showroom Specialist at Pella Windows and Doors before joining the team at Interiors Joan and Associates.
What is your favorite spot in your own home? My bed! I also love my “library” reading room.
Community Involvement: Having just moved back to Omaha from Chicago, I’m excited to get involved in the community and serve the organizations that I am passionate about!
Design Tip: Be true to yourself. Trends may come and go, but only you know what works in your home, fits your lifestyle, and gives you joy. If there is one place in this world that should make everyone happy - it’s their home.
Experience/Qualifications: Outside of being a professional firefighter, I have spent the prior 15 years managing the aluminum door division of a local business. With this, I was the lead product designer and would take a product from concept to 3D model, to prototype, to front line product. I am proficient in 3D software such as Inventor and Onshape. Another facet of my responsibilities was inventory control. I was in charge of forecasting material needs, ordering material and balancing demand and lead times to ensure we had the proper amount of inventory on hand at all times. Inventory control was also a large part of my life. I conducted full physical inventories of my department monthly and was also the liaison between our vendors and handled all vendor credits, quality control issues and vendor returns.
Community Involvement: I am very active in the community, also. I have organized MDA campaigns for the Council Bluffs Firefighters for the past 9 years. In that time we have gone from number 4 in the state for collection to number one in the state for the last 4 years. I am involved in the Watchdog program at my children’s school. This program positions positive male role models in schools and helps give the kids who do not have male role models at home a chance to have that kind of positive influence in their lives. I also organize coats for kids drives in the community.
What is your favorite part about your job? I enjoy the variety of tasks I get to do at IBJ. Every day is a little different and I am exposed to new and exciting products.
Experience/Qualifications: I have over 15 years of experience serving customers. In the past, I have been employed by a variety of different organizations. In a number of those positions I worked with billing and accounting while being a main point of contact for the clients. Currently I am the Office Coordinator for Interiors Joan and Associates at the Lincoln Studio, and I am also a student, completing my MBA.
Community Involvement: When I am not working or learning, I am busy coordinating the lives of five little ones!
What is your favorite part about your job? The best part of my job is that I get to enrich more than one part of myself. I am able to compute numbers while admiring the artistic abilities of the designers on diverse projects.
Administrative Approach: My approach to accounting and administration is to deliver my best work while continuing to learn; working to better myself and my company!
Joan Sorensen
Joan Sorensen founded Interiors Joan and Associates in 1963 and has had the privilege of working with wonderful people ever since to grow the company to what it is today. Joan is a professional member of ASID and NCIDQ certified.