Our Team

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.

How was your interest in your field sparked? My interest in design was sparked when I could go on historic house tours.  I was fascinated with all the little details and the thought process that would go into the house. Community Involvement: I am active in the ASID chapter and recently joined Rotary 14 in Lincoln. What is your favorite spot in your home? My favorite spot my house is my living room.  I have pictures of travels abroad and brings back good memories.  It's also where I sit, relax and enjoy time with my family and friends. Administrative Approach: Put things that you love in  your house and it will always be in style.

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.

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? 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.

How was your interest in interior design sparked? “Child Labor” got me into office work! My father had his own real estate business as I was growing up. My mother was a bookkeeper. Both of them would give me “busy work” just to keep me out of their hair and as I got older my father had me typing letters and ordering office supplies. He actually even paid me once in a while!

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!

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.

How was your interest in interior design sparked? I’ve always had a love for art, fabrics, design, and things in life that are just pretty. I started really peaking an interest in this industry when I was much younger working for a company decorating for the holidays. I loved the over exaggerated decorations and putting mixed textures together. Later in life, I worked in the flooring industry helping clients put together their selections for their homes. I loved putting together projects and seeing the final design once it was completed. I’d get asked by builders and clients to help make selections on paint colors, then on some finishes. I ended up just doing it for fun because it was something I loved to do. Then I went on and worked for myself and would help people with design projects as needed. I got all of my business from word of mouth and referrals. 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.

How was your interest in interior design sparked? Since I was a child, I have been aware of and fascinated by the strong impact our interior environment has on our mental state. From building forts when I was little to decorating and re-decorating my bedroom as a teenager, to pushing interior design studies in high school and then college, I have always been hooked on the creative challenge! 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.

How was your interest in interior design sparked? My childhood coloring books are what really got me interested in color and design at an early age. But, the television show “Trading Spaces” is probably what really defined that interest as a passion for interior design! 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.

How was your interest in your field sparked? At a very young age, I could not resist rearranging my room and decorating the walls with magazine pages for artwork.  From there it just grew! Experience/Qualifications: My experience began at Interiors Joan and Associates over 15 years ago and I am excited to be back!  Over the years I have sharpened my skills as an Interior Designer owning my own business and wanted to be included with this incredible team again.  I have worked with and found a niche designing cabinets the last 10 years.  It is a passion of mine in which I excel and is perfect match for me as an Interior Designer. Community Involvement: I'm busy with the kids but I find time to be involved with the community.  My heart poured out for those affected by the tornados and could not resist helping with the cleanup.  I am also in the process of joining the West Omaha Rotary. What is your favorite part about your job? My living room is the space where we all gather and relax as a family. I purposely designed it to be comfortable, able to withstand 3 rowdy boys and still look photo ready! Design Tip: Consider your lifestyle and how you want to use the space when designing. It needs to be functional as well as stunning.