Furniture Guru, NCIDQ #32424
Honolulu, HI
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design,
University of the Philippines – Diliman

Ash loves tropical island life with its rich culture, food and sports—and great weather! He grew up in Manila, Philippines, and lives there now with his wife and young daughter. For several years, Ash worked as a designer in Hawaii. He is a math whiz, but also loves to draw. With a background of projects in virtually every market—corporate, higher-ed, government, hospitality, high-end residential—Ash enjoys being a well rounded designer specializing in furniture.

FUN FACT
Ash debated going into medicine or computer science, but because of his love for art, interior design won.

Furniture Guru, NCIDQ #019687
Liberty, MO
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design,
Harding University

Denise is both a problem solver and a team player. From working out complex furniture plans to becoming a certified/registered interior designer in two states, Denise draws on her diverse skillset and life experiences for success. Growing up, her military family moved often, stateside and abroad. Professionally, Denise possesses technical expertise with top furniture brands and specification software. This furniture guru’s savvy approach to the plot twists of life prepared her to confidently guide clients through their own.

FUN FACT
This soccer mom of three is an avid gardener and wishes there were a way to grow her own chocolate to share with furniture friends everywhere.

Furniture Guru
Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design,
Bowling Green State University

Inspiring + functional. This combo illustrates Chelsey’s very full work/life balance. Kimiko’s WFH remote model suits her perfectly. She grew up with a dad in construction and a mom with an eye for style. A career in interior design specializing in furniture speaks to those dual points of view. Combining creative and functional elements for exceptional results is Chelsey’s favorite challenge.

FUN FACT
Chelsey loves the whimsy and utility of vintage furniture, décor, and clothing, and is an avid collector of historic oddities.

Furniture Guru, Allied ASID
Cabot, AR
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, University of Central Arkansas

Tamara is jazzed about learning. She adopts tech trends and cool apps like some of us collect shoes! This passion has led her to be invited to speak as a power user at annual industry conferences. An active member of ASID since college days at Central Arkansas University, Tamara is the Director of Finance for the South Central Chapter. She loves being an influencer, especially onboarding and training new designers and is always looking for a new or better way to improve environments for clients as a kimiko furniture guru.

FUN FACT
Super-techie Tamara prefers a paper planner over a digital one. It’s been the Happy Planner brand for this happy furniture planner for the last 5 years.

Furniture Guru
Bluffton, SC
Bachelor of Science, Facilities Planning and Management, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

Erin, driven by her love for people and innovative design, studied commercial interiors and facilities planning in Boston, MA. After years in commercial real estate, she found her passion in furniture, excelling in project management over a decade at a dealership. Erin thrives on blending form and function, and her commitment to sustainability fuels her work. She takes pride in creating spaces that enhance well-being and positively impact both people and the planet.

FUN FACT
Erin’s first jobs were at a local sporting good store and a waitress at a pizza place. She still has a strong love for sneakers and italian food.

Furniture Guru, NCIDQ #35536
Bismarck, ND
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design,
North Dakota State University

Ashley traces the origin of her interest in furniture and interior design to her early obsession with Legos. She sees similarities in the versatility and way components work together to create something altogether new. As an analytical problem solver, Ashley loves the technical aspects of furniture, but delving into the aesthetic side provides creative balance. She drew upon both to pass the NCIDQ exam and earn certification. Ashley and her husband enjoy living on the edge at their lake cabin right on the ND-Canada border.

FUN FACT
Ashley shares creative expression with her two cats, Echo and Tars. She has an especially ornate sleeve tattoo and they are Bengal cats, known for their exotically patterned coats.

Furniture Guru
Midland, TX
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, Abilene Christian 

With 15 years’ experience as designer and project manager, Amanda enjoys twice the satisfaction from a beautiful job/job well done. As kimiko’s Double-Duty Dynamo, she captures critical site info with field-to-desk keenness and uses it to inform the project process. Clients appreciate the continuity she brings to her dual roles in aesthetics and functionality as the designer, and in order entry and installation as the project manager.

FUN FACT
Despite her right-brain/left-brain skillset of design and project management, Amanda is strictly left-handed, and so is her Mr. Right.

Furniture Guru, NCIDQ ASID
Little Rock, AR
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, University of Central Arkansas

Victoria is an Arkansan, born and raised in “The Natural State.” She’s an avid environmentalist and enjoys hiking and camping. Victoria shines on the technical side of commercial interior design, and is intent on developing expertise in one specialization: furniture. She earned interior designer certification from NCIDQ and is an active member of ASID, in which she recently served as Chair for the Central AR Design Community Board. This furniture guru has lots going on and we’re happy to be part of the action.

FUN FACT
Victoria was homeschooled in grades 3-12 and active in 4-H throughout, including winning a prophetic competition in “Home Furnishings.”

Furniture Guru, LEED AP
Houston, TX
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, Savannah College of Art and Design

Rachel contributes her knowledge and passion for interior and sustainable design to the Kimiko team, based on a foundation formed at architectural firms. She loves to research and ask questions to solve intricate furniture puzzles – she has a true hunger for knowledge. Rachel strives to inspire others with innovation, responsibility and most of all, compassion – which is why at kimiko, she leads the ‘free furniture’ efforts; connecting used furniture donations to non-profit organizations.

FUN FACT
In her spare time, Rachel is crossing countries off her bucket list – 14 down, 181 to go!

Operations Manager
Dallas, TX
Associate of Arts, Dallas Community College

Val is the special projects captain that keeps the kimiko ship sailing. From the helm in North Texas, she steers our invoicing, internal processes and keeps the engines running. Working for non-profits in her other life, Val loves helping others better the world and is an expert in navigating complex logistics.

FUN FACT
For 2 years, Val lived on the road in a bus, with 10 other people for 5 months at a time.

Furniture Guru
Cincinnati, OH
Bachelor of Fine Arts,  Interior Architecture, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Amber is part designer, part furniture whisperer. She brings a sharp eye for detail and a creative spark to every commercial project—blending functionality and flair like it’s second nature. She’s especially drawn to spaces that help people pause and reset, proving that even in the fast-paced world of furniture planning, calm can be part of the plan.

FUN FACT
Amber’s creativity doesn’t clock out. When she’s not designing, she’s probably painting, playing piano, deep into a tech rabbit hole, or whipping up something herbal and magical.

Furniture Guru
Waxahachie, TX
Associate of Arts from Wade College

My love of architecture was inspired by my aunt, who constantly remodeled her two-flat building. Fascinated by construction and design, I rearranged furniture in our family home, nurturing my passion for space planning. While I enjoy furniture, the technical aspects of the industry are what I cherish most. I thrive on ensuring accurate drawings and their precise execution on-site, much like assembling a puzzle, culminating in a deeply satisfying sense of accomplishment.

FUN FACT
I’m a proud mom of four kids, two boys and two girls, keeping life lively and fun! I’m also a passionate plant lover; my collection of houseplants has blossomed beautifully over the years and continues to grow.

Caryn thrives in an environment of collaboration and shared goals. Her constant project priorities are owner advocacy and the end users’ experience. Caryn has managed literally millions of square feet in construction, renovation and interior buildout projects in the healthcare and corporate markets worldwide. She is a Registered Architect and Interior Designer in the State of Texas. Art is Caryn’s personal creative outlet, and she enjoys hiking and hanging out with her husband, son and pets.

FUN FACT
Wonder why Caryn is proud to be a member of the same book club for nearly two decades? Long term relationships add character(s) to your story.

Furniture Guru, IIDA
Buffalo, NY
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Buffalo State Univeristy

Jessica, a proud Buffalo native, thrives on her passion for interior design, driven by her connection to people. Creating spaces for others fuels her career. When not designing, she enjoys village outings with her husband and three kids, always searching for the perfect cup of coffee. Additionally, she volunteers on the board of the Buffalo City Center chapter of the IIDA, keeping her engaged with the local architecture and design community.

FUN FACT
As a true Buffalonian, Jessica supports the Buffalo Bills every Sunday, whether it’s sunny, rainy, or buried in six feet of snow! Go Bills!

Furniture Guru,
St. Louis Park, MN
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, University of Wisconsin Stout

Heidi brings a can-do perspective to her projects, shaped by her personal experience and deep understanding of the furniture process. Her Midwest sensibility makes her mindful of how we connect to our surroundings. Heidi particularly enjoys the technical side of interior design and furniture and loves solving problems by creating their solutions, piece by piece.

FUN FACT
It’s a good thing Heidi thrives on teamwork and collaboration. This lifelong, loyal Packers fan lives in the heart of Vikings territory.

Furniture Guru, NCIDQ #029281
Knoxville, TN
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, University of Tennessee

Melissa earned her BS in Interior Design from CIDA-accredited University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  She worked to achieve meaningful credentials during her career: LEED AP, NCIDQ Certification, and Registered Interior Designer in the State of Tennessee.  Early experience in architecture and construction laid a strong foundation for Melissa’s career in the contract furniture and design industry.  Her love of furniture, art, and design and her proficient technical skills are great assets to her clients and Team Kimiko.

FUN FACT
Melissa is a TN-licensed cosmetologist.  Color-coding floor plans or coloring hair, Melissa’s got style to spare.

Furniture Guru
Banff, AB Canada
Bachelor of Interior Design, University of Montreal

Eloise is a cosmopolitan citizen of the world, having traveled to luxurious destinations in 36 countries including international studies in Barcelona and Hong Kong. She was influenced toward a career in design by her father, who included her in the process of renovating all five of their family homes. Eloise thrives on the mix of aesthetics and technology as a furniture specialist. An admitted perfectionist, Eloise finds the kimiko signature obsessive attention to detail to be a perfect fit.

FUN FACT
Eloise is a city girl who enjoys walking everywhere; in fact, she has never owned a car.

executive assistant
Houston, TX
Apprentice Extraordinaire

Stacy has a diverse background in training, project management, sales engineering, IT management, and personal assistance. She thrives on helping others by eliminating roadblocks and organizing thoughts effectively. A master at organization, Stacy specializes in streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Her superpower is positivity and bringing a sense of calm in the middle of chaos.

FUN FACT
Stacy is a grandmother to 4 beautiful boys.

BFF (Best Furniture Friend)
Houston, TX
Masters in Sniffing

Bakey is the in-house furniture testing expert at kimiko designs and lover of all things soft/cushy. He is a kind-hearted mixed breed rescue who now spends most of his days as near to Dianne as possible or walking around the block during conference calls.

FUN FACT
Bakey is an epic snuggler and an olympic snack catcher.