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
West Des Moines, IA
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design,
University of Northern Iowa

Marissa’s dream of working with a great team in this field is only natural. She grew up in Dyersville, IA*, played team sports, and earned a BA in Interior Design from CIDA-accredited University of Northern Iowa. Marissa’s engaging manner plus top-notch skills in AutoCAD, furniture planning/specification/ rendering, and creative design software make her an all-star on #teamkimiko projects.

FUN FACT
Marissa’s hometown of Dyersville is the location of “Field of Dreams”.

Furniture Guru, NCIDQ #023211
Oklahoma City, OK
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, Oklahoma State University

Amanda is an Okie with Texas ties. With experience as both an Interior Designer and a Sales Representative, she can manage any project with confidence (and most likely an intense color-coded system). She has an uncanny ability to be detail-oriented, but not lose sight of the big picture. Fueled by organization and commitment to clients, she will execute every project with persistence and joy!

FUN FACT
When she is not cooking up projects, you can find her creating custom cookie sets for local events.

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
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
St. Louis, MO
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Lisa has the drive and talent for understanding the nuts and bolts of all the things, especially if they’re furniture-related. In true furniture nerd fashion, she gets a thrill from project challenges and thrives on developing clever solutions. Using a wealth of client-facing skills, Lisa has led high-profile projects, planned and managed complex corporate facility moves—and managed dealership design, showroom and marketing. Known for her great sense of humor and highly organized style, Lisa is well-suited as a Kimiko furniture guru.

FUN FACT
Lisa worked at Blockbuster Video during high school. Nowadays you can find her bingeing TV while “quality testing” furniture items.

Furniture Guru
Houston, TX
Bachelor of Interior Design, Monterrey Center for Higher Learning of Design, Mexico

Yadira brings a dash of international spice to Team Kimiko. Her interest in commercial furniture was ignited by an opportunity with a major manufacturer in Monterrey, Mexico. As subject matter expert to dealer-design teams in Mexico and Kuala Lumpur, Yadira was liaison to some of the largest dealerships in the USA. She applied this unique experience to a position with one of the largest furniture dealerships in Houston, TX. Yadira is proficient in design and specification software including 20/20 CAP and Configura CET Designer.

FUN FACT
Yadira longed to play the piano since childhood and becoming a computer keyboard whiz did nothing to satisfy the dream. Now she’s happily taking piano lessons alongside her 6-year old son.

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!

Furniture Guru
Ferndale, MI
Associate of Applied Science, Interior Design, Baker College

With a decade of experience, Lizzi works from a dual base of knowledge in the design and dealer sides of our industry. She possesses the organizational and technical skills kimiko furniture gurus are known for and also has a love for aesthetics that is key in specifying ancillary furniture and materials. Lizzi says that’s where a client’s space comes to life. Lizzi and her husband live in an eclectic Detroit suburb where they enjoy walking to parks, nightlife, and the arts.

FUN FACT
Lizzi’s weirdest project to date involved an inventory of used private office furniture with an inordinate number of custom components. Over 50 additional specials were required on the project, testing (and showcasing) this furniture guru’s determination and attention to detail.

Furniture Guru
Cincinnatti, OH
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Architecture, University of North Carolina

Amber considers the user experience of key importance to a furniture nerd. She is ever mindful that spaces and furnishings must support ergonomics, wellness, and social needs of the end users. Amber enjoys a range of interior architectural interests including hospitality design as well as the variety of project types available to a dealership designer. She tends to her work/life balance as a hobbyist gardener, painter, and singer, and promotes a positive, intentional design impact on her projects at home and at work.

FUN FACT
Amber and her fiancé are taking the ultimate pre-marital test: remodeling a vacation rental property in the trendy 19th century Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of downtown Cincinnati.

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
Ripley, TN
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, Northern Arizona University

Kelley says a good challenge is the best antidote to boredom. She’s applied her skills and tenacity on some toughies for over two decades in the commercial furniture business. This furniture guru loves to space plan with the computer, using all the cool technology and programs available. Kelley has a big heart for helping people in need, especially children, the homeless, and service men and women. With her husband, she is restoring a 1902 Victorian home as they raise their six pupsters age 5 weeks to 9 years.

FUN FACT
Kelley invoked her mantra “actions speak louder than words,” when a 1,000 piece ancillary order arrived with no tags. The installers couldn’t discern a color-coded plan, so she traveled to the project site and directed every single piece to its correct location.

Daisy is the in-house furniture testing expert at kimiko designs and lover of all things soft/cushy. She is a kind-hearted senior Saint Bernard and was rescued from a shelter in Arlington, TX. She now spends most of her days under Dianne’s desk or walking around the block during conference calls. She is one of the inspirations for kimiko’s charitable giving during the holiday season.

FUN FACT
Daisy has been on the television show Good Day Houston not just once, but twice; supporting local animal rescue groups!