Kriste’s unique vision, and her passion for creating spaces that are inviting and inspiring, provide the foundation for both the interior design studio and KM Home. Her warm and timeless approach to design is informed by her affinity for modern interior design, blended with her knowledge of both classic and contemporary architecture. As the head of the studio, she inspires her team every day with her integrated design aesthetic, her well-honed project management skills and her transparent and supportive approach to the business of design.
Prior to establishing the studio in 2002, Kriste spent over ten years in the software industry and in commercial real estate, developing the business expertise and management skills that distinguish her studio within the world of luxury interior design.. Her disciplined approach to design, which features a keen understanding of timelines, deliverables and budgets, has been a benchmark of the studio’s success. Her skilled approach, which gives equal weight to process, function and beauty, is also distinguished by the joy and comfort she brings to her team and clients.
A natural leader, Kriste has built a studio in which a mosaic of talents can truly shine, and the art of listening has been honed to an art form. A believer in setting goals, being content and enjoying the journey, she inspires creative confidence in both her team and her clients. By building a practice based upon communication, collaboration, transparency and kindness, she has created the foundation for successful, long-term relationships with consultants and clients alike.
A wife and mother of three, Kriste is a graduate of UCLA and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Raised in a family of designers, artists and builders, Emmaleen is a truly multifaceted creative. As the studio’s senior designer, she heads a talented and tight-knit group of designers, fostering a spirit of collaboration and support. Trained in interior design with an emphasis on architecture, Emmaleen’s attention to detail shines through at every stage of the design process, and she thoroughly enjoys seeing projects come together during construction.
Jackie met Kriste in a moment that she describes as “pure serendipity.” With 25 years of experience in the world of fashion, Jackie brings to the studio a strong project management skill set. She manages all of the studio’s installations, deftly navigating a myriad of moving parts and complex schedules. Describing the studio as “a group of friends who are fortunate enough to work together,” she is equally Inspired by the process of design and by the studio’s energetic vibe.
Linda’s empathy and ability to work well with others are her superpowers, and she strives to treat everyone with an equal dose of kindness. Raised in a large family, and the mother of four children herself, Linda’s innate equanimity enables her to work smoothly with team members, consultants and clients alike. She coordinates all purchasing for the shoppe and works with the design team to style project installations and photo shoots, seamlessly weaving together the design ethos of the shoppe and studio.
A Bay Area native, Christine joined the studio in 2022 as a studio assistant. A strong believer in elevating others and allowing them to do their best work, Christine is hands-on and detail-oriented, helping to keep projects flowing smoothly. She also plays a key role in customer service and communications, elevating the experience for clients to make sure they feel valued and well-cared-for. “Our trust in the process and in each other allows everyone to be their best selves, and good work follows naturally.”
Julez describes herself as an open book, and she likes to think she brings a bit of levity to the studio. In her role as design assistant, she is also the glue that holds the studio together. Her responsibilities run the gamut, from processing quotes and proposals, to communicating with clients and vendors, to putting her graphic design skills to use in any number of ways. A background in art and animation give her a strong creative foundation, while her can-do attitude makes her an invaluable resource. Her favorite thing about the studio? The people. “I feel lucky to be here.”
Hard-working and hands-on, Misa is the point person for whatever is needed in the shop or studio. Organizing is her strength. She helps to style the shop, creates centerpieces and other seasonal offerings, and assists during project installations with accessories styling and the special touches that make the projects feel like home. Misa’s favorite moments are when she walks in the door and sees her talented coworkers, and she loves the opportunity to learn something new from them every day.
As an admirer of Kriste’s work, Erika had followed the practice and shop for several years and, when an opportunity came available to join the KM Home team as a design shoppe associate, she jumped at it. Curious and eager to learn, she felt an immediate kinship with the KM team. In addition to her background in software marketing, Erika has long maintained a foothold in retail, a combination of skills she taps to help with a growing number of special promotions and events, as well as sales. Open and positive, with a distinct sense of style, Erika is known to deliver a bespoke shopping experience.
Anita describes her role as KM Home’s corporate gifts concierge as her “dream job.” As she introduces local businesses to special gifts for their clients, she makes connections and builds relationships, helping to make KM Home a hub for the community. She promotes engagement through curated events with local businesses and creatives, and partners with an array of charitable organizations to give back and elevate the community as a whole. Working with a team of creative, professional women inspires her to be her best self every single day.
