Last month marked a significant milestone—30 years since I first launched what is now Kerrie Kelly Studio. It’s humbling to look back at where it all began and how far this design journey has taken me.
Fresh out of the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, I launched my first iteration of a business—All American Design & Furnishings, Inc.—as a side hustle. It complemented the iconic Ralph Lauren pieces I sold to homeowners, helping them bring that timeless, layered aesthetic into their own spaces. That spirit of service and storytelling through design stayed with me as I transitioned into a new chapter with Del Webb, serving as VP of Design & Merchandising. There, I had the opportunity to shape the way homeowners outfitted their spaces, selecting art, accessories, and furnishings that brought model home beauty into everyday living, especially during the height of the housing boom across California and Nevada.
Eventually, the path led me to Design Director of the Art Institute, where I saw firsthand the value of education and mentorship in design. Inspired by the energy of young creatives, I changed the business name to Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, opened my first storefront, and welcomed a team of interns. The business soon became a full-time passion, growing to a staff of 12 talented designers, with work that included high-profile showhouses, licensed product collections, and countless client homes.
From the beginning, I have been deeply committed to aligning with brands I know and love—brands whose stories I’ve had the privilege of learning from the inside out. Touring their factories, meeting the families behind the names, and understanding their craftsmanship has brought deeper meaning to every specification. As I continued to work closely with brands like Cosentino, Kohler, Sherwin-Williams, Fabuwood, Feeney, and Hestan, I saw the value in not only specifying their products, but helping connect them directly to the designers shaping the industry.
This realization led to the formation of Kerrie Kelly Studio, a pivot from residential design to brand development and industry elevation. After completing my final residential project, I committed fully to building brands, supporting the design community, and nurturing the next generation of creatives. Through curated collaborations, designer-centric programs, and thoughtful storytelling, my work now centers on providing designers with tools and platforms to succeed.
Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive awards and recognitions, including from the design community that has given me so much. My service with the American Society of Interior Designers, including the role of National Board Chair, and now as Vice Chair for the National Kitchen & Bath Association, continues to inspire and inform my work. I remain dedicated to strategic brand partnerships that elevate design voices, drive innovation, and amplify the incredible talent rising within our industry.
Thirty years in, I am more energized than ever—to connect, collaborate, and create a more vibrant, supported, and inspired design community.
With gratitude,
