About Julie Kay Design Studio
We prioritize human connection, authenticity, & creativity to design a space uniquely for you.
Julie Kay Design Studio is a full-service interior design studio committed to crafting extraordinary spaces that reflect your unique style and lifestyle. From initial concept to final installation, our experienced team guides you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for perfection, we transform your vision into reality.
Meet the team
Julie Riggin
Principal Designer
Julie Riggin is an award-winning interior designer whose passion and achievements in design have positioned her as one of Colorado’s best.
Julie Riggin
Julie Riggin is an award-winning interior designer whose passion and achievements in design have positioned her as one of Colorado’s best. Formally trained with a BS from the University of Missouri, Julie unlocks a unique level of depth through her mutual consideration of interior function and personality. Her trademark style is evident through the sophisticated yet fun use of color, texture, and light, and every home she designs receives her personal signature of timeless casual elegance and simplicity. Before establishing Julie Kay Design Studio in 2012, she spent several years working in Chicago sharpening her technical skills in the luxury residential interior design world. Her husband’s profession as a U.S. Army Artillery Officer meant Julie would be moving to exciting new cities across the nation, which gave her the opportunity to expand her design style, knowledge, and experience. Julie’s distinguished designs can be seen in homes throughout the country, and her work and expertise have been featured by premier publications and websites including Elle Décor, The Cottage Journal, The Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine, Colorado Homes & Lifestyle Magazine, and Colorado Springs Lifestyle. In 2022, Julie was awarded Colorado’s top ‘5 Under Forty’ designers/architects and made it on The Fabulous List 2022 as one of Colorado’s masters of Interior Design. Additionally, JKDS was listed as one of the Colorado’s Top Interior Design Firms in 2023 and 2024. On the weekends she enjoys exploring the Colorado outdoors with her husband and 2 children as well as traveling, painting, hiking, skiing, and trying new restaurants.
Kelsey Berens
Senior Interior Designer
Kelsey joined the JKDS team in June of 2022, where she has brought her love for texture, minimalistic style, and a keen eye for enhanced, functional design.
Kelsey Berens
Kelsey was born and raised in South Dakota, where she found herself always gravitating towards beautifully appointed spaces. As she grew, so did her love for all things Interior Design, leading her to pursue both of her Bachelor’s of Interior Design and Consumer Affairs Business Management from South Dakota State University. Kelsey continued to expand her industry knowledge as a commercial designer for four years, where she specialized in hospitality, corporate, historic, government and faith-based projects. She has designed and managed various scaled projects ranging from 500-200,000 square feet. Kelsey joined the JKDS team in June of 2022, where she has brought her love for texture, minimalistic style, and a keen eye for enhanced, functional design. Outside of the office, she loves spending time in the mountains, traveling with her high school sweetheart, and spending time with her friends and family.
Ashlee Area
Interior Designer
Ashlee brings a strong foundation in residential design, technical drafting, and finish curation to the JKDS team.
Ashlee Area
Ashlee brings a strong foundation in residential design, technical drafting, and finish curation to the JKDS team. With an AAS in Interior Design from Pikes Peak State College and hands-on experience in both custom home building and residential design studios, she translates ideas into beautifully executed spaces. Her background includes developing detailed finish documentation, mood boards and renderings, drafting floor plans in AutoCAD and Revit, while also guiding clients from concept to completion with clarity and confidence. Ashlee is also a skilled photographer, capturing finished interiors in a way that highlights texture, light, and layered detail. As a Colorado native, she enjoys spending time outdoors, but also likes to escape the winter chill by going on tropical vacations whenever she can.
Tanisha Yarde
Design Assistant
Tanisha is experienced in drafting floor plans and 3D renderings in AutoCAD and Revit, and enjoys curating thoughtful mood boards and client presentations.
Tanisha Yarde
Tanisha is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, graduating in Summer 2026 with a focus in Sustainability. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, she developed an early appreciation for how thoughtfully designed spaces can influence comfort, well-being, and daily life. She began her journey with JKDS as a store associate after gaining experience in home staging and has since grown into her role as Design Assistant, where she supports projects from concept to completion. Tanisha is experienced in drafting floor plans and 3D renderings in AutoCAD and Revit, and enjoys curating thoughtful mood boards and client presentations that clearly communicate design intent. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, friends, and family, drawing inspiration from the meaningful connections that make a house feel like home.
Tami Spears
Admin
As the Admin/Office Manager at Julie Kay Design Studio, Tami plays a vital role in supporting the firm’s full-service interior design operations.
Tami Spears
As the Admin/Office Manager at Julie Kay Design Studio, Tami plays a vital role in supporting the firm’s full-service interior design operations. With more than 30 years of experience in administration and bookkeeping, she brings extensive expertise in Accounts Payable and Receivable, reconciliations, tax preparation, product ordering and tracking, and meeting management. In her role, she oversees client proposals, payment processing, product procurement, order tracking, and ongoing communication between staff, clients, vendors and customers. Her previous experience in procurement, vendor logistics, and project scheduling ensured that each project moved seamlessly from concept to completion, supporting both the design team and clients with efficiency and care. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an Associate Degree in Human Services, combining strong operational knowledge with a people-centered approach. A Colorado Springs native, she values both the strong sense of community and the natural beauty of the area. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, and reading—especially lakeside while her husband fishes—and exploring Colorado’s scenic mountain trails with her family and 2 dogs.
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