
Karin Harrington
Founding Principal
Karin.Harrington@studiopartnership.netKarin is the founding principal of Studio Partnership LLC, an award-winning interior designer since 2003. Karin has extensive experience in the hospitality, corporate, multi-family and country club design arenas and has held previous positions in the industry before founding the studio in 2001. In addition to her notable designs, Karin is unique in her excellent communication, respect for a client’s budget requirements, ability to represent the client’s interests and interpret their needs for successful projects. A frequent lecturer and panelist, published in leading industry magazines and recognized for multiple design awards including the NEWH Top ID 2020, NEWH Top ID 2021, Marriott Courtyard Design of the Year Award, and multiple awards in the Intercontinental Hotel Group for Design and Modernization. Karin received her BS in Interior Design from Drexel University in 1993. Professional affiliations with NEWH (Washington, DC chapter), ASID and IIDA.

Karin HarringtonFounding Principal

Christina Hart
Principal
Christina.Hart@studiopartnership.netChristina joins Studio Partnership as Design Principal across all hospitality disciplines with special experience leading Lifestyle and Luxury projects including all destination venues related to Bar Gathering, Lounge Entertainment, Signature Restaurant, Conference/Co-Working Space, Fitness, and Distinctive Spa Wellness. From a wealth of experience as a partner and spanning over 12,000 guest rooms, Christina has commanded the renovation of historic properties including Hotel du Parc, Switzerland, select areas of The Waldorf Astoria and The Blossom Room at The Hollywood Roosevelt. Notable work around the globe is highlighted by Rosewood Abu Dhabi, awarded a Gold Key Award for Best Luxury Hotel, Four Seasons Macau, Al Faisaliah, Riyadh KSA and Mandarin Oriental New York, awarded the Das Design Award for Suite 5000. Christina holds a B.S. in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University.

Christina HartPrincipal

Elizabeth Grimsley
Chief Operating Officer
Elizabeth.Grimsley@studiopartnership.netStepping into the position of COO, Elizabeth brings leadership experience at some of the most prestigious design firms and companies. Her signature attention to detail and team management savvy ensures that every project is successful. She holds a wealth of knowledge built from her career in multiple disciplines within the hospitality industry: Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Pre- & Post-Construction Project Management, PIPs and FF&E Purchasing, Logistics & Installation Coordination. Her work and projects encompass brand development, hotel renovation, new construction, and hotel & resort development. Her vision is woven into designs for brands such as: Bluegreen Vacations, IHG, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt, Marriott International, MVW-Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Omni, Ritz Carlton, Starwood Hotels, Wyndham and was project facilitator for Four Seasons Hotels.

Elizabeth GrimsleyChief Operating Officer

Jillian Van Dresser
Principal
Jillian.VanDresser@studiopartnershp.net
Jillian Van DresserPrincipal

Jeannie McCullough
Managing Director
Jeannie.McCullough@studiopartnership.netJeannie’s background includes extensive work in marketing, operations, project management, and account management. Jeannie has 30 years of experience managing complex projects and teams of technology and design professionals in the digital technology, software, telecommunications, and consumer product sectors both nationally and overseas as an expat. Jeannie joined Studio Partnership in 2018 and quickly elevated to managing the design team and company operations. Jeannie holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Mary Washington University and attended the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business– Executive Education.

Jeannie McCulloughManaging Director

Leanne White
Senior Designer
Leanne.White@studiopartnership.netLeanne joined Studio Partnership in 2011 after graduating from Virginia Tech with a BS in Interior Design. Her technical skills are extremely strong whether executing interior design, supporting architecture design or maximizing the use of software tools. She can manage any brand project but specializes in Marriott and IHG properties. Her strong REVIT, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and Adobe Suites including Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat have aided her on several noteworthy hospitality projects such as The Delta in Baltimore, MD, Marriott in Round Rock Texas, Marriott in Pittsburgh, PA and the Renaissance in Carmel, IN. Leanne also has experience in Tenant Fit outs working with Yogibo on several locations across the northeast. Professional skills include strong brand relations skills, specialized in Value Engineering and complex projects.

Leanne WhiteSenior Designer

Julia EssienSenior Designer

Taylor Hudson
Interior Designer
Taylor.Hudson@studiopartnership.netTaylor has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry both on the service side and as an Interior Designer. Her experience primarily consists of creating fully custom design packages for both branded and boutique properties. In addition to her passion for design, Taylor has a background in sales & marketing and uses her communication skills and enthusiasm to assist in new business development for Studio Partnership. She graduated from Wake Tech with an AS in Interior Architecture & Design, and is LEED Green Associate & WELL AP accredited.

Taylor HudsonInterior Designer

Danielle Whiston
Interior Designer
Danielle.Whiston@studiopartnership.netDanielle joined Studio Partnership in 2019 after graduating from Kean University – Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design. In her short time here at SP, her knowledge and high-level of execution with AutoCAD and REVIT drawing sets, and other technical programs has proven her to be an essential part of the Studio Partnership team. In addition to REVIT and AutoCAD, professional skills include SketchUp, BlueBeam Revu, Shaderlight, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.

Danielle WhistonInterior Designer

Natalie Romano
Design Project Manager
Natalie.Romano@studiopartnership.netNatalie joined Studio Partnership in 2013 with a background in graphic design and business communications in both the corporate and academic sectors. Natalie is a dynamic team member possessing strong graphics and marketing skills which complement her design management and project management of interior design spaces for trade show operators. As a multidisciplinary team member, her workload varies between design, project + construction management, marketing, and procurement. She especially enjoys being onsite interacting with contractors and designers problem solving installation and design challenges at live events. Natalie is proficient in BlueBeam Revu and the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and InDesign applications. Natalie received her BFA in Art + Design: Graphic Design at Towson University.

Natalie RomanoDesign Project Manager

Franciska Rivera
Interior Designer
Franciska.Rivera@studiopartnership.netFranciska joined Studio Partnership in 2022 with experience in hospitality design, mostly with custom hotels for the major brands Marriot, Hilton, and Wyndham, including rooftops and restaurants. Her portfolio consists of renovations, conversions, and new constructions. With her passion and wide knowledge in sustainability and green design, she is contributing to the development of properties that are more environmentally friendly and safer for the building users. Franciska graduated from Wake Tech with an AS in Interior Design. She holds LEED Green Associates and WELL AP accreditations and is on track to achieve her NCIDQ certification.

Franciska RiveraInterior Designer

Debanshee Kalani
Interior Designer
Debanshee.Kalani@studiopartnership.netDebanshee Kalani is an Architect from Mumbai, India who is passionate about creating spaces that promote healing and encourage wellness. She completed her M.F.A in Interior Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she explored her thesis topic “Restorative Interior Applications within Transitional Spaces” which was awarded a Silver at the ASID Design Excellence Awards. She is also a former two-time NEWH Atlanta Scholarship Recipient. Debanshee is passionate about contributing to the hospitality design industry and works with students to expand their professional network through workshops and mentorship programs. She currently serves as the Student Relations Director on the NEWH Atlanta Chapter. She is an integral member of our hospitality timeshare design teams and proficient in AutoCad.

Debanshee KalaniInterior Designer

Olivia Schmidt
Interior Designer
Olivia.Schmidt@studiopartnership.netOlivia received her BS in Interior Design from West Virginia University in Spring 2021. While earning her degree, she worked on a renovation project with the town council of Rupert West Virginia, studied abroad in Italy, and gained experience in the design field with Zoltan Design C.O. She is proficient in Adobe suites including Photoshop and InDesign, as well as rendering-focused programs.

Olivia SchmidtInterior Designer

Reagan Kinsey
Junior Designer
Reagan.Kinsey@studiopartnership.netReagan graduated in 2020 from Radford University with a BFA in Interior Design. They joined Studio Partnership a year later, bringing their experience with Residential Design as a basis of knowledge to build upon. Reagan is experienced with Revit and AutoCAD and is continuing to strengthen those skills and has become an integral design team member.

Reagan KinseyJunior Designer

MiKayla Strausbaugh
Junior Designer
MiKayla.Strausbaugh@studiopartnership.netMiKayla graduated in 2018 from Philadelphia University with a BFA in Interior Design. After graduating, she brings 3 years experience in Residential Design and Lighting Design to Studio Partnership. MiKayla is experienced with AutoCAD and Technical Specifications and is continuing to strengthen those skills and has become an integral design team member.

MiKayla StrausbaughJunior Designer

Judy Placer
Junior Designer
Judy.Placer@studiopartnership.netJudy Anne joined Studio Partnership in 2022 as a Junior Designer. She has quickly become an integral member of the design team with her REVIT drafting and organizational skills. Judy Anne graduated in 2018 from Maryland University College Park with a BA in Architecture, where she then continued her education and received a certification in Architecture CAD in 2021.

Judy PlacerJunior Designer

Nicole Thurman
Interior Designer
Nicole.Thurman@studiopartnership.netNicole joined Studio Partnership is 2022 with experience in high-end Residential Design. She has already made a significant contribution to several commercial and residential projects. Her passion for design and architecture has given her the ability to build relations with clients with a full professional focus. Nicole’s work has been published in numerous magazines including Ideas and Mid-Atlantic Builders and received MAME Awards for projects within MD, DC and VA throughout her career. Nicole has an Associates Degree in Interior Design.

Nicole ThurmanInterior Designer

Kelly Farmer
Chief Financial Officer
Kelly.Farmer@studiopartnership.netKelly is a finance professional who joined Studio Partnership as CFO in 2016. In continuation of a career working with entrepreneurs as well as established companies in the consumer product, technology, internet and financial services sectors, Kelly is now the yin to our creative yang. Her skill and experience have made her an invaluable addition to our management team. Kelly holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) focused in Finance & Entrepreneurship from Babson College, Franklin W. Olin Graduate School of Business

Kelly FarmerChief Financial Officer

Laurie Armstrong
Purchasing Manager
Laurie.Armstrong@studiopartnership.netBefore joining Studio Partnership in 2010, Laurie worked for The H. Chambers Company in Baltimore. She has over 15 years’ experience in administration, accounts payables and receivables, data entry and purchasing coordination. Laurie’s contributions to Studio Partnership include assisting Principal, Office Operations and Procurement. Laurie received her AA in Fashion Merchandising from Bauder College, Atlanta, GA.

Laurie ArmstrongPurchasing Manager

Lela Hasrouni
Controller
Lela.Hasrouni@studiopartnership.netLela Hasrouni is the Accounting and Office Manager with over 10 years of administrative experience in Office Management, Human Resources and Accounting in multi-disciplinary industries. She assists in the development and implementation of firm policies and procedures. Her duties include managing the administration of payroll, benefits and HR programs and policies within the organization. She develops and oversees the annual budget and meets with the executive team to improve the financial outcome of the firm. Lela has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stratford University and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cleveland State University.
