Professional Experience

Sometimes confused with the occupation of interior decorating, the profession of interior design requires specialized education, knowledge, qualification, and training and extends far beyond aesthetic concerns to matters of public health, safety, and welfare. Professional interior designers can be distinguished by their successful fulfillment of several criteria including education, experience, and national certification qualification (NCIDQ), which includes verifying competent application of building systems, codes, and construction standards.

Karen Kitowski & Co., Inc. Dallas / San Francisco / San Miguel de Allende and Mazatlan Mexico

Design practice focused on middle to high-end residential interiors, offices, and retail boutiques with residential details and finishes.

• Owner and Design Director
  • Successfully designed, sold, and completed award winning projects in a variety of styles and periods for sophisticated and discerning clients.
  • Designed the personal Chambers of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Supreme Court Building in Washington D.C.
  • Projects included a 23,000 sq. ft. home in Dallas.
  • Conceptualized, designed, and completed commercial projects for high-end boutiques retailing shoes, clothing, sporting goods, bed & bath linens, and dry cleaning services, all with a residential character and finish out.

Design Showroom Sacramento, CA

10 person interior design studio and 4,000 sq. ft. retail home furnishings studio.

• Owner and Design Director
  • Provided the design direction, space planning, and finish out for the store and studio. Designed and managed my personal client projects.
  • Hired and trained interior designers, new design graduates, and visual merchandisers.

Wilson’s Furniture Sacramento, CA

West coast’s leading contemporary furniture store, 40,000 sq. ft.

• Interior Designer, Design Studio Manager, and Buyer
  • Hired and trained design school graduates. Managed design staff of 6.
  • Designed and managed construction and installation of carpet department.
  • Buyer for carpet department and decorative accessories.

Education and Professional Certifications

• California State University, Sacramento, CA; BA in art with an interior design specialty and minor in business
• National Interior Design Qualification

Project Locations

• Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Texas
• Washington, D.C.
• Manhattan, N.Y. C.
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Richmond, Virginia
• Boise, Idaho
• Snowbird, Utah
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Sun River, Oregon
• San Francisco Bay area
• Wine country, California
• Malibu, California
• Lake Tahoe, California
• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
• Cave Creek, Arizona
• Mazatlan, Mexico