Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations at Elizabeth Krueger Design, Erin focuses on building  genuine, long-lasting relationships with clients, and ensuring they receive superior service from our team throughout the entire process. She leads efforts to refine and scale internal operations—streamlining workflows, implementing systems and best practices, and maintaining high standards that keep the firm running smoothly. Equally committed to the team, she fosters a supportive culture, champions professional development, and ensures every project benefits from strong communication, a sense of urgency, and exceptional service. 

Before joining EKD, Erin graduated from Miami University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing, and soon after led the branding and marketing initiatives at a Chicago-based consulting firm.

When she isn’t combing through her inbox, you can find her spending time with her dogs (Evie and Tony), volunteering at (One Tail at a Time), or at Pilates - wondering why she does this to herself.

Procurement Manager

Cathy manages order placement, project logistics, and vendor relationships across the entire firm. She oversees vendor communication, quality control, issue resolution, and scheduling — her attention to detail and drive keep every project moving.

Born and raised in Chicago, Cathy gained deep experience in procurement at Holly Hunt prior to joining EKD. She also spent time as a buyer in the food industry, which sharpened the methodical approach she brings to the many moving parts she manages today.

Outside of work she flexes her creative side through her own floral design company, her never-ending list of house projects, and playing tennis with her son. She also serves as a planning and zoning commissioner in her town — proof that her instinct for how things come together extends well beyond interiors.

Senior Designer

With a cup of coffee in hand and a talent for creating evocative spaces, Janelle leads projects at EKD with equal parts intuition and precision. She earned her BFA from Harrington College of Design with high honors and has deep experience across a wide range of residential projects. She provides the kind of guidance and support that keeps clients confident throughout the entire design process.

Prior to joining EKD, she worked at Holly Hunt in Merchandising and Textile Development, where she developed a deep understanding of luxury materials, furnishings, and product quality — one that continues to inform every project she touches.

Finding inspiration in travel, art, fashion, and nature, Janelle creates designs that are functional, beautifully styled, and always a reflection of each client's personal vision. As a new mom, she brings a personal understanding of designing homes that are as livable as they are beautiful — for kids, pets, and real life.

Senior Designer

Chelsea brings over a decade of experience in residential and commercial interior architecture and design to her role as a Senior Designer at EKD. She approaches each project with one question — "What kind of experience do we want to create?" Her inspiration lies in travel and experiences, both her own and her clients', and she believes the stories behind those answers are what make a space feel personal and elevated.

She earns her clients' trust through a transparent and relatable approach, helping them surface how they plan to live in the space, how they interact with their surroundings, and what design elements bring them joy. The goal is always for clients to feel relaxed, confident, and comfortable throughout the entire process.

Outside of the office you can find Chelsea with her adorable dog Lila, enjoying the outdoors, or tending to her many (and we do mean MANY) house plants.

Senior Designer

Hannah graduated at the top of her class from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and has spent more than a decade leading high-end residential projects at some of Chicago's top design firms. She brings that depth of experience to her role as a Senior Designer at EKD, with a strong attention to detail, thoughtful organization, and a clear focus on how each client truly lives.

Her design sensibility is shaped by Chicago's rich architectural history and her travels around the world. Both show up in the way she approaches materials, proportion, and the character of a space.

Outside of work, Hannah and her husband are renovating their 100+ year old home — with two cats supervising. On weekends you'll find her exploring antique stores and flea markets in search of vintage finds.

Designer

Emma's path to interior design started early — rearranging her room as a kid and finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. She studied Interior Design at Michigan State, and her path led her to EKD as an intern in the summer of 2019. What started as a summer role became permanent. Her eagerness to learn, natural eye, and passion for the work made it clear she belonged on the team.

Since then, Emma has grown into a Designer role at EKD, supporting Senior Designers and clients across a range of residential projects.

One thing hasn't changed since those early days — she still draws most of her inspiration from the patterns and rhythms of nature. Her personal aesthetic is fresh, layered, and richly textured, a direct reflection of that relationship to the outdoors.

Designer

A self-proclaimed "eclectic minimalist," Gailie brings a unique perspective to EKD. She started with the firm as a Design Intern while completing her education at Colorado State University. Her talent, confident voice, and ability to take initiative made it clear she needed to stay.

Since then, Gailie has grown into a Designer role, expanding her knowledge of residential design while building meaningful relationships with industry partners and clients. She is passionate about improving the wellbeing of the people she works with through thoughtful, intentional design.

Outside of work she can be found baking, exploring her neighborhood on long walks, and cuddling with her sweet dog.

Designer

Ann brings a warm demeanor, a knack for layering vintage and modern pieces, and sharp problem-solving skills to her role as a Designer at EKD. Originally from the East Coast with a degree from Radford University, she has a natural ability to make clients feel confident in their decisions.

Before joining EKD, Ann refined her design sensibility and client-focused approach at Walter E. Smith. Long before design became a career, she found inspiration in cooking, film, and architecture — interests that continue to shape her eye.

When she isn't sorting through fabric samples or updating floor plans, she's most likely in the kitchen experimenting with colors, flavors, and ingredients. 

OPAME Brand & Operations Manager

Nicki oversees the day-to-day operations at Opame Collective, supporting projects from initial inquiry through final delivery while helping shape and communicate the brand's vision. She works closely with clients, designers, showrooms, and manufacturing partners to ensure a seamless experience at every stage.

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Nicki brings nearly a decade of experience in the interior design industry. Her background spans operations, project management, procurement, and client relations — giving her a clear understanding of what it takes to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Inspired by travel, architecture, and art, you'll find her outside of work planning her next adventure, scheming ideas that catch her eye, or discovering new restaurants and neighborhoods with friends and family.