Douglas Durkin
Founder
Immersed throughout his life in the art of creative expression, Douglas founded Durkin Design in 2002. He is driven and defined by the practice of integrating beauty and function, and the profound influence that design holds for the people who live with it.
After graduating from Cornell University, Douglas began his career in New York, and held positions with prominent design firms Ellen Lehman McCluskey and Robert Metzger. He relocated to San Francisco in 1989, and was a Design Principal with the Wiseman Group through 2002.
With an enduring passion for design and architecture, Douglas’ work is defined by his romantic approach and eclectic style. His focus is on creating spaces that express and complement who his clients are and how they live. The firm overall is known for its fidelity to quality experience and execution, rather than an adherence to any one visual style. This ethos results in Douglas’ seasoned expertise in a broad range of styles.
Douglas is deeply committed to the Bay Area design and arts community and has been involved with San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art since 2010.
He is one of the original founders of FOG Design + Art, the pre-eminent Bay Area design and art fair, benefitting the museum. He serves on the FOG Steering Committee, and is the Chair of the FOG Forum, which supports acquisitions for the museum’s Architecture and Design Collection.
Douglas served as Chair of the A & D Collection’s Accessions Committee for five years, as well as the Chair of the FF & E Oversite Committee for the Snohetta Expansion. He continues to serve on the A & D Accessions Committee, the museum’s Building Committee, and is a member of the Director’s Circle.
Nationally, Douglas is a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture, receiving the Julia Morgan Award in 2016 for large-scale residential interior design.
Durkin Design is based in San Francisco, and Douglas shares his time between San Francisco and New York.
Arcadia Smails
Since 2016
A highly organized senior project manager, Arcadia is known for keeping multiple projects on a smoothly running track. Her artful design sense and thorough approach make her an appreciated member of our team. Arcadia holds an M.A. in Design History from Bard Graduate Center and has worked within the interior design industry for over 15 years.
Alexa “Kristy” Wyman
Since 2010
A senior technical designer and illustrator specializing in furniture design and renderings, Kristy occupies an essential niche on our team. Her precise, minimalist drawing style facilitates a clear understanding of design intent for both clients and colleagues. Kristy has a BFA Interior Architecture & Design from California College of the Arts.
Stasia Hazard
Since 2009
Stasia is a senior designer with 30 plus years of experience in both architecture and interior design. She earned degrees at the University of Illinois and Columbia University GSAPP and has worked with numerous high-end residential firms in New York and Chicago. Stasia effectively combines her architectural and design background with an enthusiastic but restrained approach.
Morgan Nagel
Senior Design Associate
Solid industry experience, and a continued dedication to learning, are the foundations of Morgan’s work as a Senior Design Associate. She enjoys deciphering concepts for project needs, translating them into drawings, and infusing the work with dreaming and her own sense of style. Morgan holds a B.F.A in Interior design from the Savannah College of Art & Design.
Niluka de Pinto
Since 2014
Niluka wears a wide array of hats with grace and style, and her skills as a project manager are a plus for every client she works with. We value her keen focus, and her ability to find non-obvious answers to design challenges. Niluka graduated from San Francisco State University Summa Cum Laude with B.S. degree in Interior Design.
Alisa Tanphanich
Since 2016
Alisa is a project manager with a well-honed ability to see what is needed in any situation. Her approach inhabits the sweet spot between creativity and attention to detail, and is driven to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Alisa graduated from University of California at Berkeley with a B.A in Communications and English and also holds a Certificate in Interior Design and Interior Architecture from University of California at Berkeley Extension.
Joy Huang
Design Associate
Inspired by her family of artists, and her travels, particularly a time spent living in Florence, Joy’s enthusiasm for architecture and design started at an early age. She believes in the power of design to amplify human experience, and brings her deep love and passion for art and design to her position of Design Associate
Luisana Rodriguez
Designer Illustrator
A technical designer and illustrator, dedicated to the craft of fine furniture design at the firm, Luisana brings an artistic eye matched with great technical skill to their role of Designer Illustrator. Earning a B.S. in Architecture at the Ibero-American University of Mexico City, as well as a degree in Interior Design from San Diego Mesa College. They bring a deep appreciation for the complex process in creating elegant, well crafted designs, and is a valued member of our team.
Barbara Rybandt
Since 2003
As our systems manager, Barbara’s competent contribution enables us to run our business on a steady course. She is a stickler for details and a wonderful resource for information and support for the entire firm. Barbara is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a B.S. degree in Hospitality Administration.
Heidi Murphy
Since 2015
Without Heidi’s ability to manage our financials as accounting manager, all the great design in the world wouldn’t matter. She keeps her finger firmly on the pulse of our business and her positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile are greatly valued by the entire team.
Rachel Simkover
Resource Manager
Rachel brings a seasoned approach to her work and role as Resource Manager. Her sensitivity to color and texture, exercised in her painting and weaving practices, translate into highly effective sourcing of not only textiles and carpets, but interior furnishings as well. She earned her BFA at Cornell University, in Painting and Print Making.
Joan Foley
Since 2012
Acting as collection specialist for the team, Joan maintains a comprehensive index of design elements and vendors. Her ability to liaise with a wide array of design partners with wit and verve is a true advantage for our design team and clients. Joan received her B.A. from University of Michigan and her M.F.A. in Art History from Columbia University.