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.

Lisa Alexander

Since 2005

Lisa is the first person our callers and visitors encounter in her role as office assistant and receptionist. Her warm, caring, and capable presence with both clients and colleagues is an important part of who we are as a team.

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.

Jenna Golden

Since 2007

Jenna is a senior designer, organizing the complexities of large-scale projects. Her great taste, interpersonal skills and broad range of knowledge make her a valued part of our team. Jenna graduated from San Francisco State University with B.S. degree in Interior Design.

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.

Ben Lacey

Office Manager

Having studied at Leeds College of Music, Ben always says that everything he learned playing Jazz serves him well in the fast-paced world of Office Management: organization, leadership, the capacity to work well with others, great timing, and the ability to improvise!

Christine Pizzo

Since 2014

In her role as executive assistant to Douglas, Christine is a deft facilitator of grace and ease. Her calm brand of competence sets the stage for our firm to reach the highest level of design possibility for our clients.

Kelly Coseo

Since 2018

Kelly’s reliable and steady hand as project manager ensure a smooth process for our clients. The team appreciates her natural ability to juggle focused design development and adept project management. She has worked in the interior design field for 12 years.

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.

Colleen Lydon

Since 2013

Colleagues who are able to embody ease and calm in the face of complexity are a particular gift to any organization. In her role of project manager, Colleen inspires trust and respect from both clients and collaborators.

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

Whitney Murrian

Since 2018

Whitney began as an intern and was quickly promoted to her current role as a design associate. She hit the ground running from day one with her agile, bold and highly effective approach.

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.

Meredith Sherwin

Design Associate

Meredith is a dependable and solutions-oriented Design Associate with a commitment to high quality work and a keen eye for detail. She deeply values her relationships with clients and vendors and takes a team-focused approach to facilitate a smooth design process.

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.