Meet the Team
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Karen Kempf
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
As principal designer of Karen Kempf Interiors, Karen built her firm on 25 plus years of experience in the design industry. Raised in Wisconsin, Karen graduated from Mount Mary University with a degree in Fashion Merchandizing and accepted a job in New York City to work as an assistant editor at GQ Magazine. While in New York, Karen discovered her passion for design. She graduated from FIDM in San Francisco with a degree in Interior Design, and worked as a designer in California for over 11 years. She later relocated home to Wisconsin to open her firm in 2002. Karen’s love for design is fueled by the process of developing design concepts and translating the vision for a project into a reality.
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Emilie Heried
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Emilie began working with the Karen Kempf Interiors team as an Interior Designer. Emilie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She is a four-time recipient of Design Excellence Awards from the American Society of Interior Designers. Her passion lies in creating detailed technical drawings and 3D models, which she transforms into photo-realistic renderings. These renderings give clients a vivid preview of their space, helping them visualize the finished project long before construction begins.
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Kelly Davis
OFFICE MANAGER
Kelly joined Karen Kempf Interiors in 2022 as Office Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Mount Mary University and has over 15 years of design experience. Kelly coordinates project logistics and client relations throughout every step of each project. Her favorite part of her job is ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish and seeing the final result.
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Pam Neumann
PROCUREMENT MANAGER / ASSISTANT DESIGNER
Pam began working with Karen Kempf Interiors after 20 years in the retail boutique industry. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in Environment, Textile & Design. Pam relishes the process of finding the right finishing touches in home accessories that will elevate your space. Her favorite part of her job is seeing how the many facets of design come together to create a home that reflects the clients taste and interests.
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Jane Thurow
COMMUNICATION MANAGER / ASSISTANT DESIGNER
Jane joined the Karen Kempf Interiors team to create social media content, but her role naturally grew to also supporting design projects. Jane graduated from Carthage College with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations and enjoys working with people. Jane’s favorite part of her job is watching the design concept evolve and come to life, then proudly showcasing the final results in the KKI portfolio.
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Gus
OFFICE DOG
Gus became a part of the Karen Kempf Interiors team in 2021, when he was just eight weeks old. He brings a background in customer service, communication, and micromanagement that enhances the Karen Kempf Interiors experience. When Gus isn't sleeping on the job, he is being a very good boy, offering moral support, a head to rub, and a snoot to boop. If you stop in the office, make sure to say hi to Gus!