Ownby Design Team
CLAIRE OWNBY

CLAIRE OWNBY

ASID, NCIDQ Cert# 023289

Design Principal

Claire is one of the most sought-after designers of luxury residential interiors and the founder of Ownby Design, LLC. Part designer, part innovator, part visionary, Claire draws inspiration from her studies, her extensive travels and her affinity for fine food and wine. With her unique fusion of minimalism and lavishness, Claire’s designs transform the spaces of everyday living into one-of-a-kind indulgences. Claire received her education in Interior Design from Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College. While serving apprenticeships with Scottsdale based residential and commercial design firms, Claire refined her talent and passion for luxurious interiors, and decided to start her own interior design firm in 1998. She specializes in modern minimalism aesthetic, with a keen eye for detail. Her firm has received numerous awards from ASID and the Valley; the Ownby Design team has been recognized with numerous industry and community awards throughout the past several years for residential designs in both Arizona and the Hawaiian Islands.

RACHEL STELLWAGEN

RACHEL STELLWAGEN

Project Designer
Rachel, a native to Arizona, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design with a Minor in Business through a combined program of Scottsdale Community College and Northern Arizona University. With an exceptional eye for detail and a passion for modern design, Rachel likes to spend her free time traveling and getting outdoors as much as she can. Having over 7+ years of experience with Ownby Design, Rachel not only exudes a level of warmth and integrity that is unparalleled, she flourishes as a leader in the design industry.
KALYSHA MANZO

KALYSHA MANZO

Project Designer
Originally from Cortez, Colorado, Kalysha joined the Ownby Design team in 2018. Charged with creative energy and eager to push boundaries, Kalysha approaches interior design as a true art form and is a strong asset to the Ownby Design team. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University, and many years of design experience in both Colorado and Arizona under her belt. When asked what her favorite part is about her job, she replied, “Being a part of a team, not only because we work together but because we respect, trust and care for each other.” Her attention to detail and passion for creating welcoming spaces has earned her multiple awards, including first place Design Excellence awards from the American Society of Interior Designers for kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor living space. On the weekends, you can often find her socializing with friends, playing sand volleyball and spending time with her dogs Zyzz and Kane.
KALYSHA MANZO

DEE MORAGA

Project Designer
With a love for architecture and interior design, which developed from growing up in the beautiful historic city of Vilnius in Lithuania, Dee moved to Chicago in 2005 to pursue her passion at the University of Illinois. After her studies, her search for a career and modern design led her to live in Los Angeles, California. Dee joined the Ownby Design team in 2018 after moving to Arizona looking for an opportunity to settle down and pursue her American dream of owning a house. Her attention to detail, passion for design, and architecture background add an exceptional value to the Ownby Design team. When Dee is not at the office making clients dreams come true, she is enjoying her new home and exploring Arizona.
PAULINA BUCHKOWSKI

PAULINA BUCHKOWSKI

Project Designer
Originally born in Poland, Paulina got her design from the Art Institute of San Diego in Interior Design along with two MBAs in marketing and economics. Paulina graduated with a thesis in hospital design specializing in oncology. Wanting to use her skills to heal, bring together, and create a better life for generations to come. Paulina was drawn to the Ownby Design firm from a want to sharpen and challenge her modern design skills, as she previously worked with traditional design aesthetics. It is Paulina’s value of all spectrums of design, drive to conquer the elements that resonate and innovate the next steps, that makes her a valuable team member to the Ownby Design team.
LINDSAY LANGE

TAMI GROSS

Project Designer
With over 7 years experience as an interior designer under her belt and a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University, Tami is no stranger to creating stunning works of art with every home. She has a unique gift for creative innovation, as she enjoys being able to infuse both her right and left brain into her craft. Not only that, but getting to know her clients and forming personalized connections to each design project is something she cherishes the most, working in design allows Tami to stay true to herself while showcasing her artistic prowess. Hailing from Florida but making Arizona home since childhood, Tami’s enthusiasm and energy bring an added sparkle to any environment. In her spare time, this extrovert loves spending time with her fiancé or socializing with family & friends.
ALYSSA HATCHER

ALYSSA HATCHER

Junior Designer
Alyssa went to Northern Arizona University to get her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in Business and has been with Ownby Design since 2020. Originally from Washington state, Alyssa always knew she wanted to be in the Architectural Design field as she has always loved building and creating something. Alyssa is a diligent, efficient worker that prides herself on being able to quickly grasp new concepts and designs. Outside of work, Alyssa recently married her highschool sweetheart and loves spending spare time with her family and friends, and her 2 cats, Maxx and Winston enjoying the outdoors, hiking in the Grand Canyon and camping.
ALLISON GUERRA

ALLISON GUERRA

Junior Designer

Allison holds an Interior Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. With over three years of valuable experience at Ownby Design under her belt, she thrives in solving complex design challenges and cherishes seeing her ideas come to life. Having traveled extensively across the country, she has a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, architecture, and design. In her free time, Allison enjoys exploring Arizona, trying out new cuisines, and cruising. She loves spending quality time with her loving husband, twin boys Noah and Levi, and their loyal German Shepherd – Thor. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, and having lived in Arizona, New York, and California, Allison brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, which reflects in the high-quality work she delivers.

TONI MAKINDE

TONI JACKSON

Design ASSISTANT

Toni grew up in the culturally diverse city of Lagos, Nigeria, which is famous for its Brazilian architecture dating back to the 18th century. Her maternal roots are from the ancient Benin Kingdom, which is world-renowned for its bronze arts, so she was always surrounded by art, architecture, and design. In 2012, she relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue her passion for architecture and design. She graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a Foundation degree in Creative Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Toni decided to deepen her design and architectural journey by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture at Arizona State University. Toni has been in the design industry for two and a half years and recently celebrated her two-year anniversary with Ownby Design. Toni is proficient in 3D modeling and, thanks to her diverse technical skills in creating 3D visuals, clients are able to visualize their homes during the design process. Toni is a wonderful addition to the Ownby Design team with her lively and fun personality. She enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends, and traveling during her spare time.

BETYSHA GARDNER

BETYSHA GARDNER

Design ASSISTANT

Originally from Mexico, Betysha moved to the valley to pursue a career in design while also raising a family. Betysha got her Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University and has been practicing design for over 7 years. After graduating Betysha gained experience working for renowned interiors designers and high-end firms throughout the valley. Betysha’s passion for residential design and working with other talented designers is what excites her most about her job.

BRIANNA BURDETTE

BRIANNA BURDETTE

Director of Business

Originally from Georgia, Brianna has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Previous to Ownby Design, Brianna spent 8 years in the software industry as a Director of Operations. Brianna brings a strong sense of organizational structure and efficiency to the Ownby team. Outside of work, Brianna loves to run and has the goals to run a race every month.

WENDY HODGES

WENDY HODGES

Purchasing Manager

Before moving into the design field, Wendy got her degree in Biological Science at Arizona State University, previously helping companies monitor and protect animal and plant life across Alaskan waters. After transitioning into the design industry, Wendy has worked in consulting, project management and purchasing helping client’s dream homes come to life. At Ownby she works closely with the Design team delivering furniture and decor to Ownby’s clients each and every day. When not in the office, Wendy and her partner, Ben, are constantly exploring the country with their dogs Gertie and Goldie, seeing all the beauty that the world has to offer. Wendy loves looking for the best spots to eat and bake her own custom cakes for special occasions.

Donald Beans

DONALD BEANS

marketing Manager
Donald has been driven by career growth throughout his professional career, so when it came time to join the Ownby Design team and work at a place that allowed him to express himself creatively and dive into new marketing opportunities, it was an easy decision. Through his prior experience working in television news for 14 years, Donald was able to develop the necessary video and audio production skills as well as technical knowledge of executing newscasts. After working in the television news industry, he joined the marketing team of an ecommerce company as their Senior Videographer & Media Specialist before then being afforded the chance to join Ownby Design. Donald also has a wide palette of hobbies which he shares with his wife Monica; chief among them are enjoying all genres of scary movies, and he is a self-proclaimed comic book nerd. Working with his talented colleagues is what Donald enjoys the most about his job, with every day bringing new challenges and fascinating conversations.
 
Phyllis Drumm

PHYLLIS DRUMM

Administrative Assistant
Phyllis brings a unique set of skills and experiences to her role at our company. Her favorite part of her job is the interaction and communication with the team, which she never tires of; in addition, she enjoys learning all aspects of business administration to be a key support player when needed. Joining our organization was an easy decision for her – her skills complemented the position perfectly and she knew she’d have plenty of room to grow within such a successful company culture. Phyllis is an Arizona native, and prior to this role she’s been a primary education teacher and a realtor, gaining important insight along the way. Away from work, she loves spending time outside: hiking, running, walking or gardening – Phyllis believes you’re never too old to learn something new or take a chance.
Stevie Wickliffe

Stevie Wickliffe

Executive Assistant
Stevie is an ambitious student at Grand Canyon University, studying to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. With a love for innovation and creativity, Stevie finds herself captivated by the progress she witnesses while working as part of the Ownby Design team. Dear to her heart is the insight to watch a simple idea metamorphose into a tangible structure, giving each day a unique experience and a strong sense of accomplishment. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in Palm Springs, California, Stevie now resides in Arizona where she has been living for the past two years. When she’s not on the clock, Stevie loves to unwind with yoga – helping her both relax and focus on the bigger picture all at once.
Alexis Paleo

Alexis Paleo

Logistics Coordinator
Alexis is a passionate professional with over 15 years of administration and logistics experience. Her admiration of Ownby Design stems from its renowned reputation and portfolio of exceptional work. Notably, Alexis revels in working alongside inspiring women. Seeing hard work transform into stunning, livable spaces is a source of pure joy and fulfillment. Fun fact: Alexis is a licensed esthetician with a love of skincare. When this tea fanatic isn’t at Ownby Design, you’ll find her salsa dancing or spending time with her family.