

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
Project Designer

KALYSHA MANZO
Project Designer

DEE MORAGA
Project Designer

SANDY LUCAS
Project Designer

PAULINA BUCHKOWSKI
Project Designer

TAMI GROSS
Project Designer

ALYSSA HATCHER
Junior Designer

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
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
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
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
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
marketing Manager

PHYLLIS DRUMM
Administrative Assistant

Stevie Wickliffe
Executive Assistant

Hannah Welch
Ownby Home Showroom Manager
