About
PHILOSOPHY
For over 30 years, Kathleen Burke has created stunning interiors that embrace modern luxury, sophistication, and elegance. Kathleen and her professional design team listen carefully to their clients and help them define and express their tastes and vision. With a keen attention to detail, well-honed focus, and personal understanding of how today's busy lifestyles impact practical living, the Kathleen Burke Design team creates spaces that are as functional as they are striking. A beautiful home where friends and family effortlessly and comfortably gather for decades is the hallmark of a Kathleen Burke Design.
PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER
KATHLEEN BURKE
Gifted with a natural eye for design, Kathleen began developing and refining her style and aesthetic early in life. Her innate love and appreciation for architecture and design was fostered and elevated by her extensive travels throughout Europe during college. Following her graduation from the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, Kathleen and her husband resided in Boulder, Colorado. In 1985, Kathleen founded her first interior design firm, Master Plan Designs. A few years later, Kathleen and her young family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and in 1988, Kathleen founded Kathleen Burke Design.
Kathleen's dedication and ability to consistently deliver extraordinary interiors has made Kathleen Burke Design one of the most sought after luxury interior design firms in the Bay Area. A long time member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Kathleen received an Honorable Mention at the 2011 Design Excellence Awards for her residential design. Kathleen Burke Design has also received consistent recognition for outstanding service and excellence in design, and has received The Best of Houzz Awards in 2012, 2014, and 2015.
"Your home should be your haven. Each residence is unique and calls for its own aesthetic that is not only visually pleasing but also exudes warmth and comfort. One of the most intimate human gestures is to invite others into your home. If someone feels welcome by the simple action of you opening your front door, then we've successfully designed not just a house but a home."
Kathleen Burke
meet our team
JAKLYN LEE GROOM | senior designer
A Bay area native, Jaklyn's love and admiration for architecture and design developed from an early age. From sketching floor plans to visiting open houses, architecture, design, and style have been and remain great passions of Jaklyn's life. A distinguished graduate of the Art Institute of San Diego, Jaklyn earned highest honors upon completing her degree. Following her education, Jaklyn returned to the Bay Area to work with the principal of a San Francisco interior design firm. This position provided Jaklyn with a strong design foundation and experience working with architects and general contractors on projects of varying scope and style. While in the city, Jaklyn also immersed herself in the San Francisco Design Center sourcing fabrics and furniture, and building lasting relationships with showrooms. Jaklyn takes great pride in her work and is continually striving to provide clients with creative and thoughtful designs that reflect their lifestyle aesthetically and functionally.
NICOLE BENVENISTE | senior designer
Nicole holds a B.A. in Interior Design from California State University, Sacramento. She began her Interior Design career at the renowned San Francisco-based firm Brayton Hughes Design Studios. During her ten-year tenure there, she moved up the ranks from a junior designer to one of the vice presidents of the firm, creating interiors for five star international hotels and numerous exclusive West Coast residences. In 2005 Nicole established her own firm, then in 2020 she joined our team as a senior designer. She brings a experienced well-honed and well- travelled eye to Kathleen Burke Design. As a San Francisco Native, she draws inspiration from California’s unparalleled indoor-outdoor living. She believes that your immediate surroundings have a direct impact on your well- being. Everything in your home has the power to transform your attitude, stimulate your senses and warm your core being. She embodies the legacy of quality, creativity and customer service that are the core values at KBD. She lives in Lafayette with her husband and two children.
RANEL CORTEZ | designer
Born and educated in Manila, Ranel refined his skills as a CAD draftsman working on projects throughout Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. From his career's inception, Ranel has been focused on high-end residential design. With a gifted eye for space and placement, Ranel's work brings to life our designers’ creative visions. From complex exterior elevations to intricate spatial layouts and kitchen designs, Ranel truly loves the art of his work.
JODIE FIAHLO | office manager
Jodie developed her love for both architecture and design at an early age. Inspired by her father, a talented craftsman and contractor, and her mother a creative stylist, she has a thorough understanding of design and construction. Jodie studied at the Art Institute of California, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Clients, Vendors and Staff value her attention to detail, enthusiastic energy, and organizational skills. Being able to bridge her office managerial skills with her love for design has been a true blessing.
JULIE HENDRICKSON | business manager
With her trademark professionalism, cheerful personality, and polished demeanor, Julie has seamlessly managed the logistics of Kathleen Burke Design since 1999. A true jack of all trades, she ensures everything runs smoothly from expediting orders to greeting clients. With a diverse professional background that includes finance, accounting, and operations management as well as runway and commercial modeling, Julie's unique skill set provides Kathleen Burke Design and our diverse clientele with unparalleled support.