Kara Kersten Design is a boutique interior architectural design studio that works with busy professionals who love their location, but struggle with spaces that don't function for their family.  They need help remodeling their existing home, or creating a new custom home, to reflect their unique style and specific needs.

 Our 3D visuals help clients see and think through the details of their space before it's built; which helps the process run smoothly, and avoid costly changes later.  With our architectural background and understanding of the construction process, we are able to provide more creative solutions and custom designs tailored to give our clients a better quality of life in the place they love - while holding their hand through the process.

Meet the Team

We love to collaborate with a team of Architects, Interior Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Trades ​to bring our Clients' the best possible product.  We believe that many areas of expertise all putting their heads together with creative ideas, respectful collaboration, and curious questions is always a recipe for better design, a smoother process, and happier clients.

KARA KERSTEN - OWNER / PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

Kara asked her parent's at age 6, "What do you call someone who draws houses?"  Since then, she knew she would follow her natural creativity and love for architecture throughout her life. 

​She graduated with a degree from the 5-year program of Interior Architecture & Product Design from Kansas State University. She jumped into the remodeling industry right out of school and grew her experience in helping to create custom award-winning homes. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, Kara is great at meeting the clients' needs and wants, while bringing that spark of creativity that exceeds your project expectations. She cares about creating a lasting relationship with her clients, as well as creating a design for them that simply makes life better. 
​Kara is a sucker for bold colors, long-haired miniature dachshunds [all animals really - let's be honest], tons of natural sunlight, late nights with girlfriends, and vacations with her husband Matt & two kiddos [Greta - 8 and Torin - 6].

 "Residential Design & Remodeling is a very personal process. You're disturbing someone's home, moving through their daily space, and yet enhancing the way they live and feel for years to come. It can't be successful without first being sensitive to the clients' needs and creating a personal relationship with them. That's what I enjoy most."
                                                      
                           ...let's collaborate together!

BETSY KERSTEN - ARCHITECT

Betsy earned her Master's Degree in Architecture from Kansas State University.  As a registered architect with 13 years of experience in the industry, her career encompasses a variety of project types and locations.

​While first working in Los Angeles, she developed an appreciation for beautiful materials & custom luxury design.  Back in Manhattan, KS, she enjoyed designing several residential renovations.  Over the past 8 years, Betsy has loved being back in Kansas City with friends and family.  She has learned the value of design processes and team collaboration.  Through co-creating with all parties on a project, Betsy enjoys guiding the client through every stage of the project.  She believes that client feedback, early & often, helps to ensure a successful project.  Her goal when starting OAK Design-Studio was & is to create unique and beautiful projects that delight your family for decades to come.

LORI FUNKEY - DESIGNER

​Lori loves the process of collaborating with her clients to develop an understanding of their own unique design tastes. Creating a partnership of trust allows them to navigate the design process together from the layout, through furniture selection and final details.
 
Design has always been a creative outlet throughout Lori’s career. She began her professional life in Chicago selling for a global I.T. consulting firm.  After many years of success, she created a personal shopping service that focused on bringing a curated, personal gift shopping experience to Chicago-based, career-focused C-Level executives.
 
After starting a family in Chicago, she and her husband Mike moved to Prairie Village, KS and firmly planted their roots. With her two daughters in high school, Lori found her entrepreneurial voice getting louder and louder.  Five years ago, she began sharing her passion of interior design and started Lori Funkey Interiors.  
We specialize in the cities of Leawood, Prairie Village, Mission Hills, Fairway, Overland Park, KS, and Brookside, MO, but we serve nationally.
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