Bachelors of Arts in Interior Design, 2005
Southwest University of Visual Arts
I believe that design is only as great as the people who come together as a team to build it. In 2005, I graduated from the Southwest University of Visual Arts and started my design career working for a residential design firm here in Tucson. I then transitioned to working for Intertech, an architectural firm specializing in commercial interiors. I spent five years there gaining valuable experience in designing restaurants, hotels, multi-housing facilities, and student living spaces—some locally, while some were on an international scale. Then, I decided it was time to merge my experience in both residential and commercial design and I established Interiors In Design LCC in 2009. I earned a certificate from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, and I am a professional member of ASID. With dedication and passion, I have built a company with an incredibly close team who carry our strong values into every project we work on.
In my experience, great design for a space starts with getting to know its user, the history and structure of the building, and the culture that surrounds it. At In Design, our team members spend a lot of time getting to know craftsmen, vendors, contractors, and keeping up-to-date on products and inventions that emerge on the market. I love historical buildings, and I am so happy when I have the opportunity to retro-fit them with modern design and technology to create highly functional spaces that still pay tribute to the past. Our designs are driven by lifestyle and use, and I like to keep a global mindset as I bridge cultural aesthetics within design.
I was born and raised in Lithuania and I moved to Arizona in 1996. My European upbringing has greatly impacted my personal aesthetics as well as my design philosophy. My grandfather, Cheslovas Stunskas, was a furniture designer and maker. Anything his hands touched was made to last a lifetime. He taught me that working relationships, built over time and nurtured into friendships, are what make work and life so meaningful, graceful, and fun. Outside of my design work I also create fine art, I’m involved in non-profits, and I’m on the board of Youth on Their Own. If you are interested in viewing my art, visit:
Bachelors of Arts in Interior Design, 2004
Southwest University of Visual Arts
Thinking outside of the box is what I do best, and design gives me the opportunity to transform spaces and use products in unique, unexpected ways. In 2004, I graduated from the Southwest University of Visual Arts and began my journey as a professional designer. I spent the next nine years learning the fundamentals of space planning, researching, and integrating the latest products into design with California Closets as a design consultant. I gained a wealth of experience with the company, and in 2012 I received an award called “The Million Dollar Club” for reaching over two million dollars in sales.
In 2013, my career changed drastically when I decided to take a “leap of faith” and join Eva as her design associate. Several years later I was elected the President of ASID, which has been such a positive learning experience. My journey with In Design has been an incredible one, and I see my colleagues as family now. From Eva and Ana to contractors and vendors, these people are more than business associates to me, and throughout working with each client they become part of our circle as well. I believe that continuous learning, collaboration, and strength in numbers are the best way to create an amazing experience for our clients. I also believe that design is all in the details, and I consider myself to be a very detail-oriented person. Likes, dislikes, passions, colors, organization—listening closely to a client and then translating it onto paper speaks volumes of who we are as a team. When clients are ready to venture out of their comfort zone and try new approaches to design, I will be along for the ride!
I was born in the “Heart of Dixie”, in Mobile, Alabama, and moved to Tucson when I was 21. My upbringing in Alabama plays a vital role in who I am today, and I will always be grateful for my southern roots. My grandparents owned and operated one of the largest and most successful printing companies in the Southeast. I was taught from a young age that work ethic, determination, and dedication are the key components to a successful career. I carry these values with me to every project and aspect of my career here at In Design, and when I can help a client reach their goals with a space, it makes my heart smile.
Associates of Arts in Architecture, 2020
Bachelors of Sustainable Built Environments at University of Arizona, expected graduation 2025
From a young age I have had a passion for design. It was always interesting to me how such small changes could create such a difference in one’s overall daily life. I grew up in a large family with ten people living in a 4-bedroom house. In cramped settings it is very noticeable how the layout of the room functions, as well as how certain materials hold up. I was always the first one willing to help my mom move things around in order to create more space for my many siblings and I. I am originally from New Jersey, where I attended the local County College of Morris for Architecture. I was able to acquire many skills regarding the programs and software used in drafting. I left CCM with a solid foundation of the fundamentals of design. I moved to Tucson in order to attend the University of Arizona, so I could further myself in my Architectural career.
Moving to Arizona was not an easy choice, as it is thousands of miles away from my family. I have always loved to travel and have been to the majority of states on the East coast, as well as many Caribbean Islands, Utah, and Mexico. Utah was another major reason I decided to move to Arizona. The mountains in Utah were breathtaking and made me realize how much I wished to live near them. I chose Arizona due to their close proximity to the mountains, as well as the dry heat. I wanted something new and Arizona was a completely different world from New Jersey. I greatly enjoy how I am within driving distances to so many things I haven’t seen yet. I love seeing how different terrain and environment have different vernacular architecture, and different materials to withstand what the environment throws at it.
Melissa brings over 20 years of business development and sales experience to the team. As the Director of Business Development at Ephibian, a local software development company, she has been building key relationships across the country for the last 17 years. With a passion for vibrant living that embraces wellness, innovation and design we have found that we are wonderful collaborators. Melissa would be delighted to tell you how we bring unmatched talent to the market with our combined forces. She has served Angel Charities for over ten years, works with the Father’s Day Council and acts as a mentor for The University of Arizona FORGE program. Melissa has a vision for a healthy Tucson ecosystem that leverages inspirational design, leading technology and purposeful ingenuity to keep Tucson thriving.
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