jenni leasia interior design, portland

we design homes that make life better.

For the last 20 years, we’ve been designing dream homes throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We combine creative design solutions with meticulous project management and customer care, turning an otherwise overwhelming process into an exciting and deeply satisfying experience.

our approach

Jenni Leasia, Owner

Jenni grew up in West LA and Laguna Beach. After graduating from Reed College, she began a career producing the PBS tv series "The Collectors,” and spent six years traveling across the US, visiting historic homes and touring magnificent collections. In the meantime, she became a serial home buyer and renovater. When friends began asking for help with their houses, Jenni dove into professional design. Her work is known for its clean timeless aesthetic and focus on comfort and livability. Jenni loves traveling; relaxing with friends, family, and puppy Bembé; and learning Spanish.

Kate Ornelas, Designer | Furnishings Lead

Kate spent her early childhood in rural Virginia, rearranging the furniture in her dollhouse and building backyard tree houses. Kate earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of California and worked for six years as a residential interior designer in San Diego, California. She loves collaborating with clients to create beautiful inviting spaces customized to their lifestyle and aesthetic. When she’s not in the studio, Kate enjoys hiking throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest and spending time with family and friends.

Elisabeth winnen, designer | project manager

A native of The Netherlands, Elisabeth brings over a decade of experience as an architectural interior designer in high-end residential and commercial projects. Elisabeth is a painter and a gifted conceptual designer, integrating the environment, climate and culture. She has a BA in Interior Design and Architectural Design from the HKU in Utrecht, The Netherlands. She moved to the US to complete a Masters in Architecture at the Frank Lloyd Wright school of Architecture at Taliesin West in Arizona where she also interned with Taliesin Architects. Elisabeth enjoys painting and exploring the outdoors with her daughter and her dog, Snowy.

Autumn modest, designer | project manager

Autumn grew up in St. Louis, MO where she became fascinated with historic architecture and vintage detailing. She remembers exploring the Central West End, an eclectic neighborhood whose turn-of-the-century architecture includes a pastiche of French Colonial, German, early American, French Second Empire, Victorian, and modern architectural styles. After graduating from Wesleyan University, Autumn returned to St. Louis and gained a renewed appreciation for St. Louis's rich architectural and literary history before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Oregon with a focus on Interior Design. In her free time, Autumn loves running, drinking green juices, and hunting for the perfect vintage find.

david hu, jr. interior designer

David’s father is a builder in Fujian, China. David grew up in and around building sites and developed a passion for the design side of construction. He moved to Seattle, (spending his first night in the US sleeping in the Chicago airport after missing his connection,) and completed a BA in Interior Design. He spent three years drafting and 3D modeling at a Seattle architecture firm that focused on high end residential projects. Today, David lives in Portland with his wife and two young children. During his time off he enjoys the outdoors with his family, finding or making good food and exploring their new city. He also enjoys photography, antiques, fine art, and the craft of wood joinery.

Sarah Steele, Studio Manager | buyer

Sarah has managed Pacific NW interior design projects for over a decade. Prior to working with Jenni and the team, she owned a Seattle-based interior design firm, Studio 212. Her relationships with local and national suppliers, and experience with the procurement process throughout a project, allows the rest of the team to focus on design. Sarah is from the Washington DC area and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is inspired by travel and the many influences of the people and cultures around her. She stays busy with her two teen daughters, her husband, loads of cookbooks, and her Welch Corgi, Toby.