The Future of Design is Exceptional

Introducing the Thermador Design Council

Thermador has always fostered strong roots in the design community, staying connected with what's current and what's to come. The Thermador Design Council has been handpicked to provide the insights that will inspire the next generation of Thermador products—luxury appliances that exceed expectations on design, functionality, and technology.

Meet The Council

Elizabeth P Lord Head shot

Elizabeth P. Lord

Specializing in residential design and construction, Elizabeth's energetic approach to her designs is a culmination of almost 19 years in the remodeling industry. Elizabeth started as a lead designer for a highly regarded Design-Build firm in Seattle, and parlayed that into establishing her own award-winning design firm in Denver, Colorado. She has achieved numerous industry certifications including the Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) designation from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP) certification from the Living in Place Institute. With a master’s degree in real estate and construction management from the University of Denver, she applies her construction knowledge to her designs, resulting in completed projects that are not only aesthetically impactful, but practicable and obtainable. Elizabeth also holds a real estate brokers license, teaches construction basics to interior design students at a local interior design school and is currently on the board of the Interior Design Society Denver Chapter, where she holds the Vice President position. Elizabeth also guest lectures at design industry events on an array of design and construction topics. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband and two young daughters, Betty and Lucy.

Jeremy Bauer Headshot

Jeremy Bauer

  • Location: Alaska
  • Website: bauerclifton.com
  • Instagram Handle: @bauerclifton_interiors

Award-winning interior designer and architectural engineer, Jeremy Bauer specializes in transforming residential and commercial spaces into captivating and functional works of art. With a keen eye for quality and a superior sense of style, Jeremy brings out the true essence of a building's architecture through creative interior design.

As a graduate in both architecture and architectural engineering, Jeremy’s skill set extends beyond aesthetics, and he thrives on problem-solving and engineering creative solutions to enhance their designs at Bauer/Clifton Interiors.

Beyond design, he finds inspiration in the raw beauty of nature, with Alaska being a never-ending source of creative energy. When not crafting innovative spaces, you'll discover Jeremy tending to his garden, enhancing his own home, or exploring the great outdoors.

Camia Brown Headshot

Camia Brown

Meet Camia, a Georgia native whose passion for design and adventure is woven into the fabric of her identity. With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Georgia Southern University, she holds the esteemed title of a licensed designer with NCIDQ credentials.

Camia's design journey is a tale of cultural exploration and philanthropy. From relief projects in Costa Rica to aiding Hurricane Sandy victims in New York City, her experiences have shaped her into a dynamic designer. In the heart of Brooklyn, she founded Camia Brown Interiors (CBI), a design firm that masterfully blends timelessness, modernism, and whimsy.

CBI approaches every project, be it private homes, large-scale commercial developments, or hospitality spaces, with a client-centric focus. The result is an intersection of inviting, livable, and luxurious environments. The firm thrives on exploring possibilities, addressing challenges, and embracing client needs. With a dedicated team, Camia Brown Interiors brings creativity, ingenuity, and intelligence to both private and public spaces.

Emily Clark

Emily Clark

Emily Clark is co-owner, Principal Interior Designer and Creative Director for Clark & Co. Homes, a Design/Build firm in Boise, Idaho. Creating all their own plans in-house, Emily specializes in bringing old-home craftsmanship and character into newly-constructed homes. Skilled in efficiently beautiful floor plan development, highly functional kitchen and bath design, creative brand management, and custom building process integration, Emily is a self-taught interior design professional and passionate creator with a strong background in the arts. Professional achievements include designer's choice winner of the Thermador Kitchen Design Challenge and multi-platinum winner of the Best in American Living Award for new construction. She has been featured in House Beautiful, The New York Times, Forbes, Modern Farmhouse Home and Living, Business of Home, and Kitchen & Bath Design News. Emily and her husband Dan co-own Clark & Co. Homes, and they are the proud parents of five children.

Sharon Cleland

Sharon Cleland

  • Location: South Carolina
  • Website: jbanksdesign.com
  • Instagram Handle: @sharoncleland

With over 25 years of design experience in both Europe and the United States, Sharon Cleland has a depth of experience and a honed eye that makes her one of the go to designers in the southeast for unique luxury homes. Prior to joining J Banks Design, Sharon operated a successful interior design firm in her home country of Ireland. No two of Sharon’s projects are alike, seasoned with one of a kind art, unique finds and bespoke details tailored to the client and her singular vision for their home. Her main objective in each project is to create luxurious and aspirational spaces that reflect the client's soul.

Sharon strives to go beyond just designing the interior by adding a feeling to the project, whether that is adding artwork, rugs, furniture, or family portraits that demonstrate the client's personality. Whether traditional or contemporary, Sharon creates timeless designs that are elevated and premium.

Jason Clifton

Jason Clifton

  • Location: Alaska
  • Website: bauerclifton.com
  • Instagram Handle: @bauerclifton_interiors

Jason Clifton, co-founder of Bauer/Clifton Interiors and Frenchie’s Floral Studio, is a distinguished member of the Interior Design Society (IDS) and a vital presence on Thermador’s Design Council. Renowned for award-winning designs, his firm specializes in home renovations that artfully mirror clients’ values and Pacific Northwest lifestyles, seamlessly blending modern living with classic details.

Deriving inspiration from the natural landscapes of Juneau, Jason embarks on hikes, camping expeditions, and travels with his partner. This connection with nature fuels his creativity and informs his design approach, where he meticulously crafts spaces that meet and exceed his clients' unique desires. His designs strike a harmonious balance between comfort and style, creating environments that truly resonate with those who inhabit them.

Through his leadership roles with IDS, Jason has become a catalyst for connection within the design community, fostering growth, community, and innovation. His passion for design and unwavering support for fellow professionals have left an indelible mark on the industry, making him a respected figure among designers nationwide.

Shannon Ggem

Shannon Ggem

  • Location: California
  • Website: shannonggem.com
  • Instagram Handle: @ggemdesign

Shannon Ggem is a whole home remodel and full furnish specialist in Los Angeles specializing in bringing quality older homes up to date in flow, function and style for discerning clients.

Shannon’s classic taste and artful eye, expertise, craftsperson relationships and proprietary method bring clients through the new build or remodel process. The result is thoughtfully furnished, artfully appointed, tasteful, quality homes. Shannon seamlessly incorporates Biophilia, wellness and sustainability principles into all her designs, and is a speaker in her industry on those topics.

Shannon was awarded the Custom Home Builder Adaptive Reuse Award. She serves on the board of directors of Renovation Angel and was recognized for contributions to historic preservation by the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. Ggem Design was flattered to be selected to redesign a local Boys and Girls Club, and a suite for immuno-suppressed children for the Ronald McDonald House. Her work has been featured by Forbes, BBC, LA Times, Cottages & Bungalows and many more.

Personally, Shannon and her builder husband, Andrew, have saved 3 classic Los Angeles homes from demolition (and MANY more professionally). She kayaks on Sundays and is perhaps overly enthusiastic about rocks she finds on walks.

Chris Goddard

Chris Goddard

Chris Goddard is a seasoned interior designer and creator of timeless, eclectic and luxurious spaces. With over 30 years of international experience, his work includes both residential and commercial projects in the U.S., Canada, the Cayman Islands and beyond. His eponymous firm Goddard Design Group, based in Springdale, Arkansas, has been recognized as one of the top 100 firms in the world by the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review.

Chris has trade memberships with the Design Leadership Network, A.S.I.D., and I.D.S. where he served as vice president of the Arkansas chapter. In 2018, he received an A.S.I.D. Award of Excellence followed by the International Design & Architecture Award through design et al. Chris was named IDS Designer of the Year in both 2019 and 2020.

Chris’s design approach emphasizes the importance of centering design around the client. He never uses the same fabric or piece of furniture twice and believes a job well done is a job that tells a story and reflects the client. The one unifying factor among Goddard’s work is quality over trend; he advises clients to be active in the design process and educates them on investing in meaningful pieces in order to make an inheritable, timeless space.

Both Chris and his work have appeared in numerous National, Regional and International publications, including ADPro, Domino, House Beautiful.com, Interior Design, Modern Luxury Palm Beach, New York Social Diary, Palm Beach Daily News, Palm Beach Post, Southern Home, Veranda and The Wall Street Journal to name a few. Chris is also a frequent guest on podcasts and design panels.

In 2018, Chris participated in the Arkansas Symphony Designer Showhouse in Little Rock. In 2021, Chris was a finalist on the HGTV Design Star: Next Gen series. In early 2022, Chris was a featured designer in the Kips Bay Showhouse Palm Beach. Also in the works for Chris in late 2023 is a book featuring his finest projects.

Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson

Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson

Having grown up with a Structural Engineer father as the owner of a design and development corporation in Puerto Rico, Ili’s passion for design and construction is in her blood. Since middle school, she has been sketching houses, inking drawings and shadowing her father from drawing board to construction site. The benefit of this lifelong exposure and over 20 years of professional experience as an architect and interior designer is evident in Ili’s intuitive and encompassing approach to design and construction. Her ability to visualize a completed project before it even begins and to communicate this vision clearly, gives clients great confidence in the strength of the team and the success of their project.

As founding partner and managing member of Terracotta, Ili oversees and approves the concept design, development and the implementation of all architecture, interiors and construction generated by the team.

Ili is a long-time member of the Decatur community and an active volunteer for development. When she is not working, traveling, or horseback riding, she is at AZUL enjoying beach time with her daughter Isabela and her dogs Ziva and Willow.

Michele King

Michele King

A consummate leader in the custom home industry, Michele has over 20 years of experience in custom home builds and interior design and as a partner in a home development business. During her tenure, Michele has completed over 200 residential and commercial projects in Park City and across the country, from the home design, specification phase to full furniture turnkey operations.

Michele energetically drives each build project forward to give each client a frictionless path to the home of their dreams. Gifted equally with artistic and organizational strengths, she marries innovative creative direction and rigorous project management to deliver a finished home even better than the client imagined, all while keeping the project on time and on budget.

Michele’s work features regularly in the Park City Area Showcase of Homes. Michele also served on the board of the Park City Homebuilder’s association and she remains an active member today.

Allie Mann

Allie Mann

  • Location: Virginia
  • Website: casedesign.com
  • Instagram Handle: @allie.mann

A Senior Designer at Case Design, Allie Mann has an eye for creating comfortable and casual spaces for her clients. Allie holds a B.F.A in Studio Art/Interior Design is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, a Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler and Certified Aging in Place Specialist. As the Manager of Vendor Relations and Materials at Case, Allie provides new product training and up to date information on the industry’s newest innovations. When Allie is not creating stunning spaces for her clients, she has a passion for teaching and serves as Adjunct Faculty at Northern Virginia Community College providing an introduction to Kitchen and Bath Design.

Allie’s work has appeared on the hit tv show Extreme Makeover Home Edition, HGTV, Kitchen and Bath Ideas Magazine, Houzz, and The Washington Post to name a few. Her design philosophy centers around giving back to the community as well. Over the years, Allie has volunteered and participated in numerous showhouses participates in the Women’s Build for Habitat for Humanity, and is the leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. Allie resides in Mclean, VA with her husband Matt, and their two girls, Ava and Sophia and their sweet puppy Amici.

Lisa H Mende

Lisa H. Mende

  • Location: North Carolina
  • Website: lisamende.com
  • Instagram Handle: @lisamendedesign

As the founder and creative director of Lisa Mende Design, Lisa has built a reputation as one of the South's premier luxury designers. After design school, She began her career working for a residential kitchen and bath firm in Charlotte, NC. In 1998, Lisa decided to expand her horizons and share her love of "livable luxury" by opening her firm, Lisa Mende Design.

As an industry insider, Lisa has served as a Brand Ambassador for many well-known brands in the kitchen and bath industry.

She is known for creating bold, modern interiors rooted in tradition. Antiques and vintage pieces, mixed with modern classics and original art, are the hallmarks of her designs. Her portfolio includes an impressive array of projects from coast to coast and has everything from historic preservation to new construction.

And, when she isn't working with a client or on the road attending a trade show, Lisa can be found at home in Charlotte with her husband, children, and dogs, Grace Kelly and Wrigley.

Kathryn Salyer

Kathryn Salyer

Kathryn Salyer began her design career in the custom, new construction industry. Her talent for guiding clients and builders through the challenging process of space planning, kitchen and bath design and material selections, firmly established Kathryn as one of the best in the mid-Atlantic region.

Kathryn quickly became sought after for her passion in creating a beautiful equation for stunning and logical kitchens. A Kathryn Salyer Kitchen is the central hub for family, entertaining and life. Kathryn repeatedly quotes the term that has become a mainstay of her brand... “functional luxury”.

In 2015, Kathryn was asked to design and manage a home renovation on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. This project would become the first of many high profile client, renovations in her portfolio and a pivotal moment in her career path. She immediately secured the highest levels of licensing and has spent the last 8 years becoming one of the premier renovation experts in the industry.

Kathryn has been married for 35 years and has raised 3 amazing humans! She currently lives in a renovated cottage near the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and 2 Australian Shepherds.

Sarit Saruru

Sarit Saruri

Sarit Saruri, is an acclaimed Interior Designer and owner of Interior Conception in Los Angeles, who specializes in luxury residential and commercial projects. Sarit excels in design development to crafting bespoke interior architectural plans. Collaborating intimately with developers, homeowners, and architects, Sarit curates personalized spaces that seamlessly blend functionality and beauty. With roots tracing back to Israel and infused with Iranian influences, Sarit's design aesthetic is a tapestry of drama and warmth. Her penchant for creating ultra-luxurious spaces shines through, defining environments that are not only visually striking but also clean, inviting, and welcoming. Sarit's decade-long tenure as an Art Director in corporate America has imparted a crucial lesson – the delicate balance between creativity, perfection, and professionalism. This unique blend of experiences positions Sarit as a maestro in the world of interior design, where each project is an artful orchestration of form and function, reflecting her passion for creating harmonious and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Jonathan Savage

Jonathan Savage

Rigorous about balance and harmony, Jonathan Savage includes elements of surprise in his interiors as he tailors them to each client. He also weighs practical considerations with aesthetic ones as he designs spaces according to how people live. Fastidious as he is, Jonathan has the skill set for blending modernized classics and sculptural pieces into serene yet luxurious spaces. Jonathan’s masterful touch with color and pattern assures clients that while a design might be unexpected, it will always be done in the best taste.

Hailing from Nashville, Jonathan is the consummate Southerner by birth, and his energetic personality makes him a sought-after designer regionally and internationally.

Pulp Design Studios

Pulp Design Studios

Co-founded in 2007 by interior designers Beth Dotolo and Carolina V. Gentry, Pulp Design Studios is an iconic force to be reckoned with in the world of interiors, and the firm brings a sense of adventure to the business of design.

With a forward-thinking approach to both commerce and creativity, Pulp has established a unique viewpoint that combines luxury design with a flair for the unexpected. With studios in Seattle, Dallas, and Los Angeles, the Pulp team works with residential and commercial clients across the country, helping them define a personal style and transforming interiors into spaces that are brag-worthy and innovative.

Always ahead of the curve, Pulp Design Studios expertly encompasses the realms of interiors, property development, media, retail, product design, and industry influencing. The company’s newest division, Pulp Properties, has expanded the brand into real estate development and the experiential hospitality market, including a multi-unit commercial space in Dallas, and a midcentury modern vacation rental in Palm Springs.

Pulp also has an extensive fabric collection with S. Harris, they create and sell their own bespoke Pulp products on their website, produce an in-house magazine titled ICON, and they partner with companies across the globe as spokespeople and ambassadors.

Published in and recognized by top-tier publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Luxe, Vanity Fair, and New York Times Magazine, Pulp is respected for their design sensibilities and professionalism by the design industry as well as their clients.

Pulp’s team is also committed to giving back, supporting the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club through their turn at the Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, as well as longtime support for Dwell with Dignity and many other Seattle- and Dallas-based charities.

Nisha Varma

Nisha Varma

Nisha Varma, Owner and Principal Designer at NV Luxe Interiors, leverages her extensive experience and award-winning design to craft elegant and functional spaces for high-net-worth clientele. Founded in 2013, NV Luxe specializes in residential and commercial design, bringing together Nisha’s passion for timeless luxury with a proven background in business development and marketing. Recently recognized as a prestigious Regional Award Winner in the Thermador Kitchen Design Challenge (Northeast Region), Nisha demonstrates a consistent ability to elevate both form and function with a luxurious approach.

Her combined expertise in space planning, kitchen & bath design, brand strategy, and construction integration ensures a seamless experience for clients. Nisha's dedication to maximizing a space's potential has not only yielded satisfied repeat clients, but has also led her firm into successful commercial design projects. Her designs empower dental, medical, and corporate offices to build brand identity and cultivate impactful customer experiences.

With a foundation in interior design from New York University and over 20 years of industry experience, including roles at the iconic New York Design Center, Nisha brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to every project.