Working with Denise and her team was fantastic.
Starting with overall design concepts through construction and installation, Denise was the guiding hand overseeing architects and contractors and keeping the project on time and on budget.
Denise always presented a beautifully edited selection of options for each decision that I had to make and was patient in guiding a design neophyte through the many decisions required to arrive at an elegant and comfortable home.
I am extremely happy with my new home and have received many compliments from friends and family about how my home reflects my taste while also being elevated in the way only an experienced designer could achieve.
I have had the great pleasure of collaborating with Denise Kuriger on several projects over the years. Aside from her keen eye and immense and varied talent, Denise is consistently the anchor that holds a project together through her care and meticulous attention to detail. Virtually all communication on a project, from both my office as well as DKD, goes through Denise. As a result, she is engaged in every aspect of each job and is a clear and articulate communicator. She holds a full grasp of each project in all regards; everything from aesthetic concerns to functional/programmatic discussions to more mundane issues such as general project coordination.
Denise maintains consistency throughout the course of each project in all regards, always displaying incredible tact along with appropriate levity and humor. Of paramount importance are her client’s best interests - while striving for the best possible design, she is ever mindful of client requirements, desires and especially schedule and budget.
It is truly a delight and great fun to work with Denise and the incredible team at DKD - I look forward to many more rewarding collaborations in the future
Denise’s style and approach have evolved over the years, deeply influenced by her education and professional experience. Her work is characterized by a balance of structure and understated elegance, creating spaces that feel warm and homy. Known for her professionalism, she excels in creating a strong foundation in her designs. Unlike architects, who often imprint their distinct voice on projects, Denise believes designers should be versatile, adapting to each client’s unique needs. Her empathy shines through as she prioritizes understanding what each family requires, rather than imposing her own vision.
Denise is known for her humanistic approach, entering clients’ lives with the goal of enhancing their spaces in meaningful ways. She places great importance on maintaining a personal brand, which is essential for attracting the right clients and projects. Her brand reflects a strong sense of style, balancing old and new elements, and often using found pieces to bring a touch of humanity to her work. Clients value her for being the best designer in terms of process, always on time and on budget, and for her exceptional ability to listen closely to their needs and desires.
Denise’s design style is authentic, relaxed, and has a "lived-in" quality, often giving off a personal, "maybe I did it myself" feel. People love working with her because she is very disciplined, with a strong work ethic, and her clients—both men and women—respect her greatly. She commands respect in business settings, holding her ground in boardroom discussions and proving herself as a strong businesswoman. Focused on execution, she consistently delivers on time and is known as one of the easiest people to collaborate with. She is reasonable, listens attentively to her clients, and while doing so, also pushes them to achieve more. Her versatility allows her to take on a wide range of projects.
Denise brings a wealth of experience to her projects. Her design philosophy leans more toward traditional and contemporary, often incorporating classic European elements. She skillfully blends these with modern influences, creating warmth and juxtaposition in her work. Denise's approach harmonizes East and West Coast styles, maintaining a consistent aesthetic while ensuring that every project is unique. The unifying thread is her ability to balance contemporary and classic at the same time, with interiors that reflect her clients’ tastes while subtly injecting her own style. With 30 years of experience, she brings an expert lens to every project, following a structured process that consistently delivers. This combination of expertise and versatility has positioned her as a leader in the industry.
It is always a pleasure to work with Denise and her team. DKD brings creativity, problem solving, and professionalism to the project. When construction issues arise, we can count on Denise to work with us to come up with a solution that moves the project forward and delivers a vision and design that reaches beyond the client’s expectations.